About
South Papua is a newly formed province in Indonesia, on the island of New Guinea in Southeast Asia. It is a destination of wide wilderness, where rainforest, rivers and coastline are home to traditional tribal communities and a rich range of wildlife, including birds of paradise.
What a visit offers
- Cultural encounters with Papuan tribes, whose communities and ways of life are central to the region.
- Rainforest trekking through largely unspoiled forest.
- Wildlife and birdwatching, with the region's birds of paradise a particular draw.
- Fishing, which the area is known for among anglers.
Who it suits
South Papua is best suited to travellers looking for adventure and remote landscapes rather than a conventional holiday. Its remoteness means that travel requires planning, and visitors should expect a much quieter, more demanding experience than in Indonesia's better-known islands. Those who value encounters with local communities and a sense of wild, little-visited country will find it especially rewarding.
Around the region
Because the province is so large and sparsely developed, a visit tends to be built around its natural areas and the communities that live within them. Travellers should consider how they will reach each part of the province and arrange guides and local contacts in advance.
