The Baliem Valley
Baliem Valley is home
to the interior tribes known as farmers and warriors. Baliem Valley is
surrounded by mountains of 2500 up to 3000 m altitude, making it fertile
agriculture land. There are three main tribes inhabiting the Baliem Valley: The
Dani in the base, the Lani on the west and the Yali in south-east. Each tribe
has distinct culture One sure and interesting way to distinguish between the
tribes is from the Koteka or penis gourd, supported by the male members. The
men of each tribe tend to the growing of the gourds with the three tribes each
cultivating a different style. The Dani use a long, the Lani sport a medium
sized wide cannon-like gourd, and the Yali wear the longest of all.
Entering Baliem Valley is like entering a different world. You’ll find an interesting experience regarding the uniqueness, traditions and traditional tribal way of life in Baliem Valley.
Activity
The Baliem Festival is
held on August around 10-17 August every year. Try to come at this time, you
will witness a magical feast with its traditional festival, traditional dances,
pig races, staged tribal wars and races.
You can walk along the river in Baliem Valley enjoying the agricultural lands and forests, it’s a paradise for the trekkers. Trekking in the Yali area is more heavy but perfect for experienced trekkers who want to enjoy the virgin tropical forests and the people who live there.
Getting There
You can walk along the river in Baliem Valley enjoying the agricultural lands and forests, it’s a paradise for the trekkers. Trekking in the Yali area is more heavy but perfect for experienced trekkers who want to enjoy the virgin tropical forests and the people who live there.
Getting There
To reach this place,
you have to fly from Jakarta or Bali to Jayapura, the capital of the province.
Then follow by the flight from Jayapura to Wamena. From Wamena into the
interior of the Baliem Valley you can rent a car or travel by public bus.
