INTO THE UNKNOWN - MAIRASI TRIBE

BIRDS HEAD PENINSULA & TRITON BAY, WEST PAPUA, INDONESIA

EVERYTHING STARTS WITH AN IDEA

Back in 2018, Far Horizon organized a survey expedition to one of the most unexplored parts of Indonesian West Papua – the Bird’s Head Peninsula. We were following the rumors of the previously uncontacted group of indigenous people that recently came out of the jungle to trade. As a result, we came across the remote village of Mairasi tribe, whose dwellers had minimal contact with an outside world. We had the honor of being the first outsiders who ever visited that place, and we become very close to its inhabitants. We are going back there, and this time we are inviting you to come with us! Become an explorer and find yourself in one of the wildest corners of planet Earth! Behold the majesty and breath-taking beauty of the wildness at the end of the world!

What will you experience

Stand face to face with an isolated, indigenous tribe
Be a part of everyday life – join tribesmen for a hunting, fishing and construction site
Spend a few nights in a remote village that has barely been visited by any outsiders before
Look at the stars you cannot see back at home and hear whispers from the wild
Listen to the sounds of a healthy jungle you can’t find on Spotify
Dive into the stories of the village’s elders, witness spectacular dances and mysterious rituals
Trek through the lush rainforest, cut your path through with a machete and feel like Indiana Jones
Keep your eye out for endemic animals!
Spot tree kangaroos, Birds of Paradise and crocodiles lurking in the river
Jump into the crystal clear water and try to catch up with whale sharks, sea turtles
Amaze yourself with the species richness of the coral reef
Become Robinson Crusoe and set a camp on the deserted island
Go on the night trip around the island and try to spot sea turtles laying eggs.

start your trip

Who is this trip for

Drama-free adventure hunters
Active and open-minded travelers
People at any age with average physical fitness and health
Culture lovers who dream of discovering faraway tribes
Photographers who want to capture the soul of the tribe
People who love nature and prefer outdoor activities
Those who can bear simple traveling conditions
Those for whom authentic experiences are more important than a comfy couch.

What to prepare

Always be prepared! The scout’s motto is simple, but true. An expedition is something a bit more special than normal travel so make sure you have:

proper jungle trekking boots, quick-drying, long jungle trekking pants, quick-drying, long sleeve trekking shirt, light waterproof jacket, light sleeping bag, light air mattress, training gloves, flipflops or sandals, trekking hat, comfortable, waterproof backpack (60L), personal, waterproof backpack (10L), dry-packs, mosquito repellent, own first aid kit, “Malarone” or other anti-malaria pills, torch and spare batteries, personal knife or multitool, vitamin supplements, power bars.

What do we offer

Duration: 13 days / 12 nights
Best time to travel: XI – III
Weather: hot & humid with frequent rainfall
Difficulty (1-10): 5
Comfort (1-10): 3
Be ready for: jungle trekking, sleeping in basic conditions (tents, local huts), simple food (meals prepared by the expedition chef)
Departure location: Jakarta, Java
Price range: from 6000 USD/per person
The number of participants in the group: 6-10
Availability of the tour: on request

start your trip

FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT WEST PAPUA

The largest and the easternmost province of Indonesia, compromising most of the western part of the island of New Guinea in the southern Pacific Ocean. By the way, New Guinea is the second-largest island in the world!

Covered mostly by dense jungle and mountains, this is why considered as one of the least explored places in the world;

Home to more than 250 diverse tribes, all speaking their own, unique languages with unique cultures. The majority of the indigenous population of Papua still live their traditional lifestyle and maintain limited contact with an outside world;

Motherland to a significant number of endemic flora and fauna, including Birds of Paradise, tree kangaroos, and the world’s most giant crocodiles!

The rainforest in Papua is one of the largest and oldest in the world;

The tallest mountain, Puncak Jaya, 4884 m, also known as Carstensz Pyramid, is the lowest peak of the Seven Summits;

WEST PAPUA in numbers

Capital city
Jayapura

Total area
319.036 km²

Population
3.347.100 mln

Population density
10 /km2

day-by-day itinerary

DAY 1

JAKARTA – JAYAPURA/OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

Selamat Datang, welcome to Indonesia! You will arrive at the international airport in Jakarta, where you will meet the rest of the expedition group. Together you will get on board another plane for an overnight flight to Papua.

Accommodation: overnight on the plane

Meal plan: dinner.

DAY 2

KAIMANA, WEST PAPUA

The adventure begins today! Upon your early arrival to Kaimana, a coastal town in West Papua, you will get on board a small motorized boat and set out for an all-day-long journey across massive Agumi Bay and then, up the tiny rivers, deep into the jungle. There will be some fishing opportunity on the way, and perhaps we will serve you for dinner the catch of a day. Late in the afternoon, you will arrive at the remote military outpost, where we will arrange transportation to Kensi village – your destination for today. Here you will meet our porters and local guides who will accompany us into the jungle. Accommodation will be in tents or local houses, and our cook will prepare all meals.

Accommodation: tents or local houses