EXPEDITION PAPUA

The orthodox exoticism from childhood dreams often becomes a fulfilled reality only much later in adult life. Yet the most important fact remains: it does come true. Harsh, demanding, uncompromising – yet absolutely unique, the atmosphere of expedition travel through the Raja Ampat region is now forever etched into the minds of the participants, as they explore perhaps the last surviving earthly paradises.

Personal encounters with communities that, not so long ago, were still practicing cannibalism, quickly replace what until now was merely book knowledge of strikingly featured members of a still-tribal society. Their fundamental character traits blend harmoniously with the stunning natural scenery of this yet-unexplored corner of our blue planet. Every single glimpse of one of the thousand fantasy-like islands of West Papua confirms not only the indescribable beauty of the Indonesian landscape, but also the cultural uniqueness of its people. Willingness, warmth, and hospitality – all offered with radiant smiles – go hand in hand with the pure, primitive melodies of their songs, accompanied by incredibly simple instruments.

Indonesia’s rich fauna is vividly painted by flocks of lorikeets, eclectus parrots, and cockatoos, with hornbills and monitor lizards adding to the exotic flair – but nothing compares to the birds of paradise. Watching their breathtaking courtship dance is an absolutely unforgettable experience – rivaled perhaps only by the underwater ballet of giant manta rays or face-to-face encounters with sharks and massive sea turtles. The captivating underwater life of equatorial Papua has no match anywhere else in the world. The Great Barrier Reef, now devastated by coral die-off, can sadly no longer compete. The majesty of manta rays, the dignified presence of blacktip reef sharks, and the swirling thousands of rainbow-hued reef fish all overwhelm with their sheer abundance and graceful movement.

The contact with life beneath the crystal-clear sea is now truly unparalleled. Perhaps only the view from above can compare in beauty. Yet every fantastical view from the limestone cliffs is hard-earned: near-impenetrable equatorial jungle combined with steep elevation gains offer no reward without a price. Despite the physical strain – often bordering on self-torment – these three weeks of the Papuan expedition will undoubtedly rank among the most beautiful chapters of life.

If this report reads like a pure hymn to beauty, then every recalled moment only amplifies that feeling.Manta Point, where five-meter giants come to be cleaned after feeding on plankton… swimming among juvenile sharks… hundreds of breathtaking snorkeling meters above coral in all shapes and colors… countless pearls and pearl oysters beneath meters of crystalline water… and the absolute climax: witnessing the wedding dance of the King Bird of Paradise – the symbolic bird of Indonesia and widely regarded as the most beautiful creature of the avian world.

It all reaffirms the tangible reality of paradise itself.The materialized beauty of cinematic childhood dreams – of blue lagoons and unreachable places made real.