Papua
As the western half of New Guinea, the world's second largest island, the inhabitants of Papua are ethnically and culturally distinct than the rest of Indonesia; in Papua itself, almost 250 languages are spoken by a variety of peoples, including Yali pygmies, Dani tribesmen, and nomadic peoples who live on Lake Sentani.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Angguruk
Fly by chartered plane to Angguruk to meet the Yali tribesmen who are pygmies and former cannibals, and are even more remote than the Dani. They had no contact with the modern world until 1976, and even today few outsiders venture here as the only access is by foot or chartered plane.
Spend a day in the life of the Yali, whose daily activities include hunting, gathering, cooking, and tending pigs. If you stay overnight, the only accommodations are a local missionary house, which has only very basic facilities.
Casuarina Coast
Fly south to the Casuarina Coast, home of the Asmats, former headhunters known for their ferocity in battle. The Asmats have long been renowned for their woodcarvings – boats, statues, drums, and shields, all of which are central to the tribe’s mythology and rituals.
Dayo Rainforest
To reach the dense, swampy tropical lowlands of Dayo, travelers must charter a plane south, cross the river by canoe, and trek to the village by foot. Spend the night in tents and shelters in the local village and share a meal with the villagers.
Jayapura
Fly to Jayapura on the far eastern border; human habitation in the area dates back 60,000 years. Within the area are indigenous tribes whose way of life is little changed from that of their ancestors, including mysterious and intriguing rituals seen by few outsiders. As it is one of the least developed areas in Asia, few visitors have journeyed to Jayapura.
Jiwaka
Drive one hour to Jiwika to meet the Dani people, famously fierce headhunters who wear boar tusks in their noses. They are known for their decorative headdresses, their ancient mummies and their elaborate funerary rites.
Korowai Cannibals
Meet the Korowai people, who live in scattered tree houses high above the ground, and who, until the 1970s, had no contact with the outside world. Spend the night in a tree house, or, if you prefer, in a tent on the ground.
Lake Sentani
Visit nearby Lake Sentani and travel across its waters by motorized canoe to a fishing village where the locals live in stilted houses over the water. Stop by the home of a village family and learn about their lives and traditions, including the woodcarvings and other handicrafts for which the area is famed.
Tribal Pig Roast
Participate in a festive pig roast with the colorful Dani tribesmen.
Wus Village
Travel by boat to Wus village, where you spend the day with the tribesmen whose usual activities include fishing, collecting crab and making sago starch.
Indonesia Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
Java
Sulawesi
Sumatra
Papua
Cruising & Diving
Other Islands
Multi-Country Specialists
Indonesia Goes Well With

Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Getting Tribal in Papua New Guinea
- Author
- Travelogues
The relatively untouched jungles and highlands of Papua New Guinea are a haven for wildlife and a diverse array of tribal cultures unlike anywhere else in the world.
Tanks and Zeroes: Wreck Diving in Papua New Guinea
- Author
- Juanita Pienaar
There’s no doubt that PNG is one of the most exotic destinations in Asia, but things get even more exciting under the waves; diving in Papua New Guinea is a WWII adventure in one of Asia’s lesser traveled destinations.
Instagram Journeys: Take Me to Papua New Guinea
- Author
- Travelogues
Despite its natural beauty and fascinating cultural practices, Papua New Guinea remains one of the least traveled regions in Asia; it’s time to take a little trip on Instagram.
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