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Papua Province Travel Guide
Some of the world's tallest trees, highest mountain ranges, longest lakes, and widest expanse of mangrove forests form the terrain of the province, Papua, Indonesia's western cut on New Guinea, the world's largest and highest tropical island. A highly variable climate complements this landscape of extremes: from the chills of the snow-capped mountains, to the tropical warmth of lowland rainforests and savannahs. This varied topography separates the province's peoples, enabling them to mold some of the world's richest cultural diversities: from the Stone-Age Dani tribe of Baliem Valley to one of the world's best woodcarvers, the Asmat natives.
Formerly known as Irian Jaya, Papua also goes by the name "West Papua." Another independent country, Papua New Guinea, owns the island's eastern half. Papua's southern lowlands are the site of Lorentz National Park, one of the hardest places to reach on Earth but a UNESCO World Heritage Site since it is one of the world's most ecologically diverse national parks and even the largest protected area in Asia-Pacific. Lorentz's ecosystems range from coral gardens, mangroves, rainforests and alpine areas that house species like crocodiles, Olive-yellow Robins, and many other plants and animals.
Right in the middle of Lorentz is the Asmat region, home to the Asmat people, whose woodcarving traditions are a by-word in the Pacific. The people's art is sought by collectors worldwide. The Asmat Museum of Culture and Progress contains some of the finest examples of Asmat crafts. Bird-watchers may go for the sight of the region's native birds like parrots and lorikeets, while delicacy-hunters might just find the people's sago bread intriguing.
A dugout canoe from Asmat takes travelers to Mamberamo, Papua's "Amazon" and largest river that at one point leads to the village of the Korowai and Kombai peoples, renowned for their heavens-reaching tree houses.
Papua has the highest snow-capped mountains between the Himalayas and the Andes. The mountains' highest point, Puncak Jaya, is referred to by the Dutch as "Castensz Pyramid" because of its conical limestone peak, branded as among the world's "most demanding" climbs. Advanced technical expertise is needed for mountaineers to conquer the mountain's summit, which is 4884 meters above sea level. Another elevation, Baliem Valley, is home to the Stone-Age Dani tribe who wear koteka (penis gourds). They celebrate pig feasts and even enable these creatures to buy love and sex.
Papua Province Landmarks:
- Museums (1)
Papua Province Traveler Advice
User blogs:
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News from http://news.ph.msn.com/top-stories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3737940 Richard Branson unveiled Monday a commercial spaceliner offering tourists a cheaper chance to experience the thrill of weightlessness and view the splendor of the Earth from space. The British billionaire hopes to offer tickets aboard his spacecraft at a cost of 200,000 dollars each, giving adventurous ... Read full Blog post
Indonesia Eco Tourism
Tour Itenaray Day 01 BALI - LABUAN BAJO – RINCA ISLAND – KOMODO ISLAND (L.D) Pick up from your hotel in Bali and transfer to the airport, for flight to Labuan Bajo (West Flores) for approximately one and half hours. On arrival in Labuan Bajo airport, will be welcomed and met with our local representative or tour guide. Than transfer to the harbour to catch a boat cross to Rinca ... Read full Blog post
San Gimignano and San Pellegrino
Night falls on the flourishing and industrious San Gimignano, its 72 towers stand on the low roofs of the houses lit by the moon. This is not a luxury travel spot but is something you don't see every day. In the distance the clatter of hooves echoed tired in the Via Francigena. The hand of the blacksmith stops beating, the frame of the weaver becomes silent, the streets of the tank only a concert ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post
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