8 Days Asmat Tribe Expedition

Asmat Tribe is probably the most well known tribe in West 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.

DAY 01: TIMIKA ARRIVAL (L,D)
Arrive at Sentani airport of Jayapura, meeting service then take the second flight to Wamena, on arrival check-in to hotel then drive to Jiwika village in the north of Baliem Valley. Arrive in Jiwika we will see the old mummy, afterward we are going to enjoy the Dani pig feast and Mock war and Dance at Anemoigi village. Lunch will have in the village with sweet potatoes and grill pig. Late afternoon back to Wamena and stop at a traditional local market in Wamena. Dinner and overnight at hotel

DAY 02: TIMIKA – EWER – AGATS (B,L,D)
Breakfast at hotel, on its time transfer to Wamena airport to catch the charter flight, (Ewer is a the name of airstrip in Asmat region) from Ewer by motorized canoe about 30 minutes to Agats (main town of Asmat regency). Upon arrival then check-in at local accommodation, after lunch walk to Syuru village, Asmat museum and Asmat foundation. Afternoon back to losmen for dinner and overnight stay

DAY 03: AGATS – BERITEN (B,L,D)
Breakfast at losmen, and then together with our cooks and helper on board the motorized canoe for about 3 hours to Beriten village. Lunch will have at a long house in Beriten, afternoon rowing with the Asmat tribe paddle up river to see the wild life in jungle and late afternoon back to the village for dinner and overnight stay at long house

DAY 04: BERITEN – OMANDESEP (B.L,D)
After breakfast, prepare our stuffs for leaving then heading Omandesep for 3 hours by motorized canoe ride thru the ocean, will pass 2 big rivers and afterward arrive at the village walk to the long house for check-in and then as usual when the guest is arrive the Asmat people will welcome the guest by direct the guest to their long house. After lunch paddle or walk in to the swampy jungle with the Asmat people to see them processing sago (sago is the main food in Asmat). The process to make pure Sago can be one day and some of the locals also take the sago worm for protein. You will have the chance to taste the local food. Late afternoon walk or paddling back to the village for dinner and overnight.

DAY 05: OMANDESEP FULLDAY CEREMONY (B,L,D)
Stay at village to learn more about the Asmat culture. After breakfast you may see and enjoy the Asmat ceremonies such as dancing, canoes racing, Mbis pole (Mbis is considered to have such supra-natural power to protect their family). Lunch served by your cook. Afternoon by motorized canoe to see another Asmat villages or join the local people how to catch the shrimps and fishes. Dinner and overnight at local house or school.

DAY 06: OMANDESEP – AGATS (B,L,D)
After get the local arts from Asmat people, proceeded by motorized canoe to Agats. Lunch serve on boat. Arrive at Agats and you may walk around the town of Agats. Dinner & overnight at Asmat Inn of Agats / Padaelo Inn.

DAY 07: AGATS – TIMIKA (B,L,D)
Early in the morning by motorized canoe to Ewer airport for the flight back to Timika, upon arrival check in to hotel, after lunch walk to traditional market to see people selling their things, late in the afternoon back hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 08: TIMIKA – DEPARTURE (B)
After having breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport for your next destinations.

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