WEST PAPUA + SUMBA Island
12 DAYS
24 PEOPLE
3790 EURO
12 days
30.09.2026 - 11.10.2026
GROUP
24 people
DATES
April 27 to May 8, 2024
A journey to one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
West Papua is located in the far east of Indonesia, on the island of New Guinea. We have conducted around two dozen diverse expeditions in Papua and have been visiting regularly since 2008. We will do our best to show you just how unique this place is — both its people and its nature.
Especially how beautiful, чисте, and incredibly stunning the sea is here, along with its inhabitants. Here, we can guarantee you an exclusive experience — to swim with whale sharks as close as possible and for as long as possible. You don’t need to be specially trained divers for this. You just need a mask, a snorkel, and fins. Put your face in the water, and in front of you appears an incredible underwater world: whale sharks, rays, turtles, and many other unusual creatures.
We will sit on snow-white beaches with not a soul around and feel like true explorers. The local islands and underwater world are so magnificent that these spots are considered among the top destinations for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts worldwide.
But we will begin our journey at another remarkable destination — the island of Sumba, untouched by mass tourism, where the landscapes evoke both Africa and Polynesia: golden savannahs, dramatic ocean coastlines, herds of wild horses, and ancient megalithic villages.
The island still keeps alive the traditions of the ancient Marapu religion. Stone tombs, rituals, and traditional architecture have been preserved here for centuries. The villages look the same as they did hundreds of years ago, and life flows at the slow rhythm of nature.
Our expedition will consist of three parts. First, we will gather on the Island of the Gods — Bali — to recover from the long flights; from there we will fly for four days to Sumba to explore the western part of this fascinating island. After that we will return to Bali to fly to the far west of Indonesia — to West Papua, where during a 5-day expedition we will discover logistically challenging yet incredibly beautiful places: Kaimana and Triton Bay.
This action-packed journey is being organized for the first time as part of the major expeditions by Paganel Studio and we are thrilled to show you the most hidden and beautiful corners of our Universe.
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Flight Bali Isl. – Tambolaka (Sumba Isl.);
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Flight Tambolaka (Sumba Isl.) – Bali Isl.;
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Flight Bali Isl. – Makassar;
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Flight Makassar – Sorong (Papua);
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Flight Sorong – Kaimana;
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Flight Kaimana – Sorong;
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Flight Sorong – Makassar;
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Flight Makassar – Bali;
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boat rental with crews during the expedition to Kaimana and Triton Bay;
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accommodation in 4–5* hotels on Bali Island;
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Comfortable resorts with private bungalows on Sumba Island and in Triton Bay (twin/double occupancy);
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Meals: breakfasts during the stay on Bali;
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Meals: breakfasts and lunches during the Sumba Island expedition;
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Meals: breakfasts, lunches, and dinners during the expedition through West Papua;
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all airport transfers per the travel program (if you arrive and depart on the dates specified in the program);
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sightseeing excursions by vehicle on Bali Island;
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guided excursion activities on Sumba Island per the program;
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car and bus rental, fuel, and driver services;
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entrance tickets to entertainment events included in the program;
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entrance tickets and permits to all National Parks included in the program;
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services of local guides and helpers throughout the expedition route;
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services of English-speaking team leaders from Paganel Studio.
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international flights to Indonesia and back;
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single room supplement;
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personal travel insurance;
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meals not included in the program;
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tips for Indonesian driver-guides and boat crews (approximately $ 50 for the entire trip).
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snorkeling gear: mask, snorkel, fins (we will be in a very remote location and rental equipment will most likely not be available).
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swimwear and a quick-dry towel;
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footwear for light trekking in hot conditions with non-slip soles;
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reef shoes;
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light long hiking pants and a long-sleeved shirt to protect against scratches from tree branches and thorns;
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a hat or cap;
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sufficient underwear for hot and humid climate;
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sunglasses;
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sunscreen with SPF at least SPF 50;
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insect repellent.
1. Our company operates as an international travel organizer, therefore groups are formed from travelers from Ukraine, the Baltic countries, the EU, Israel, North America, and other countries. The working languages of the trip are Ukrainian, Russian, and English, depending on the group composition and translation arrangements. Each guide speaks Ukrainian, and in personal communication we respond in the language of the inquiry. If a 100 percent Ukrainian-language trip is essential for you, please уточнюйте this before booking. The company does not cooperate with citizens of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.
2. Due to the fact that our expeditions do not include international flights to the starting point of the program, we cannot be held responsible for changes in flight conditions by airlines or airport requirements. Since our travelers fly from many different countries and cities, we never participate in the purchase of air travel and limit ourselves exclusively to advisory services in the selection of flights. Air agents or airlines from which tickets were purchased are responsible for the purchase and technical support.
ROUTE
Bali ➙ Tambolaka ➙ Bali ➙ Sorong ➙ Kaimana ➙ Triton Bay ➙ Kaimana ➙ Sorong ➙ Bali
ITINERARY
Day 1
(30.09.26)
Arrival at Bali Island, Denpasar Airport (DPS). Transfer to the Ubud area (central part of the island). Check-in for the next 2 nights at a comfortable and cozy 4* hotel. Free time to relax.
Day 2
(01.10.26)
Our first encounter with the unique island culture of Bali. We wake up early, have breakfast, grab our swimwear, board the minivans waiting for us, and head to one of the most sacred temples on Bali — Tirta Empul.
The temple complex was built in 962 AD in honor of the god Vishnu. On its grounds stands a famous and legendary spring which, according to Hindu beliefs, heals illness and purifies not only the body but also the soul.
Upon arrival at the temple we listen to the guides’ instructions, receive special sarongs for the temple visit and bathing, change, and go to cleanse our souls and bodies. First we bathe in the springs to relieve stress, purify karma, and restore harmony between husband and wife, then we immerse ourselves in the most sacred springs to lift all curses and cleanse the chakras.
After the sacred ritual bathing we drive to the rice terraces with their iconic Instagram-worthy vistas, the postcard image of Bali, and take in their beauty. We stroll around for about an hour
From there we head to a very special venue, where we enjoy a one-hour sound healing session inside specially built pyramids, accompanied by world-class musicians.
We will restore your senses and tune you to the right vibrations! Please try not to fall asleep or snore — let’s not embarrass the Paganels during the sound healing ceremony ;)
Next we drive to central Ubud, where you will have free time to have lunch or simply wander through the streets and shops.
We return to the hotel, rest a little, shower, pool. In the evening we meet at the hotel reception at 18:00. We board the waiting minivans.
We head to one of the temples of Ubud. On the program we have a visit to a traditional Balinese theatre, where we watch the iconic trance dance performance — the Kecak dance.
In the evening we return to the hotel. Dinner. Rest.
(meals: Breakfast included)
Day 3
(02.10.26)
We wake up early. Breakfast. Morning coffee. We pack our bags and luggage. Transfer to Denpasar Airport, flight to Sumba Island. We arrive approximately at midday at Tambolaka (Sumba Island), collect our luggage, meet the local guide, and board the waiting minivans. We head straight out for our first sightseeing day on the island.
We visit the local history museum of Sumba — Rumah Budaya Sumba — and the Talasi Estate Factory, where we will see how cashew nuts and the island’s famous coffee varieties are grown.
Then we go for lunch, and after lunch we drive approximately one hour to our beachfront hotel, where after checking into our lovely bungalows we can rest, relax, and swim.
The hotel is built in the local authentic style, which makes for a very interesting aesthetic. The hotel features a large pool, restaurant, and bar.
On the beach in front of the hotel, local horses often come to bathe in the beautiful sea at sunset — a wondrous sight and a unique feature of Sumba Island.
We dine independently at the hotel restaurant. After dinner we all gather for the traditional “Paganel Meet & Greet Evening”, with the distribution of expedition T-shirts and badges.
(meals: breakfast and lunch included)
Day 4
(03.10.26)
We wake up. Breakfast. Coffee. We take our light trekking shoes, swimwear, towels, and cameras. We meet our local guide at reception, board the minivans, and head deep into Sumba Island. We have a big and packed day ahead.
First, about 2 hours of driving to the traditional ancient village of Prai Ijing, located in the highlands.
Prai Ijing village is considered one of the most picturesque and culturally significant attractions in the region. Its uniqueness lies in the combination of ancient traditions, the unusual “three worlds” architecture, and its remarkable setting.
The “three worlds” architecture: Traditional Uma Kelada houses have tall thatched roofs that can reach up to 15 meters in height. According to local beliefs, the house is divided into three levels: the undercroft for livestock (the animal world), the living quarters (the human world), and the high roof where sacred relics are kept and the spirits of ancestors “live” (the world of the gods).
This is not an open-air museum but a living settlement. The traditional way of life is still honored here: women weave the famous Sumbanese ikat textile, and ritual ceremonies are held in the village.
After visiting the village we drive another 30 minutes to Lapopu Waterfall. We leave the minivans in the parking area and grab our swimwear and towels.
A short 20–30 minute trek to the beautiful waterfall. There is no need to rush. We swim for about an hour, enjoy life, and take photos. After swimming we return to the vehicles and drive to a lovely spot for lunch.
After lunch we visit another small but beautiful waterfall nestled among rice terraces.
We head back toward the hotel and arrive at our cozy beachfront bungalows by evening. Independent dinner. Rest.
(meals: breakfast and lunch included)
Day 5
(04.10.26)
We wake up. Breakfast. Coffee. We grab our swimwear, towels, hats, and cameras again. We board the minibuses and continue exploring Sumba Island.
Our first stop today is Weekuri Lagoon — a natural lagoon with
crystal-clear saltwater. This is of course a spot for swimming, so we change and go for a swim.
After the lagoon we stop at Mandorak Beach — a beautiful cove nestled between limestone cliffs. Those who wish can also swim here.
After swimming we return to our hotel for lunch at the restaurant. We freshen up. Shower. Half an hour to rest. Then we jump back into the minibuses and head to another iconic destination on Sumba — Ratenggaro Village.
Ratenggaro Village is considered one of the most photogenic and culturally significant traditional villages in Indonesia. Its uniqueness lies in the combination of ancient architecture, megalithic traditions, and an exceptional setting.
The village is famous for its traditional uma mbatangu houses. Their tower-shaped thatched roofs reach up to 15–20 meters in height, a record for the island. The height of the roof symbolizes the owner’s status and closeness to the ancestral spirits.
We enjoy the evening and sunset at one of the nearby beaches of our choosing. After sunset we return to the hotel. Independent dinner. Rest.
(meals: breakfast and lunch included)
Day 6
(05.10.26)
We wake up. Breakfast. Coffee. We pack. Check out of the hotel. We board the minivans and drive approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to the airport. Check in. Fly to Bali. Upon arrival in Bali around 13:00 our local drivers meet us. We load our luggage again and drive to central Kuta, where we have a few hours of free time to have lunch independently, browse the shops, and grab a coffee. Around 18:00 we all head together back to Denpasar Airport. We check in for our flight to Papua via Makassar. Night flight.
(meals: breakfast included)
Day 7
(06.10.26)
At 6 in the morning we arrive on the island of New Guinea in the city of Sorong. We collect our luggage and check in again for the next short flight to the city of Kaimana. While waiting for our flight we can have breakfast independently at the airport. The flight takes another 1 hour 20 minutes.
Upon arrival in Kaimana at midday, we go for lunch and then transfer to the port. There, several boats reserved for our group are waiting. We load our gear on board and set off into the wind, the warm sea, and hundreds of islands!
Triton Bay in the Kaimana Regency (West Papua) is considered one of the last “hidden paradises” on the planet, due to its extreme remoteness and incredible biodiversity.
This place is part of the “Coral Triangle” and rivals Raja Ampat in the number of fish and soft coral species. In 2008 the area was declared a protected marine zone.
It is home to more than 76% of the world’s shallow reef-building coral species, 37% of reef fish species, 50% of razor clam species, six of the world’s seven sea turtle species, and the largest mangrove forest on Earth.
It is also called the “Amazon of the Seas”.
Although it covers only 1.6% of the planet’s ocean area, this region contains 76% of all known coral species in the world.
By speedboat to our cozy resort, located in one of the bays, the journey takes about 2 hours. Along the way we make several stops at beautiful spots.
We swim a lot. We snorkel. We explore these wild and incredibly beautiful places.
Upon arriving at the bay where our small resort is located, you understand that this is probably what a place in paradise looks like. A perfectly clear sea. Snow-white sand. Mountains and jungle all around.
Cockatoos and birds of paradise fly overhead. The bungalows sit right on the beach. The rooms are fairly simple but have all the essentials including air conditioning, which runs from evening until morning. In these very remote locations electricity is still quite a challenge.
However, there is good internet here (thanks to Starlink) so you will always stay connected.
We check into our bungalows. Look around. Swim. Lounge on the beach Now you understand why this is called the “Last Hidden Paradise”.
You can grab a mask, fins, and snorkel and explore the nearby reefs. Coral gardens begin right at your bungalow doorstep. Rest. Dinner.
(meals: lunch and dinner included)
Day 8
(07.10.26)
Early rise. Early breakfast. After breakfast we grab our swimwear, hats, towels, snorkeling gear, and sunscreen, board our speedboats, and race for about an hour to swim with whale sharks. This magical experience is how our wonderful day begins.
One of the main highlights of Triton Bay is the whale sharks, which are frequently spotted near the fishing platforms (bagans). Unlike many other destinations, encounters here happen in the most natural and secluded setting imaginable.
The fishermen feed the local whale sharks with small fish and shrimp caught in the surrounding waters, so we are guaranteed to see them, swim alongside them, photograph them, and capture unique footage. The key is to arrive at the right spot early in the morning when the sharks are hungry and come for their breakfast.
You can encounter 3–4 sharks at the same time.
We then continue exploring Triton Bay and enjoy the pristine nature and pearly sands of wild beaches. Lunch (lunch boxes).
After lunch we land on several different wild beaches, where the sand merges with the azure sea, and the water with the sky. We snorkel, swim, revel in life, and watch the sunset.
These places are extraordinary, and you want to savor every single minute spent in the incredibly beautiful Papuan wilderness.
Full of impressions we return to our resort. Shower. Dinner. Rest.
(Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 9
(08.10.26)
Today is a full and incredibly beautiful day. A not-so-early wake-up and breakfast. After breakfast we take everything we need, board our boats, and spend the whole day exploring another part of Triton Bay.
First we visit the Pink Beach, where the sand appears pink due to the abundance of red corals in the surrounding waters. It is truly stunning.
We also visit the spot called Aquarium, where we will snorkel. The name alone tells you how extraordinary this place is. An incredible abundance of fish, corals, and breathtaking underwater landscapes — all you need to do is put your masked face into the water.
After swimming we board the speedboat again and race to Ermun Beach, where we swim and have lunch with the lunch boxes we brought from the resort.
We then spend about 2 hours making our way back with stops along the route. Tired and saturated with impressions, we return to the resort.
Shower. Watch the sunset. Lounge on the resort beach. Dinner. Rest.
(meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Day 10
(09.10.26)
Today we have a free day when you can do nothing — sleep until noon, sunbathe, swim, and snorkel near our resort, or simply explore the surroundings.
Alternatively, you can optionally charter a boat for a few people and cruise around the neighboring islands and coral reefs.
Divers can also optionally book a diving program, as Triton Bay is considered a mecca for beautiful diving.
In the evening we gather at the resort for dinner. Sharing impressions and photos.
(meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Day 11
(10.10.26)
We wake up and have breakfast. A final swim. We check out of the resort, load our belongings into the boats, and bid farewell to this magnificent place as we set off toward the town of Kaimana. The return journey takes about 2 hours.
Upon arriving at the port we say goodbye to our local guide and speedboat crew — making sure to leave tips — and transfer to the minivans. Transfer to the airport. Flight to Sorong, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. We collect our luggage, check in again, and fly to Bali with a stopover in the city of Makassar. Evening arrival at Denpasar Airport. We collect our luggage, load it into the waiting minivans. Transfer to the Nusa Dua area. Check-in at the hotel 5*.
Independent dinner at the hotel. Rest.
(meals: breakfast included)
Each room is a separate villa with its own private pool. Independent dinner at the hotel. Sharing impressions and photos from the expedition to West Papua. Rest.
(Meals: breakfast included)
Day 12
(11.10.26)
We wake up. Breakfast. Pack our things. Check out of the hotel. Say farewell to each other and to the guides. Tears of parting. We bid Indonesia and Bali goodbye. The expedition is over. Transfer to the airport.
Flight home…
(meals: breakfast included)
We are unique
For many years, we have been traveling the world to our small planet's most remote and unusual places. We do not use the services of domestic travel agencies. The trips we invent and carry out are always unique and have their unique zest, charm, and adventurous spirit.
WHY WITH PAGANEL?
Creation
The first thing that interests us is creativity in everything. During the expeditions, we shoot a lot of videos, take pictures, write stories, draw pictures. If you are interested in a creative approach to life and travel, then WELCOME... we are very happy to meet you!
Interest
By joining our team, you join a kind of club-family, which already consists of several hundred people who are interested in discovering the world with us.
Since most of the expenses for the organization of the trip are air tickets and travel documents for other types of transport, accommodation, excursions, services of local companies and guides, etc. are not refundable in case of your cancellation of the trip. We simply have no way to return it.
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