Days 77-81: Papua

Perhaps you have been wondering where I've been this week? Where else but the farthest flung, largest, most sparsely-populated island of Papua in easternmost Indonesia. An overwhelming number of tribes, languages, religions, plants, and animals can be found there, including the symbol of Papua, the cendrawasih or bird of paradise. It's really far away from Jakarta - a trip long enough to feel as though going to another country (or continent). We began our travels at midnight to arrive in Manokwari (via Makassar and Sorong) the next day at 2:00 p.m. Although I did not get to stay long enough to explore much of Papua's diversity, it was a memorable and a privilege to have been able to visit.


Have you ever noticed that some of the best real-life moments do not end up well documented, even with digital devices in each pocket? I've often thought that I have the least pictures of those people closest to me or strong memories of certain places -- perhaps this is because the pictures I do have do not do them justice. In any case, I was not a good documenter during my Papua encounters, so you'll have to bear with some general impressions. 

My camera lens fogged up, but we were met with dancing and music (and a banner, of course) at the airport. The students, ornamented in traditional, feathered headdresses, presented us with beaded necklaces and danced to a lilting melody to drum and guitar.

Each of us took turns putting our feet on a Papuan platter, symbolizing our welcome as guests and future return visits.

Looking down towards the university campus - pretty mountains, sky, and green!

A blurry photo of UNIPA, the University of Papua

A view from Manokwari

Before heading back to Jakarta, we took a day to enjoy the scenery and visited nearby Mansinam island by boat (see it between the trees?). The water was warm and we did a bit of snorkelling in the surrounding reef. Unfortunately, no pictures of the vibrant little fish beneath the blue water.

Need a snack? Why not stop on Lemon Island for some "kelapa muda" or young coconut?

Thirst quenching!

Fresh catch of the day grilled up and served with six or seven different kinds of spicy sambal (chilli paste/sauce) So good that we went back a second time!