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BACAKORAN.CO – The natural beauty of Papua never fails to amaze travelers. But this overland journey into the remote interior of Southwest Papua delivered an experience that felt much wilder, more exotic, and filled with unique cultural stories.
The trip started from Sorong heading to Teminabuan in South Sorong Regency, crossing the Trans-Papua Highway that cuts through dense jungle with steep ups and downs and long winding mountain roads.
Hidden at the end of this long journey lies Kali Sembra, a crystal-clear blue river with a very unique traditional rule: visitors are forbidden from using paddles.
Dramatic Journey Along the Trans-Papua Highway
The overland trip from Sorong to Teminabuan covers around 140–160 kilometers. Along the way, the scenery feels very different from other parts of Indonesia — thick tropical rainforest, winding roads, and sections of broken concrete that give it a true raw Papuan adventure feel.
Although challenging, the area is known to be relatively safe and far from conflict zones. South Sorong itself is nicknamed by locals as the “City of 100 Rivers” because almost the entire region is crossed by large, clear natural rivers.
Klamono: Historic Oil Town in the Middle of the Papua Jungle
On the way, the group passed through Klamono, one of the oldest oil-producing areas in Papua. Active oil drilling rigs can be seen operating 24 hours a day right beside the road. According to locals, oil exploitation here dates back to the Dutch colonial era. The sight of oil rigs standing tall in the middle of dense jungle creates a unique atmosphere rarely found elsewhere in Indonesia.
Kali Sembra and the Traditional Taboo That Still Holds
The main destination was Kali Sembra in Teminabuan District. This river is famous for its deep, striking blue yet incredibly clear water. The surroundings are peaceful, surrounded by lush green forest.
But what makes it truly special is the local custom that is still strictly followed: visitors are prohibited from using paddles or oars when riding boats or paddle boards.
According to longstanding beliefs, using physical paddles is thought to disturb the spirits living in the river and can trigger bad weather, such as prolonged storms. Therefore, visitors can only move the boat using their bare hands. This tradition is still respected by both locals and visitors.
The Legendary Ironwood Log Bridge
In the middle of the river lies a massive ironwood log stretching across the water. This log has a long history for the local community. It was reportedly cut down traditionally with axes in the 1980s and used as a bridge to cross to gardens on the other side of the village. Surprisingly, the ironwood log remains strong even after decades of exposure to water and weather.
Learning Papuan Culture at Rumah Etnik Aimas
After Teminabuan, the journey continued to Rumah Etnik Papua in Aimas. This place serves as a cultural miniature of Papua, displaying traditional houses from various tribes — from the iconic Honai house of the Dani people, the extreme tree houses of the Korowai, to the thousand-legged house from the Arfak Mountains. There’s also a small museum showcasing traditional weapons, noken bags, koteka, and Papuan fishing tools.
Before entering, the group also tried local cuisine — yellow rice with black sambal and fish floss, a popular dish in Aimas.
Saving Papua’s Endemic Wildlife at TWA Sorong
The trip ended with a visit to Taman Wisata Alam Sorong, a nearly 1,000-hectare conservation area that serves as a rehabilitation center for endemic Papuan animals rescued from illegal trade or surrendered by locals. Animals being cared for here include cockatoos, bayan parrots, black-capped lories, wallabies, and birds of paradise.
The area also features a Papuan orchid arboretum and ancient colonial-era resin trees.
Papua That Remains Wild and Full of Stories
This overland journey revealed a side of Southwest Papua that few travelers know about. It’s not just about incredibly beautiful nature, but also about strong cultural traditions, ancestral rules, and the deep connection between the people and their environment.
In the midst of rapid modernization, places like Kali Sembra remind us that parts of Indonesia still hold untouched wonders far from the outside world.
