Lorentz National Park, Papua (Irian Jaya)

Lorentz National Park, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia. It is a protected area but open to travelers to visit. It has the tallest island peak in the world which is the Mount Carstensz Pyramid (Gunung Puncak Jaya), at 4884 metres tall on the Jayawijaya range, and it is surrounded by beautiful glaciers.

Where is it

It is located in the southwestern and central Papua (formerly known as Irian Jaya) of Indonesia.

Map of Lorentz National Park, Papua (Irian Jaya) Indonesia

Why go

Birds of Paradise in Lorentz National Park, Papua, Indonesia

Lorentz National Park is the home to more than 630 species of birds and 123 species of mammals. 70% of bird species in Papua can be found in this park! Few of these are the famous birds of paradise, tree kangaroos and pig nose turtles. It also stands as a testimonial to earth’s history, geological transformations and features. If you are an animal and nature enthusiast, this is the place to go.

Also it has many indigenous tribes still living here including the Asmat (Nakai), Dani, Amungme (Damal), Sempan, Komoro and Nduga. These tribes go back to thousand of years in existence and still follow a semi-nomadic lifestyle with basic agriculture. They can be found in lowland rivers and swam and it would certainly be a wonder to meet them.

When is the best time to go

Best time to visit Lorentz National Park is between August to December.

What to see

Bird watching at Lake Habbema at the plateau of Habema Valley.

Visit the Asmat villages where you can meet the indigenous tribe of Agats that are famous for their wood carvings.

What to do

Climb the Carstensz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya), one of the world’s seven ultimate summits. The climb will start from the basecamp in Tembagapura Freeport. Please note that this is a highly technical and tough mountain to scale, so please do prepare yourself and get the right guide to do it.

Carstenz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya) at Lorentz National Park, Papua (Irian Jaya) Indonesia

Where to stay

There are several cities near Lorentz National Park that you can stay – Timika, Wamena, Fak-Fak and Merauke *.

How to get there

Flights
Best way to get to Lorentz National park is by flying into Wamena, Biak, Jayapura or Timika and then make your way to the park. Wamena is the best choice as you may get your permit to enter at the Forestry Conservation Office (or you may get it done by a local travel agent). You may fly to Wamena via Jayapura with Trigana Air.

Boat/Ship
Though not really a preferred method, you may also take the Pelni ship to Timika, Agats, Fak fak or Merauke.

Where to go nearby

Baliem Valley – Find cultures (mummy and tradings) and fashion (traditional penis gourd attire) unique to the Dani people, who are famous for their tough and warm spirit. Also marvel at the mountain views, rivers, and vast green fields.