 
“The jungles are among the deepest and
most impenetrable in the world. Five thousand-meter high snow capped
mountains plunge deep into floors while small glacier lake rivers cut
through dark forests until their sluggish, crocodile infested mouths
disgorge the water into the sea…”
So hey, unless they’re Indiana Jones, visitors to the province had
better stick to the recognized tourist spots at Indonesia’s Irian Jaya
province.
The Wild East
Irian Jaya is considered as Indonesia's
"wild east". Much of the province remained unexplored by outsiders till
the 1930s.
Allied (American and
Australian) forces passed through the place in 1944 on the way to the
liberation of the Philippines.
Jayapura
Jayapura is the capital and biggest city in the region of Irian Jaya.
Visitors to the city may take a walking tour and visit General Douglas
MacArthur’s World War II quarters which still stands in the area.
Tourists may also take in the exhibits at the Museum Jaypura inside the
Cenderawasih University Campus or go for a holiday at Tanjung Ria Beach.
The Beach, also known as “Base G” among the World War II allies has
become a popular venue for swimming and water sports.
Kasuarina Cape
Another favorite for people wanting to cool off from the tropical heat
is Kasuarina Cape. Named after hulking casuarina trees, which grow in
the area, the cape may be found about two kilometers from Sorong, on the
Bird's Head peninsula of northern Irian Jaya
Lake Sentani
For a bit of immersion in the local traditions, daily lifestyle and
culture of the Indonesian natives, visitors may head on to the
settlement at Lake Sentani. Driving to the lake also gives tourists an
“appetizer” of the land’s magnificent scenery.
Biak
One of Indonesia’s bigger naval bases, Biak shows off an infrastructure
superior to most buildings in the province. There are also good beaches
for swimming and skin diving. At Korem on the north coast, tourists may
watch young pearl divers dive for their ocean booty. Those who are
looking for a break from all the aquatic entertainment may also go
exploring at the Japanese caves to be found near Ambroben.
coastal area
The Asmat People
Along the southeast coast of Agats live the Asmat people who are known
for their primitive style woodcarvings.
While a relatively “untouched” people, the promotion of Asmat crafts
were given a boost with the 1960’s United Nations project supporting all
efforts of the local craftsmen in keeping their art alive.
Getting There
Daily flights are available between Jayapura, Jakarta and Ujung Pandung.
Weekly flights service Ambon, Jurabaya and Bali to Jayapura
Comfortable passenger ships of Pt. Pelhi have regular service between
Jakarta, Surabaya, Ujung Pandang and Jayapura.
Visit beautiful Indonesia today! |
