Korowai & Asmat — A Small Group Expedition into Papua
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Korowai & Asmat — A Small Group Expedition into Papua

A nine-day small group expedition through southern Papua, connecting Korowai forest life, extraordinary river journeys and the artistic traditions of the Asmat.

9

Days

$ 4,000

Per Person

8

Guest (Max)

Journey Overview

Follow southern Papua’s waterways into a landscape understood through the knowledge of the people who live there. Travelling with a maximum of eight guests, this expedition brings together time with Korowai hosts, forest walks and encounters with Asmat carving traditions.

From Timika, fly to Ewer and continue through Agats and Suator towards the interior. Smaller waterways and forest trails lead to your host community, where two nights allow time to learn about sago, local building traditions and everyday life through the activities your hosts choose to share.

Return along the rivers to explore Asmat cultural heritage before flying back to Timika. Throughout the journey, local guides and an expedition team coordinate transport, meals and accommodation, bringing continuity and personal attention to a demanding route.

Comfort follows the setting: hotels in Timika, simple local guesthouses along the rivers and basic expedition accommodation in Korowai territory.

Journey Overview

Why Choose a Pacébo Small Group Journey?

Explore Indonesia through thoughtfully planned journeys, combining local knowledge, carefully selected stays and meaningful cultural encounters.

  • A Small Group, Thoughtfully Led

    Travel with just four to eight guests, allowing your guides to give personal attention while keeping visits manageable for the communities welcoming us.

  • Knowledge Along Every Waterway

    Local guides, boat crews and community hosts bring practical knowledge of the rivers, forest trails and places encountered along the route.

  • Carefully Coordinated Expedition Logistics

    Domestic flights, river transport, accommodation, supplies and local arrangements are coordinated by our team, with adjustments made as conditions require.

  • Encounters Shaped by Your Hosts

    Community visits follow local consent and daily activities. Your guides help introduce conversations, explain cultural context and establish appropriate photography arrangements.

  • Support Throughout the Journey

    From arrival in Timika to the final airport transfer, guiding and expedition assistance connect each stage of your shared journey.

Included With This Journey

01
Professional guiding and expedition assistance throughout the journey
02
Private air-conditioned road transport in Timika
03
Return domestic flights between Timika and Ewer
04
Accommodation is arranged in hotels, local guesthouses, or expedition camps, as specified in the itinerary.
05
Speedboats, motorised wooden canoes, jetty transfers and local transport as outlined
06
Expedition team support, clean water and cooking equipment during the forest stay
07
Scheduled visits to Timika’s market, coastal communities, Korowai settlements, an Asmat village and the Asmat Museum
08
Lunches and dinners as mentioned in the program

Itinerary

Timika → Kuala Kencana → Timika

Timika → Coastal Community → Timika

Timika → Ewer → Agats → Jinak → Suator

Suator → Sipanap → Mabul → Korowai Territory

Korowai Territory

Korowai Territory → Mabul → Sipanap → Suator → Jinak

Jinak → Asmat Village → Agats

Agats → Ewer → Timika

Timika → Timika Airport

Dates & Prices

Where You Will Stay

Thoughtfully Selected Along the Way

Departures

Dates & Prices

Select your preferred departure. Prices are per person, double occupancy.

Departures guaranteed with a minimum of 4 guests.
* Prices are subject to change.

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Testimonials

Hear from travellers who have explored Indonesia with Pacébo

FAQ

Common Questions

Can I join the Korowai & Asmat expedition as a solo traveller?

Absolutely. Solo travellers are welcome to join a scheduled small group departure. Travelling with a small international group offers the opportunity to share an extraordinary expedition with like-minded travellers while benefiting from the knowledge and support of an experienced local team. Published prices are based on double occupancy, so guests requesting a room for individual use may be subject to a single supplement. Please contact Pacébo to discuss room-sharing possibilities, individual accommodation preferences and any applicable additional charges before confirming your reservation.

Will I have my own room, or will accommodation be shared with other participants?

Room arrangements depend on the type of accommodation available at each destination. In Timika, hotel rooms can generally be arranged according to confirmed booking preferences, subject to availability and applicable supplements. Along the rivers and in Korowai territory, accommodation is considerably more basic, with limited space and privacy. Separate rooms or individual sleeping arrangements cannot be guaranteed throughout the expedition. Pacébo will explain the expected arrangements before booking so that each participant understands the level of comfort and privacy available.

What happens if a scheduled departure does not reach the minimum number of participants?

Scheduled departures require a minimum of four confirmed guests. If this number has not been reached, Pacébo will review the departure status and communicate the available options before confirming the expedition as guaranteed. Depending on availability and operational feasibility, these may include joining another scheduled departure or considering an alternative travel arrangement. Any changes, cancellations or applicable refunds will follow the booking conditions confirmed for your reservation. We strongly recommend checking your departure status before purchasing non-refundable connecting flights.

Who will I travel with, and what language will be used during the expedition?

Participants may come from different countries and backgrounds, sharing an interest in Papua's cultural heritage, remote landscapes and meaningful encounters with local communities. The small group format encourages conversation and companionship without requiring travellers to know one another beforehand. Communication is coordinated by the expedition team, with local guides helping explain cultural practices and facilitate interactions with host communities. Guests requiring guiding in a particular language should inform Pacébo before booking so that the available arrangements can be confirmed.

How flexible is the daily programme when travelling with a small group?

A small group expedition follows a shared itinerary, so individual preferences must be balanced with the needs of the other participants and the practical requirements of remote travel. Your expedition leader may adjust departure times, walking pace or the order of activities when conditions allow. However, independent changes that affect the group's transportation or schedule cannot always be accommodated. Decisions involving weather, river conditions, community access and safety are made by the expedition team in the interests of the entire group.

Can I book together with friends or family and join the same departure?

Yes. Couples, friends and family members can request places on the same scheduled departure, subject to availability. We recommend booking together whenever possible so that places and accommodation preferences can be coordinated. The expedition is limited to a small number of participants, and reservations for several travellers may require early planning. If your party prefers exclusive arrangements or exceeds the available group capacity, Pacébo can discuss the possibility of a separate private expedition, subject to an individual quotation.

What happens if my flight is delayed and I cannot arrive in Timika at the scheduled meeting time?

Please inform Pacébo immediately if your flight is delayed or your arrival plans change. Because this is a shared expedition with coordinated flights, river transportation and local arrangements, the group may not be able to postpone its departure for an individual participant. Our team will assess whether joining later is operationally possible, but this cannot be guaranteed, particularly once the expedition has entered remote river regions. We recommend arriving in Timika at least one day before the scheduled departure if your international or domestic connections are uncertain. Additional accommodation and transfers, if required, are arranged separately.

Can special dietary requirements be accommodated within a small group expedition?

Pacébo will make reasonable efforts to accommodate vegetarian preferences, food allergies and other dietary requirements when informed well before departure. However, meals in remote areas are prepared within a shared expedition setting, where ingredient availability, storage and cooking facilities are limited. Individual menus or completely separate food preparation may not always be possible. Serious allergies and strict dietary restrictions must be assessed before participation is confirmed. Guests should provide clear details during the booking process so that the expedition team can determine which arrangements can be managed safely and realistically.

Terrain & Comfort

This expedition includes long river transfers and forest walking in humid conditions. Trails may be muddy or uneven, and accommodation in the interior is basic, with limited facilities.

Respectful Encounters

Community visits depend on local consent and daily activities. Your guide will advise on photography and appropriate conduct, with respect for your hosts throughout.

Flexibility Along the Way

Flight operations, river levels, weather and local arrangements may affect the order and timing of activities. Flexibility is an essential part of travelling in this region.

Safety & Permits

We coordinate permits and local permissions. Plans may change or be postponed depending on community consent and security conditions, with everyone’s safety taking priority.

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