Papua Landmarks and Monuments

(Papua, Indonesia)

Around Papua, there are various landmarks, including historical man-made temples and natural sights, such as mountains, caves and lakes. Some of the most impressive landmarks around Papua include the temples at Hamadi, the buildings at the Asmat Education Centre, and several grand Islamic mosques.

For arguably the best possible views of Papua, take a trip up the Gunung Trikora. As the highest mountain peak in Papua, the Gunung Trikora is a majestic natural landmark and towers at approximately 4,750 metres / 15,585 feet. Other sizeable mountains include both the Gunung Ifar and the Gunung Trikora, while for further hiking opportunities, pay a visit to the Anggi Lakes, Lake Sentani (Danau Sentani) or Lake Habbema (Danau Habbema).

Hamadi Temples

Address: Jalan Kotaraja, Hamadi, near Jayapura, Papua, Indonesia, ID
If you are intending to travel along the Abepura to Entrop road, then it is worth stopping part-way, to explore the fascinating temples here. The Vihara Arya Dharma is an impressive Buddhist temple and landmark, and stands on the Jalan Kotaraja, where it is just a short climb away. Across this road and just a short stroll in the direction of Jayapura is the Pura Agung Surya Bhuvana, which is a beautiful Hindu temple. Whilst both of these temples are very pleasant and of interest, it is the surrounding views of Teluk Yofeta that really do steal the show here.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: free

Danau Sentani (Lake Sentani)

Address: Jayapura / Sentani, Papua, Indonesia, ID
A magnificent and epic landmark, covering just over 100 square kilometres / 39 square miles, the Danau Sentani is simply enormous. Those arriving in Sentani by plane will first fly over the lake, where you will have excellent aerial views of its 19 different lakes and innumerable fishing villages, which features houses on stilts. There are currently no guided tours of Lake Sentani, and tourists will find this area easy to explore independently. Keen photographers will find that the lake is especially photogenic.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

(Asmat Education Centre and Asmet Centre) Pusat Asmat and Pusat Pendidikan Asmat

Address: Jalan Yos Sudarso, Agats, Asmat, Papua, Indonesia, ID
The Asmat Education Centre and Asmet Centre are situated near to the Agats mosque and showcase a collection of attractive and important buildings and structures. Known for their traditional Indonesian architecture, the buildings at the Pusat Asmat and Pusat Pendidikan Asmat are certainly worthy of some attention, although do be warned that the opening hours can be a little random.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: free

Tugu MacArthur / Gunung Ifar

Address: Gunung Ifar, Sentani, Papua, Indonesia, ID
Close to both Kemini and Sentani, and located at the very top of the Gunung Ifar mountain (2,150 metres / 7,055 feet in height) is the Tugu MacArthur, a local monument, which marks the spot where the headquarters of American General Douglas MacArthur (1880 to 1964) once stood. It is often said that MacArthur would sit here, amidst the mountain views, to clear his mind and plan his Second World War strategies. The Tugu MacArthur can be reached by taking a steep mountain road to the top, from the Jalan Ondikleuw in Sentani. At the weekend, the top of the Gunung Ifar becomes a busy picnic spot.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Gunung Trikora

Address: Baliem Valley, Papua, Indonesia, ID
Mountain climbing is always popular on the Gunung Trikora, although first you will require both relevant climbing equipment and an experienced guide, as well as a permit, which is only available from the army headquarters in Jakarta, and so will require a little prior planning. Trips to Trikora can be organised by the tour agencies in Jayapura.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, charge for mountain guides

Danau Habbema (Lake Habbema)

Address: Baliem Valley, Papua, Indonesia, ID
A huge lake located 3,450 metres / 11,320 feet above sea level, the Danau Habbema is a great place to come for a scenic trek and contains some very precious Indonesia flora. The main ways to reach Lake Habbema are by taking guided treks from either Sinatma (via Walaek) or from Elagaima (Ibele). You are permitted to camp in this region, or alternatively, accommodation also comes in the form of local huts. Close by are various interesting caves, with the best including the Gua Simalak.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, charge for guides

Gua Kotilola / Gua Wosilimo

Address: Baliem Valley, Papua, Indonesia, ID
The caves of Gua Kotilola and Gua Wosilimo are both to be found on the eastern side of the Baliem Valley. There are a number of listed caves based in the rocky hills between Wosilimo and Jiwika, with the Gua Kotilola standing alongside the Dani compound and featuring a collection of old bones, from locals who lost their lives during the past tribal wars Relatively nearby, the Gua Wosilimo is a huge cave, stretching almost 900 metres / 2,950 feet in length and featuring some impressive stalagmites and stalactites, which date back more than 1,000 years. Native Dani people are available for guided tours of the Gua Wosilimo cave, although you will need to pay extra for a lamp.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, charge for guided tours

Anggi Lakes

Address: Pegunungan Arfak, Papua, Indonesia, ID
Located in Pegunungan Arfak, the Anggi Lakes comprises the Danau Gita (25 square kilometres / 10 square miles) and the Danau Giji (29 square kilometres / 11 square miles). The wonderful natural landmarks offers some truly wondrous scenery, indigenous wildlife and endless hiking trails, as well as the chance to enjoy a cooling swim and to meet the native Hatam and Manikom tribes. Treks to the lakes start at Ransiki and follow the meandering Momi River (Sungai Momi) lasting two or three days. The treks can either be undertaken with your own personal guide, or you can join a more affordable organised tour group. Local huts and similar accommodation options are available en route to the Anggi Lakes, for a small charge.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge for guides