West Papua, New Guinea, Irian Jaya

Known as Irian Jaya until receiving autonomy from Indonesia, West Papua is the western half of the island of New Guinea, and the easternmost province of Indonesia.
West Papua is currently struggling with many issues including independence, human rights, and natural resources, however the nearly impenetrable rainforest, fascinating cultures, remote mountain valleys and beautiful coastlines offer a true adventure traveler a wide variety of experiences. In a land of diversity, from wrecks and remnants of Japanese and U.S. occupation during WWII, to the "stone-age" tribes only recently exposed to the outside world. Punjak Jaya (Cartenz Pyramid, 16,800ft) the highest peak in Oceania lies near the center in the Snow Mountains, the Dani, Lani and Yali tribes inhabit the isolated Baliem Valley in the central highlands, with a mix of people living in the jungles of the coastal regions.
Our next trip will be to the extreme western part of the country, a area called the "Bird's Head Peninsula", so-called because of it's shape. This is home to the Tree Kangaroo, Cassowary birds, Caiman and the legendary Bird of Paradise. We will be snorkling in some of the finest reefs in the world, visitng the mysterious ancient rock paintings found only high above the water on the seaside of limestone islands, and seeking the coastal areas packed with beautiful Orchids.
This is an area that receives very few visitors. It is primitive, exotic and fascinating and we will have an opportunity to experience the