12 Days 11 Nights
Indonesia
10
2
Herping in the Heart of Papua
These lush, biodiverse islands are home to an incredible array of reptiles and amphibians, including elusive monitor lizards, tree frogs, python and more.
Herping in the Heart of Papua is an unforgettable expedition that takes you across three of Raja Ampat’s most remarkable islands Waigeo, Batanta, and Salawati each with its own unique wildlife treasures.
On Waigeo, the largest island in Raja Ampat, dense rainforest meets turquoise waters, offering the chance to spot rare species like the stunning Varanus boehmei (golden-spotted tree monitor), the elusive green tree python, and the earless forest dragon. Night safaris here are magical, with the forest alive in every direction.
Batanta charms with its untouched trails and hidden waterfalls, where you may encounter the striking Varanus macraei (blue tree monitor), sailfin lizards, and a variety of forest dragons. Its smaller size and quieter atmosphere make wildlife encounters feel even more intimate.
Meanwhile, Salawati reveals a true sense of Papua’s wilderness, with vast lowland forests home to the graceful Varanus prasinus (green tree monitor) and rare birds like the western crowned pigeon. This is a land where wildlife still roams undisturbed, offering a glimpse into a thriving, untouched ecosystem.
From sunrise bird calls to the thrill of torchlight reflecting off reptile scales at night, this journey blends day and night herping with island-hopping adventure, delivering the very essence of Papua’s wild heart.
Gallery
Gallery
Overview
Overview
Herping in the Heart of Papua is a true wilderness adventure that combines the thrill of searching for reptiles and amphibians with the beauty of Raja Ampat’s most remote islands Waigeo, Salawati, and Batanta. Each island offers a different herping experience: Waigeo’s dense rainforest hides treasures like the golden-spotted tree monitor and green tree python; Salawati’s vast lowland jungles are home to the green tree monitor and the magnificent western crowned pigeon; while Batanta’s waterfalls and quiet forest trails host the stunning blue tree monitor and a variety of forest dragons.
Herping here is exciting both day and night in the daytime you may encounter monitors, forest dragons, sailfin lizards, and frogs along rivers and trails; at night, the forest comes alive with pythons, tree snakes, geckos, and nocturnal amphibians. Birdlife is equally rich, with the chance to spot hornbills, parrots, and even the legendary Birds of Paradise Wilson’s, Red, and King for those who are interested.
With no homestays in the area, the experience becomes even more special. You’ll camp right on pristine beaches or deep in untouched forest, falling asleep to the sound of waves or the night calls of the jungle. After herping sessions, you can jump straight into crystal-clear water for world-class snorkeling, exploring the vibrant marine life that Raja Ampat is famous for.
This is more than just a herping trip it’s a complete immersion into Papua’s wild heart, where every moment, from sunrise bird calls to torch-lit reptile encounters, is pure adventure.
Itinerary
Itinerary Expand All
Day 1 Arrival in Sorong – Transfer to Waigeo
- Airport pick-up in Sorong.
- Transfer by ferry to Waisai, Waigeo Island.
- Boat transfer to Yenbekaki Village.
- Evening orientation and night walk to spot nocturnal reptiles.
Day 2 North waigeo : Varanus boehmei trip & other wildlife
- Day & Night Herping: Search for the stunning Varanus boehmei and other reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
- Explore rainforest trails and mangrove, stream areas.
- Optional Birding: Early morning trek to see the Red Bird-of-Paradise.
- Additional Activity: Snorkeling in nearby coral reefs.
Day 3 North waigeo : Varanus boehmei trip & other wildlife
- Day & Night Herping: Search for the stunning Varanus boehmei and other reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
- Explore rainforest trails and mangrove, stream areas.
- Optional Birding: Early morning trek to see the Red Bird-of-Paradise.
- Additional Activity: Snorkeling in nearby coral reefs.
Day 4 North waigeo : Varanus boehmei trip & other wildlife
- Day & Night Herping: Search for the stunning Varanus boehmei and other reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
- Explore rainforest trails and mangrove, stream areas.
- Optional Birding: Early morning trek to see the Red Bird-of-Paradise.
- Additional Activity: Snorkeling in nearby coral reefs.
- afternoon transfer to batanta
- Night Herping for green Python
Day 5 North Batanta : Varanus Macraei trip & other wildlife
- Pick Local guide in amdui
- transfer to north batanta, set camp
- short walk around camp site
- snorkeling optional
- Night herping
Day 6 North Batanta : Varanus Macraei trip & other wildlife
- Day & Night Herping: Search for Varanus macraei (Blue Tree Monitor) and other reptiles.
- Optional Birding: Early morning visit to see Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise.
- Explore coastal forest and rivers for diverse herpetofauna.
Day 9 North Batanta : Varanus Macraei trip & other wildlife
- Day & Night Herping: Search for Varanus macraei (Blue Tree Monitor) and other reptiles.
- Optional Birding: Early morning visit to see Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise.
- Explore coastal forest and rivers for diverse herpetofauna.
- Transfer to salawati
- set a camp
- Night Herping for green python and other nocturnal wildlife
Day 10 Salawati Island: Varanus prasinus & Green Python
- Day & Night Herping: Target Varanus prasinus (Emerald Tree Monitor) and Morelia viridis.
- Optional Birding: Spot the King Bird-of-Paradise.
- Optional snorkeling : afternoon snorkeling around campsite
Day 11 Salawati Island: Varanus prasinus, green python and other species
- Day & Night Herping: Target Varanus prasinus (Emerald Tree Monitor) and Morelia viridis.
- Optional Birding: Spot the King Bird-of-Paradise.
- Optional snorkeling : afternoon snorkeling around campsite
Day 12 Salawati Island: Varanus prasinus, green python and other species
- Day & Night Herping: Target Varanus prasinus (Emerald Tree Monitor) and Morelia viridis.
- Optional Birding: Spot the King Bird-of-Paradise.
- afternoon transfer to waigeo
- stay overnight in waigeo
- Night herping for green python and other species
- morning transfer to Waisai port morning ferry
Cost Info
Cost Info
Price includes
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport
- Boat Tours to and from
- Food all along the trip (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea)
- Accommodation ( Homestay and Tent )
- Local Guide during the trip
- All the required permits and Entrance fee
- ferry ticket
Price excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Hotel Expenses
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
- Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent
- Emergency expenses
FAQ
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