Itinerary Summary

  • Travel to Sorong, stay in Sorong.

  • Arrive in Wamena, visit the bustling local market, and settle into The Baliem Valley Resort for your first night.

  • Explore the dramatic Kotilola Cave and visit Meagaima village to see a rare Dani chief’s mummy.

  • Begin trekking south from Sogogmo, passing Dani settlements and terraced fields, before camping at Kelise Village.

  • Hike steep trails to Wamerek, explore the village, and enjoy a swim in the nearby stream.

  • Climb to Tangma, taking in panoramic views of the Baliem Valley, and camp beside the village church.

  • Trek back through side valleys and Dani farmland before returning to The Baliem Valley Resort.

  • Witness a traditional Dani pig festival, experiencing the culture, cuisine, and ceremonial celebrations.

  • Transfer to Wamena Airport for your onward flight. Arrive at Sorong Airport, transfer by ferry and speedboat to your private island resort, settle into your overwater bungalow, and enjoy the day at leisure.

  • Explore the preserved underwater wonders of Sawandarek village and snorkel the stunning coral reefs at Ransiwor, with time to visit the village streets.

  • Climb to the top of Piaynemo for breathtaking views, visit the star-shaped lagoon Telaga Bintang, snorkel nearby, and return via the scenic “The Passage” between Gam and Waigeo Islands.

  • Swim alongside majestic manta rays, snorkel around Arborek’s colorful reefs, enjoy a picnic lunch, and explore the village before returning to the resort.

  • Spend a relaxing day at your leisure—snorkel from your bungalow, kayak, paddleboard, or simply enjoy the turquoise waters and serene surroundings.

  • Sorong return home flights

PRINTABLE ITINERARY

Day 1 - Travel Day

Depart from your home city and fly to Sorong, Papua, the gateway to your Papua adventure. Use the day to rest and prepare for the exciting experiences ahead, as you’ll soon explore both highland and island destinations. Dinner is at your own expense, giving you the chance to choose your favourite cuisine before heading to the mountains the following day.

Overnight: TBC
Meals: No Meals

Detailed Itinerary

Day 2: Arrival in the Baliem Valley

Arrive at Wamena Airport and meet your local guide and driver, stopping at the bustling Wamena Market, where Dani people sell sweet potatoes, fruits, vegetables, and wild boars used in traditional ceremonies. Continue to The Baliem Valley Resort and settle into your bungalow, enjoying lunch or an afternoon coffee while taking in the valley’s serene surroundings. Spend your first evening relaxing and soaking in the highland atmosphere.

Overnight: The Baliem Valley Resort
Meals: Full Board

Day 3: Kotilola Cave & Meagaima Mummy


After breakfast, explore the dramatic Kotilola Cave, famous for its stalactites, stalagmites, and underground river inhabited by bats. Continue along the Baliem River, crossing by traditional canoe to reach Meagaima village, where you can see one of the region’s rare Dani chief’s mummies. Walk through the village gardens and return via a suspension bridge to your vehicle for the journey back to the resort.

Overnight: The Baliem Valley Resort
Meals: Full Board

Day 4: Trekking Begins – Kelise Village

Depart the resort and drive to Sogogmo, where your multi-day trekking adventure begins. Trek through Dani settlements and terraced fields, crossing a suspension bridge over the roaring Baliem River, before reaching Kelise Village. Camp in the mayor’s garden and enjoy a communal dinner prepared by your cook, surrounded by the quiet of the valley. This day will include 4 to 5 hours hike accompanied by a local guide, cook, and porter.

Overnight: Camp Kelise Village
Meals: Full board

Day 5: Hike to Wamerek Village


Follow steep trails to Wamerek, a traditional Dani settlement perched on a mountainside with stone-lined gardens and grass-roofed huts. Explore the village to experience daily life, and cool off with a swim in the nearby stream. In the evening, enjoy roasting sweet potatoes over the campfire as you soak up the mountain views. This day will include 5 to 6 hours hike accompanied by a local guide, cook, and porter.

Overnight: Camp Wamerek Village
Meals: Full board

Day 6: Trek to Tangma Village


Begin the day with a steady climb through highland landscapes to reach Tangma, a small village built around a grass airstrip. Pause for lunch along the trail and continue to the pass for stunning panoramic views of the Baliem Valley and, on clear days, Wamena in the distance. Camp beside the village church and enjoy a meal prepared by local hosts in a nearby home. This day will include 5 to 6 hours hike accompanied by a local guide, cook, and porter.

Overnight: Camp Tangma Village
Meals: Full board

Day 7: Return to The Baliem Valley Resort


Trek down from Tangma, crossing side valleys and a tributary of the Baliem River before descending through mountain forests and farmland. Dani fields of sweet potato, maize, cassava, and ginger signal your return to the tarmac road, where vehicles await to take you back to the resort. Arrive in time for a late lunch and a relaxing afternoon.

Overnight: The Baliem Valley Resort
Meals: Full board

Day 8: Traditional Dani Pig Festival


Visit a Dani village hosting a traditional pig feast, a vibrant cultural celebration involving decorated participants, hot-stone earth ovens, and communal cooking. Witness the intricate ceremonies, sample freshly cooked pork and sweet potatoes, and gain insight into this rich and unique cultural tradition. Return to the resort in the late afternoon for dinner and reflection on the day’s experiences. This day will include 1 1-hour hike accompanied by a local guide.

Overnight: The Baliem Vally Resort
Meals: Full board

Day 9: Departure from Baliem Valley & Arrival in Raja Ampat

After breakfast, transfer to Wamena Airport for your flight to Sorong, then continue by ferry and speedboat to your private island resort in Raja Ampat. Settle into your overwater bungalow and spend the afternoon relaxing, enjoying the turquoise waters, and sampling fresh local delicacies while soaking in the peaceful, intimate surroundings.

Overnight: Katembe Private Island
Meals: Full board

Day 10: Snorkeling at Sawandarek and Ransiwor


Embark on a snorkeling excursion to Sawandarek village on Mansuar Island, a site protected by the local community for its vibrant marine life. Swim among barracudas, groupers, turtles, and schools of colorful reef fish before exploring the quiet village streets. Continue to Ransiwor, known for its stunning coral reefs, and return to the resort in the afternoon for leisure and relaxation.

Overnight: Katembe Private Island
Meals: Full board

Day 11: Piaynemo, Star Lagoon & The Passage


Boat to Piaynemo Island and climb 300 steps to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding archipelago, a true highlight of Raja Ampat. Visit the star-shaped lagoon, Telaga Bintang, for snorkeling and exploration, then return to the resort via the picturesque “The Passage,” a narrow channel between Gam and Waigeo Islands. Take in the dramatic scenery and enjoy the serene journey back.

Overnight: Katembe Private Island
Meals: Full board

Day 12: Swim with Manta Rays & Arborek Village

Experience the thrill of swimming alongside majestic manta rays in crystal-clear waters before visiting the village of Arborek. Snorkel among vibrant corals and abundant marine life, enjoy a picnic lunch coconut palms, and take a stroll through the village streets before returning to your bungalow for the evening.

Overnight: Katembe Private Island
Meals: Full board

Day 13: Free Day in Paradise


Spend a leisurely day enjoying your surroundings—relax on your terrace, snorkel directly from your bungalow, or explore hidden coves by kayak or paddleboard. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the island and soak in the last moments of your Raja Ampat experience.

Overnight: Katembe Private Island
Meals: Full board

Day 14: Travel Day


After breakfast, transfer by speedboat and ferry back to Sorong for your onward flight, concluding your 14-day Papua adventure. Reflect on your time in the highlands and islands, and the unforgettable cultural and natural experiences you’ve enjoyed.

Meals: Breakfast

PRINTABLE ITINERARY

Inclusions

Flights and transfers

New Zealand Guide and local guided services (except at Poring Hot Springs)

Meals as indicated in the itinerary

Transfers: Kota Kinabalu – Kinabalu Park – Sepilok – Kinabatangan – Sandakan

Accommodation (twin-sharing basis):

  • 2 nights Mercure Hotel, Superior Room

  • 2 nights Guas Nabalu Homestay

  • 1 night Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, Kinabalu Park – Hill Lodge

  • 1 night Laban Rata Resthouse – Dormitory

  • 1 night Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, Poring – Kelicap Twin

  • 1 night Tanini Sepilok – Superior Room

  • 3 nights Hornbill Lodge – River Chalet

Entry fees for listed activities

Mount Kinabalu climbing fees, tourism fee, including permit, insurance, certificate and guide

Exclusions

Travel Insurance

Meals other than stated and drinks

Alcohol drinks

Poring Hot Springs - Additional activity fees: Canopy walk, butterfly garden, hot tub slide pool (about $4 NZD or AUS)

Camera fees - Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre: For any camera with zoom lens from 100 to 400mm, video camera or other video recording equipment for personal use are chargeable at RM10.00 (about $4 NZD or AUS) per unit. For any camera (fixed-lens – 400mm and above ) or any film-making equipment are chargeable at RM1,000.00 per unit.