Travel Information

Travel Information Papua

Dear guests,

while Bali is a developed destination with a good infrastructure, Papua / Irian Jaya still is one of the most primal regions in this world. In 1938 the Baliem Valley was discovered by accident and until today it can only be reached and served by air path: all goods which are not provided by nature must be carried by air plane. To the visitors of this forgotten valley this means first of all, not to expect a standard of other touristy developed destinations. On the other side, this offers you an opportunity to discover places, barely touched by tourism, with an intensity that is hard to find elsewhere. The growing number of visitors in this region, currently first of all characterized by “backpackers”, will cause changes during the coming years. Tourism can bring disadvantage to tradition, environment and population, but also may help for better cultural understanding and cause a positive kind of development to the inhabitants of the visited regions. We do our best to make the travellers’ journey to this mostly uncharted territory an unforgettable experience, with highest respect for the culture of the tribes by avoiding disturbance and influence on their cultural identity the best we can. A journey to Papua still is some kind of journey into the unknown, and sometimes spontaneous changes of planned itineraries are necessary. We plan your tour carefully to make you take unforgettable impressions back home. Nevertheless, if something during your tour does not work out as you expected, please remember that since just a short time this part of our earth can be visited, and Papua still is a blank spot on the map. If there are problems, please discuss with your guide on spot. He will do his best to help and stand by you. Please also keep in mind, that you are moving inside a completely different culture group. Some of what is normal for us can cause surprise and wonder, as well as what is natural here in Papua can make us wonder. If you let things happen with serenity and understanding, if you understand “the journey is the reward”, if you are open for the new and unusual, you will feel the magic of this fascinating territory and go back home with unforgettable impressions.

1. Climate

Bali
High temperatures (ca. 30°C), high air humidity, occasional tropical rain showers.
Papua / Baliem Valley
Daytime ca. 20 – 30°C, in the evening and at night cool (10-15° C) due to the attitude, change of sunshine and short rain showers. The climate is well-tolerated. There is no rainy season, travel season all over the year.

2. Health

Vaccination
Currently there is no instruction for vaccination in the highlands. A basic immunization against Hepatitis, Polio and Tetanus etc. is useful. In the highlands there is no risk of Malaria, but in Jayapura and Timika. Moskito protection by lotions and suitable clothing is useful. For tours into the ASMAT or KURUWAI territory in the lowlands, MALARIA prophylaxis is strictly necessary. We recommend “Malarone” which is well-tolerated. Please ask your doctor or a Tropical institute. If indicated, medical advice should be taken for risk of thrombosis or other risks for health. During the whole tour, you should not drink tap water. Also ice, unpeeled fruits and salads should only be eaten in higher developed touristy facilities. Generally you should take care to drink enough, use sun glasses, sun hat or cap and sun protection lotion against the unfamiliar high solar radiation.
Medicine
Please provide enough of your personal required medicine before start of your journey. There are a few pharmacies in Papua, but it is not guaranteed that you can get your special required pharmaceutical.
Physical demand
Our Trekking Tours at the Baliem Valley make different demands on physical condition. The high attitude may make you feel tired faster as usual, and we ask you not to seduce yourself by false ambition to physical efforts. Our well experienced Papua Guides will adapt speed and distance to your individual performance.

3. General Information

Crime rate
Crime rate at the travelled regions is significantly lower than in Germany, but at markets and airports you should keep your eyes open (pickpockets).
Mail and telephone
Mail from Bali to Germany takes around 2 weeks, postcards and letters can be handed to the hotel reception, where you usually can buy stamps as well. Phone calls are possible from the hotel, but expensive. In Wamena/Papua phone calls and sending fax are possible at the local Telecom, not at the Resort.
Custom
Characteristic trait of Asians and Papuas is restraint. They are not familiar with loud expression of irritation. Guests are expected to adapt to the habits. If there should be problems, try a smile, and you will see that they take your concern serious. Inordinate, loud rebellion leads to “loss of face” and turns you into desperate position.
Electricity
Power supply voltage in Bali usually is 220 V. At times power outage may happen. The Baliem Valley Resort has its own power unit, which provides electricity in the late afternoon, in the evening and early in the morning. At night there is no power, and we recommend to bring a torch light and enough rechargeable batteries for cameras.
Vail
Vails are a very personal matter. Tourleaders, drivers, guides and all the helping hands in the background doing a good job, are always happy about a generous appreciation.
Means of transportation / Streets
The „streets“ in the Baliem Valley, except some in Wamena, are unmade roads in natural condition, and out of the civic center off-road vehicles are required. The Resort has 2 “Safari Busses” with open windows for an optimal view. The well experienced drivers reach every point in the Baliem Valley which is possible by vehicle!
Insurance
Before your departure, please check if your private insurance for health, luggage and in case of accident is valid at this destination.
Currency
IDR Indonesian Rupiah
1 USD = ca. 9.000,-- IDR (exchange-rate changing)
1 EUR = ca. 11.500,-- IDR (exchange-rate changing)
We suggest to change currency into Rupiah in Bali, due to better exchange-rates! Credit cards are accepted in Bali, in Jayapura only limited, in Wamena cashpoint available. Payment by credit card is hardly possible in Papua, money exchange is not recommended, due to bad exchange-rates. You better bring enough Rupiah from Bali for drinks and personal expenses, shopping etc. At the Resort payment by credit card not possible.
Time difference
Compared to Germany, time difference is
                    Winter                    Summer
Bali           + 7 hours                + 6 hours
Papua        + 8 hours                + 7 hours
Drinks
Non-alcoholic drinks are available at the Baliem Valley Resort. Beer and other alcoholics are strictly limited by the Government and quite expensive (1 can around EUR 4,--). If you fancy a “sundowner” at the end of the day, you better bring your favorite alcoholics from Bali (Duty free shop or supermarket).
Clothing
Casual, light clothing of breathable fibres or cotton is the best for this climate.
Shopping
In Bali you find low cost textiles, shorts, t-shirts etc. Handicraft and extraordinary souvenirs are available in all price ranges. It is customary to deal on markets, in many shops it is custom to discuss the price. On markets in Papua, you will find extraordinary souvenirs at good prices. Typical are pendants made of bones, stone axes, bow and arrow and grass nets. Please don’t forget: your return flight has limited weight restriction as well! Last but not least: at your high-value shopping, remember the German customs and order a receipt for your shopping.
Gifts
In Papua women as well as men love tobacco, cigarettes and lighters, children fancy candies and ball-pens.
Foto/ Film/ Video
Please bring enough films and batteries for your equipment.
Luggage
Luggage allowance is 20 kg per person, for flights Jayapura – Wamena weight limit is 15 kg! Excess luggage must be paid. Eventually some luggage can be left in Bali. Please pack all important things and valuables into your hand luggage. Your hand luggage (small rucksack) always should contain basics for 2 days. So if your luggage is delivered late you won’t have any problems. A list of content might be helpful for your insurance in case of loss.
Visa / entra regulations
1. For entering Indonesia a passport is restricted, which must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of entry. For visa at arrival, please have USD 25,00 ready by cash.
2. IMPORTANT: Please keep your passport with you on onward to Papua (do not leave it at the hotel!).
For the police travel permit (surat jalan) in Papua, you need 2 pass fotos and 1 passport copy incl. Indonesian visa. Surat jalan will be arranged by our representant.
Airport taxes
Before departure from Indonesia, airport taxes must be paid in local currency. The taxes are around:
IDR 50.000,-- from Bali to Jayapura
IDR 25.000,-- from Jayapura to Wamena
IDR 25.000,-- from Wamena to Jayapura
IDR 50.000,-- from Jayapura to Bali
IDR 150.000,-- from Denpasar to Frankfurt
Please have the taxes ready by cash in local currency at your check-in.
EU-Regulation ´Dangerous Airlines´
According to EU law (decree No. 2111/2005 of the European Parliament and Council of 14.12.2005), Dr. Weiglein Expeditions GmbH has the duty to inform passengers about identity of operating airlines. Domestic flights inside Indonesia are operated by Garuda Indonesia. Since 2009 Garuda Indonesia is no more on the EU blacklist. View EU blacklist: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air-ban/list_de.htm

4. Hotels/ Transithotels

Bali (Hotel IDA, Kuta)
Centrally located in a quiet side road, close to bars, restaurants, shopping facilities. Short way to the beach.
Papua / THE BALIEM VALLEY RESORT
This complex is the first Resort at the Baliem Valley, offering a good standard accommodation to “common” travelers, besides its attracting location and lovingly design. But please note that this Resort cannot be compared to usual hotels in touristy developed destinations. The Resort is located at 1900 Meters and can only be reached by an unmade road (around 40 minutes drive from the “capital” Wamena). Besides the 15 Honay Villas (Round Houses), built with natural materials, there is a main building for catering. Please don’t expect à la carte restaurants, bars, swimming pools, shops or other touristy facilities – you are in Papua! Due to the location in this remote part of our world, all materials for construction, from simple screws to chrome water-taps – except the local natural materials – had to be carried by plane into the Baliem Valley. The spacious Round Houses have a sleeping/living room and a big bathroom with warm water (only while power unit is running) shower and WC (due to its mineral content, water may show a brownish color). Each bungalow has its own terrace with sun chairs and sitting area, presenting an overwhelming view over the Baliem Valley. There is no entertainment in the evening (except our “sing-sing”, some CD music or DVD movies) and we suggest to bring some books for reading. No internet at The Baliem Valley Resort, internet café available in Wamena.
The Resort Complex with its facilities is not built corresponding to European standards or criteria (handrails, terraces, footpaths, access road etc.). We are not liable for any accident or damage happening in the Resort Area, the Honay Villas or any other buildings.