Irian Jaya, which is more often referred to as Papua, is the most populous province in the nation. Irian Jaya is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Indonesia due to its breathtaking beauty. Irian Jaya is a country of natural wonders, including awe-inspiring beaches, extensive areas of marshes, cool grassy meadows, mountains, lakes, and mighty rivers that run through lush virgin forests. The whole of this area has a wealth of natural resources, including a variety of minerals and wood.
There are around 250 distinct groups that may be found among the people that are indigenous to Irian Jaya. Because the interiormost areas have been mostly unaffected by outside forces up to this day, the majority of the tribes have been able to preserve their traditional practises. Because of the difficulties in communicating with one another, several tribes have lived in isolation from one another, which has led to the development of very distinct civilizations.
Main Tourist Attractions in Irian Jaya, Indonesia
Danau Sentani Lake
Irian Jaya’s far north-eastern corner is home to a lake that is entirely composed of fresh water. A variety of lovely islands may be found in this lake that spans 9,630 hectares. The lake is home to a diverse collection of animal life. In this lake, you will be able to see indigenous fish species such as Neosilurus novaeguineae and Glossolepis incisus, among others. The lake is also home to many species of the saw shark genus Pristis microdon. You will be able to see local people performing rituals that are a normal part of their life around the lake.
Museum Negeri
In 1910, the Dutch created this museum, which is also known as Sri Baduga, with the intention of preserving the cultural treasures that were found there. This museum has an extensive collection of historical items, including weaponry, dancing costumes, gold jewellery, religious relics, traditional calendars, a variety of fabrics, and several other everyday items. In addition to these types of collections, the museum also has anthropological, dermatological, ethnographical, archaeological, historical, philological, and fine art collections.
Pantai Hamadi Beach
During World War II, the United States military made their first landing on Pantai Hamadi Beach in the year 1944. In addition to being a beautiful beach, this location has the relics of old tanks. There are several charming villages built on stilts in the area around the beach. The town is home to a bustling public market as well as several housing alternatives.
Gua Jepang
Gua Jepang, also known as the Japanese Caves, may be found on the island of Pulau Biak. During World War II, more than 10,000 Japanese troops made their homes inside these tunnels. Caves were a common hiding spot for the troops during the daytime hours. They would wait until the sun had fallen before coming out to attack the American Marines. More than 5,000 Japanese troops lost their lives as a result of explosions and flames that were started in these caverns. The building next door is now a museum, and it has an impressive collection of artefacts related to World War II.
Taman Burung dan Anggrek
On the island of Biak may be found Taman Burung dan Anggrek, which translates to “Park of Birds and Orchids.” The park is home to about 2,000 orchids of hundreds of various species. There is a large aviary that is kept in good condition and is home to approximately 200 birds. These birds come in a variety of kinds, some of which include parrots, fowl, doves, and birds of paradise.
Taman Gunung Meja Park
This park is located in the city of Manokwari. The park is home to a variety of butterfly species as well as a tribute to the Japanese people. Orchids growing in their natural state are abundant throughout the park. While you are in the park, you also have the opportunity to take stunning photographs of Doreri Bay and the Arfak Range.
Anggi Lakes
In the Arfak Mountains, the Anggi lakes may be found in close proximity to Manokwari. These are the identical twin lakes of Danau Gigi and Danau Gita, both of which are located at an altitude of 2,098 metres. The lakes provide excellent swimming opportunities in addition to their breathtaking scenery, vegetation, and wildlife. This location has a nighttime temperature that is uncomfortably low. As a result, you should be sure to carry some woollen garments with you when you go to the location.
Baliem Valley
It is possible to find people living here who are still surviving in circumstances that are considered to be semi-Neolithic. The Dani, Lani, and Yali tribes are the predominant ones that live in this area. The region is completely cut off from the rest of the world by the massive mountain walls that surround it. The interior sections are inaccessible by road, and the valley acts as a natural barrier, keeping everything hidden from view.
Lorentz National Park
This national park protects 2.4 million hectares of land, making it the largest protected zone in Irian Jaya. The park is home to a large number of fossil sites, each of which provides more information about the progression of life in New Guinea. The park protects a diverse range of ecosystems, including mangroves, alpine forests, and wetland communities, among others. The park is at the intersection of two different continental plates. As a direct consequence of this, the geology of the whole area is rather complicated.
Raja Ampat National Park
This national park has a total amount of land and water that is equivalent to 9.8 million acres. The islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool are all included in the park’s protected territory. In addition to those islands, it also protects a number of additional, more remote islands. The region is home to several enormous coral reef communities. Coral larvae are carried to other areas by the strong currents in this area. This helps to rehabilitate nearby reefs.
