ASMAT TRIBE ADVENTURE

Meet the Asmat Tribes, the most well known tribe in Irian because of their unique ideas and wonderful designs in woodcarving, and because of their head-hunting practices in the past.

 We explore their land on paddling or motorized canoe, trekking the swampy areas - This is the largest alluvial swamp in the world - to meet the Asmat people, appreciate their woodcarving (considered as one among the world's finest), join their daily activities such as collecting sago, fishing, hunting or setting animal traps. They also welcome you in their traditional ceremonies such as ritual songs, drumming, canoe racing and Mbist pole.

THE ASMAT TRIBES

Asmat is probably the most well known tribe in Papua (formerly called Irian Jaya). They become famous not only through their head-hunting practices in the past, but also because of their unique ideas and wonderful designs in woodcarving.

The name most probably comes from the Asmat words As Akat, which according to Asmat people means "the right man". Moreover, it's also said that Asmat comes from the word Osamat that means "man from tree". The Asmat's neighbors to the west, the Mimika, however, claim the name is derived from their word for the tribe- "manue", meaning "man eater".

Natives of the region are divided into two main groups; those living along the coasts, and those in the interior. They differ in dialect, way of life, social structure, and ceremonies. The coastal rivers are further divided into two groups, the Bisman people between the Sinesty and Nin Rivers, and the Simai people.  

Around 70,000 Asmat,the area's largest tribe, are scattered in 100 villages in a territory of roughly 27,000 square km live in a huge tidal swamp land. The tribe was untouched by civilization until recent times. Dutch outpost, missionary settlements, and foreign expeditions finally made in road on this isolated culture during the 1950 and 60's.

Formerly, the families of the entire tribe resided together in in houses up to 28 meters long called yeus. Yeus still used, but not only by men, as clubhouse  where bachelors sleep. Upriver Asmat still live in longhouses, some even construct houses in treetops.

The Asmat live on sago, their staple, as well as mussels, snails, and fat insect larvae collected from decaying stumps of sago palms. These last are eaten to the accompaniment of throbbing drums and ritual dances; larvae feast can sometimes last up to two weeks. The Asmat also gather forest products such as rattan, catch fish and shrimp in large hoop nets.

ASMAT ART

Asmat woodcarving is considered one among the world's finest. To the Asmat, woodcarving was inextricably connected with the spirit world, and therefore, the carving can not just be principally considered aesthetic objects.

Much of the highly original art of the Asmat is symbolic of warfare, headhunting, and warrior-ancestor veneration.

For centuries the Asmat were preoccupied with the necessity of appeasing ancestor spirits, producing a wealth of superbly designed shields, canoes, sculptured figures, and drums.

THE LAND

Almost the entire Asmat region is covered in water during the rainy season, when high tide reaches up to two km inland and low tide flows up to two km out to sea. This is the largest alluvial swamp in the world, a low-lying stone less territory of bog forest and meandering rivers emptying into the Arafura sea.

FLORA & FAUNA

In the rivers swarm with shrimp, fish, lobster, crab, fresh water dolphin, sea snake and crocodiles. Living along the banks are lizards, that grow longer than the Komodo dragon. The forests contain palms, ironwood, merak wood, and mangroves, and are home for crown pigeons, hornbills, and cockatoos. There are grass meadows, and flowers like the Dedrobium orchid.

CLIMATE

The climate is hot and humid. The rainy season stretches from October to May, with an everage of 40 cm of precipitation each year. The east monsoon season runs from April April to June, west monsoons strike December to March.

ASMAT CULTURAL & ADVENTURE

Duration: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

Starts/Ends: TIMIKA AIRPORT

DAY 01: TIMIKA ARRIVAL

Upon your arrival at Timika Airport, our guide meets you then check into a hotel for your accommodation (L,D).

DAY 02: TIMIKA - AGATS

Drive to the harbour and take a full day motorized canoe journey along the south coast line to Agats in Asmat area. Stop en route at villages for lunch and refreshment. Overnight at local guesthouse in Agats (B,L,D).

DAY 03: AGATS – ASMAT VILLAGES

After breakfast, boarding on motorized canoe then upriver via the Flamingo Bay to Asmat region. En route, you can observe the traditional daily life of the Asmat Tribes along the riverside with lunch box provided en route. Dinner and overnight at a local villager’s house with basic facilities. In the evening, the Asmat people will welcome you with their traditional drums performance (B,L,D).

DAY 04 - 05: FULL DAY ASMAT TRIBE EXPLORATION

We continue our river trip by canoes along with the Asmat people to join and spend whole day with local people at different Asmat villages to see & observe their simple way of life and culture and enjoying their ceremonies. Overnight at simple local house (B,L,D).

DAY 06: ASMAT VILLAGE – AGATS

We sail back to Agats. In the afternoon walking around Agats to see the local people life and also visit Art Museum of the asmat Tribes. Overnight at Asmat Inn (B,L,D).

DAY 07: AGATS – TIMIKA

Full day sail back on motorized canoe to Timika along the coast line with stops en route at villages for lunch and refreshment. Overnight hotel in Timika (B,L,D).

DAY 08: TIMIKA DEPARTURE

Morning we transfer you to Timika Airport for your flight to Jakarta or next destination

INCLUDED:

- Airport Transfers in Timika.

- Accommodations based on twin/double share at hotels in TIMIKA.

- Accommodation at Guest House, Missionary Houses, Villager's Houses, Teacher’s House, Tree House or in tents with BASIC FACILITIES.

- Chartered Motorized Canoe

- English Speaking Guide and Cook.

- Porters during trekking (villagers)

- Full board Meals (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner).

- Traditional Performances and ceremonies mentioned on above program.

- Permits and donations.

- All activities mentioned on the above program.

 EXCLUDED:

- Any Domestic Flights

- Any Charter Flights

- Travel Insurance.

- Airport taxes and extra baggage charges.

- Personal Expenses such as phone calls, laundry, beverages etc.

- All expenses incurred due to the flight cancellations or due other causes beyond our control.

What to Bring for trekking trip in Papua

Paper Work:
* Valid passport: your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of departure from Indonesia

* Four additional passport photos (please keep these handy as we will need these as soon as we arrive in Jayapura)

* Second photo ID (e.g., a driver's license)

* Photocopy of your passport

* Airline ticket and expense money

* All expense money should be exchanged in Jakarta/Denpasar/other major cities upon arrival, as the exchange rate is approximately 25% higher in Jakarta than it is in Jayapura

* In general, credit cards are not accepted in Irian Jaya, so please plan appropriately.

* Travel insurance

Important: Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you upon receipt of final payment.

All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.