INTRODUCTION
Welcome to our unique photo tour of the Baliem Festival, a vibrant and culturally rich event held annually in the Baliem Valley of Papua, Indonesia. This tour offers an extraordinary opportunity to capture the vivid traditions and fascinating lives of the local tribes, set against the stunning backdrop of the highlands.

Tour Highlights:

1. Cultural Immersion: The Baliem Festival is a spectacular showcase of the customs and traditions of the Dani, Lani, and Yali tribes. This is a rare chance to witness and photograph traditional war dances, intricate costumes, and unique rituals that have been preserved for generations.
2. Authentic Portraits: Our tour will provide intimate access to the local tribespeople, allowing you to capture compelling portraits that tell the story of their rich cultural heritage. From the expressive faces of the elders to the spirited energy of the young warriors, every shot will be a window into their world.
3. Action Photography: Experience the thrill of photographing dynamic performances and traditional ceremonies. The festival is filled with lively events, including mock battles, pig feasts, and traditional games, offering endless opportunities for action-packed and vivid photographs.
4. Guided Tours: Our knowledgeable guides, who have strong connections with the local communities, will facilitate interactions and ensure respectful and meaningful engagement with the tribes. They will also provide invaluable tips on how to best capture the essence of the festival through your lens.
5. Workshops and Feedback: Throughout the tour, we will conduct photography workshops and offer personalized feedback sessions. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a beginner, our team will help you enhance your skills and improve your techniques.
6. Scenic Landscapes: The Baliem Valley is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, from lush valleys to rugged mountains. Our tour will include excursions to capture the stunning natural beauty of the region, complementing the cultural portraits with scenic vistas.

Join us on this unforgettable journey to the Baliem Festival, where every frame will capture the essence of Papua’s rich culture. This photo tour promises not only to enrich your portfolio but also to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the diverse traditions and lifestyles of the local tribes.

DATE
6th - 10th August 2025

DURATION
5 days & 4 nights 

START
Wamena, West Papua, Indonesia

END
Wamena, West Papua, Indonesia

AIRPORT ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Wamena Airport (WMX)

SEASON
Dry

GROUP SIZE
5 - 8 not including the tour leader and driver

ACCOMMODATION
3 star hotels 

FITNESS LEVEL
Easy

LANGUAGE
English
​
TOUR LEADERS
​Francis Ansing  
Chaerul Umam

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

August 6 (Day 1) Arrival in Wamena
Morning
Fly into Wamena, the main town in the Baliem Valley. Transfer to Hotel: Check into your accommodation. Exploration of Wamena: Take a leisurely walk around Wamena town to get acquainted with the local culture and surroundings. Visit Wamena Market:

Afternoon
​Explore the local market for a taste of local life and to purchase traditional crafts. Dinner time. Enjoy a traditional Papuan meal at a local restaurant. Rest: Get a good night's sleep to prepare for the festival.

Meals: L, D
 
August 7 (Day 2) Baliem Festival Day 1
Morning
Festival Opening Ceremony: Attend the opening ceremony of the Baliem Festival, which includes traditional dances, music, and speeches.

Cultural Performances: Watch various traditional performances showcasing the rich culture of the Dani, Lani, and Yali tribes.
 
Afternoon:
War Simulation: Witness the famous mock tribal war, a highlight of the festival, which reenacts traditional tribal conflicts.
Traditional Games: Participate in or watch traditional games such as archery and spear throwing.
 
Evening:
Dinner: Have dinner at the festival grounds or return to Wamena for a meal.
Evening Performances: Enjoy evening performances of traditional songs and dances.

Meals: B, L, D

August 8 (Day 3) Baliem Festival Day 2
Morning:
Festival Activities: Continue enjoying the various cultural activities and demonstrations, including traditional cooking and weaving.
 
Afternoon:
Pig Feast: Witness a traditional pig feast, an important cultural and social event for the local tribes. Interaction with Tribes: Spend time interacting with the locals, learning about their customs and traditions.
 
Evening:
Dinner: Return to Wamena for dinner.
Relax: Relax and enjoy a quiet evening, perhaps reflecting on the day's experiences.

Meals: B, L, D

August 9 (Day 4) Dani Village
Morning:
Travel to Dani Village: Take a guided trip to a traditional Dani village. 2 hours driving
Village Tour: Explore the village, see traditional Dani homes (honai), and learn about their way of life.
 
Afternoon:
Cultural Immersion: Participate in village activities such as cooking, gardening, or traditional crafts. Stone Burning Ceremony: If possible, witness or participate in a stone burning ceremony, a traditional method of cooking. War Simulation Conceptual: Witness the famous mock tribal war, a highlight of the festival, which reenacts traditional tribal conflicts.
 
Evening:
Return to Wamena: Head back to Wamena.
Dinner: Enjoy a relaxing dinner in Wamena.
Rest: Rest and prepare for your final day.
 
Meals: B, L, D

August 10 (Day 5) Departure
Morning:
Last-minute Shopping: Visit the local market for any last-minute souvenirs. Leisure Time: Spend some leisure time at your hotel or exploring more of Wamena.
 
Afternoon:
Flight departure to your home country or stay longer for Sumba Island Photo Tour Extension

Meals: B 
 
Additional Tips:
Accommodation: Book your trip in advance, as the festival attracts many visitors.
Cultural Sensitivity: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, and ask for permission before taking photos of people.

TOUR COST
1950 USD or the equivalent in PHP (double / twin room rate)
​
2350 USD or the equivalent in PHP (single room rate) 
​
Monthly Installment Plan is available. Please enquire.

​WHAT'S INCLUDED?
✓ Double/twin accommodations for 4 nights 
✓ Full board meals
✓ Daily supply of bottled water
✓ Transportation service for 5 days
✓ National Park fees
✓ Camera, village and ceromony ticket fees
✓ Hotel-airport transfers
✓ 2 tour leaders 

NOT INCLUDED
X Accommodation outside the tour date 
X International flights 
X Return domestic flights to Wamena Airport
X Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and the likes
X Personal and incidental expenses
X Meals not stated in the inclusions
X Visa fees (if applicable)
X Travel insurance 
X Laundry 
​X Gratuity for drivers and local guides

PAYMENT AND RESERVATION
1. 500 USD or the equivalent in Php down payment or deposit is required upon registration. Down payment is non-refundable and non-transferable. 
2. Monthly installment plan is available. Please message us if you want to avail of this payment scheme. 
3. Down payment can be done using credit or debit cards. Click the "RESERVE NOW" link below.   
4. If you are paying the down payment via wire/bank transfer, please send it to any of the bank account below and e-mail the proof of payment to [email protected] or [email protected]. Indicate the following on your e-mail: your full name, photography tour name. 
5. After payment, please fill up this REGISTRATION FORM. 
6. We will send a receipt of payment and PDFs containing more information about the photo tour.  
7. The balance is required to be fully settled 90 days before the first day of the tour. You may send the balance through wire/bank transfer or using credit/debit cards via secure PayPal payment link. 

Tour Cost: 1,950 USD

Deposit: 500 USD

5 places left. Book your spot now.

RESERVE NOW

FOR BANK/WIRE TRANSFERS, PLEASE USE ANY OF THE ACCOUNTS BELOW

Bank: UnionBank of the Philippines (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Shutter Adventures Co
Account Number: 0005-8002-0812 
BIC/Swift Code: UBPHPHMM
Bank Code: 010419995

Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands (US DOLLAR ACCOUNT)  
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account: 3254-0482-07
BIC/Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Bank Code: 010040018

Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands (PESO ACCOUNT)  
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account: 9809-2077-33
BIC/Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Bank Code: 010040018

Bank: BDO, Unibank, Inc. (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account Number: 008180116757
BIC/Swift Code: BNORPHMM
Bank Code: 010530667
​
Paypal
[email protected]

G-Cash
Francis Ansing
09177302505

THINGS TO BRING
- Travel document (passport)
​- Comfortable clothes for 5 days
- Waterproof  jacket  
- Comfortable shoes or sandals
- Comfortable pants or shorts
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Personal medicines
​- Pocket money
​- Cellular phone
- Sunscreen lotion

CAMERA GEAR
- Camera body (mirrorless or DSLR)
- Lenses (ultra-wide, standard zoom, telephoto)
- Sturdy tripod
- Filters (CPL, NDs and GND)  
- Extra batteries
- Extra memory cards
- Rain protector
​- Laptop
- External hard drive

​Terms & Conditions

​​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)