Baliem Valley Festival 2020

A cultural festival highlighting the traditions and power of Indonesian tribes

Escape the norms of modern civilization, take your passport and uncover the secret legend behind the last frontier in Indonesia. A remarkable spectacle with colorful performances and ancient traditions, Baliem Valley Festival is a genuinely unique experience that leaves a lasting impression on the intrepid travelers who venture into this exciting pocket of Indonesia.

In this article, let’s take a quick look at this vibrant affair and what makes the Baliem Valley Festival such an exciting encounter for those who get off the beaten path:

What is Baliem Valley Festival?

In case you might be asking yourself, Baliem Valley Festival was established to preserve the local traditions and culture of the region. At the same time, this is also seen as an opportunity for the communities to introduce their cultured ways to visitors from around the world.

In short, the festival commemorates and celebrates the ability and willingness of local tribes to protect and defend their villages. Interestingly, this is the only day of the year that many diverse tribes come together to celebrate their shared heritage.

But what actually happens during the celebration?

How Locals Celebrate at the Baliem Valley Festival

Balieim Valley Festival is all about celebrating the traditions, might and power of the local tribe people in the Baliem and Wamena Valley. As part of these celebrations, Lani, Dani and Yali tribes are dressed in very distinctive attire as they stage mock battles, cultural dances and traditional music.

The mock battles are usually the most impressive feature of the festival and something the locals take very serious. After all, they have prepared and trained for these battles in purpose built arenas. Traditional music, Pikon, is played throughout the acts and more than 30 groups are involved in the mock battle.

And that’s just part of the story…

Also known as Pasola Festival, this fascinating day also includes the roasting of pig and many artistic performances such as dance, spear throwing, and even pig racing!

Taking a Cultural Insight with Ancient Tribes

Featuring vibrant performances and some wonderful displays of tradition; this is also one of the most colourful – and interesting – cultural festivals in this part of the world.

In fact, taking a trip up into this mountainous region is often one of the main highlights for visitors. You see, this luscious region is overflowing with green rolling landscapes, primitive villages, friendly people and an atmosphere that is likely to send the heart racing.

At the same time, we can only scratch the surface of this festival with words and the truth is, Baliem Valley Festival has to be experienced rather than explained. Either way, this beautiful celebration is a pulsating experience and an opportunity to step into a primitive land with some of the most intriguing and colourful tribes people.

Baliem Valley Festival takes place on 7^th – 10^th August 2020 in a district called Jayawijaya which is located on the Indonesian side of New Guinea.

Baliem Valley Festival is always crowded with tourist. Hotels and Guides are LIMITED. So we always remind clients to book up-front for this trip since we only open this Baliem Festival Tour for maximum to 15 Pax ONLY. 

Please take a look the thing you need to prepare during this trip.