Jefalgi Papua Tours
Jefalgi Papua Tours
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City ToursCultural ToursHiking & Camping ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
About
provides tour & travel packages Baliem Valley Trekking tour, Korowai tribe adventure, Raja Ampat dive, Jayapura, Scuba Dive and snorkel, Hiking, Sightseeing, Birds watching, Mamberamo river tour, Beaches in the beautiful country of Papua. Come & explore the exotic culture and nature of Papua with your local agent in Papua.
Jayapura, Indonesia
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles62 reviews
Excellent
52
Very good
8
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1

Tomasz K
Żary1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2017 • Friends
First of all, I have to tell, that I never expected such a professional support and leading of the expedition, like it was done by Olfied. This 52-year guy was not only interested to show us the real inhabitants from the rainforest, who you can not see anywhere else, but he was always trying to understand our point of view, the reason of our questions. About the organization, there are no weak points!! First, the Olfied's team: Aser (the Korowai guide), Simson, the head of porters and the other porters and people helping us was focused on the target: to make the client content and follow the clients needs. The journey was prepared perfectly, we never felt, that something went wrong.
Olfied told us many interesting stories about himself, the country, people and their habits. He was always on "stand by" for us. For Olfied there are no impossible wishes from our side.
To the Korowai expedition, for me personally, it was too short, but it depends on our the arrangement between us and the agency. IMHO a week by Korowai could be the perfect time.
The Baliem Valley has unfortunately nothing to do with the wild tribes. Of course, you can see the Dani culture, but this is not way, they life. It's still interesting to hear about their culture, see the simulation of the real battle, watch the tribal dancing and the people in their original cloths (actually without;-)). So, if you want to see the wild tribes, forget about Baliem Valley. You have to go to Korowai at least.

Tomasz from Poland, 05.03.2017
Written March 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Tomasz, Hope it is not too late to say thanks for sharing a great experience you had to all users of Trip Advisor, the review even short you published at Trip Advisor is very important to us as a local agent in Papua and especially to all travelers in the world. See you in the next trip with Jefalgi Papua Tours.
Written August 17, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Anna Z
Hamburg, Germany81 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2018 • Friends
Me, my boyfriend and 4 our friends had less than 2 days to organise trip to Baliem Valley from Sorong (April 2018). We send an email to JAFALGI Tours Papua and Athan answered very fast, so we still had time to buy proper equipment and plane tickets. Contact with Athan was great despite telecommunications problems. He did what he could to find a reception to receive a copy of the photos and documents needed to complete the permits. Next day we met him in Jayapura and he explained us everything about the trip. In Wamena we were welcomed by local guide Gustu who took care of us during all 4 days trip. Gustu and his Team were absolutely brilliant. Drivers tooke care of our safe and comfortable journey; Sudim our porter carried our backpacks, helped us cross the river, he hold my hand on the muddy path, he prepared snacks for us and he was a great companion. Our guide Gustu is very well organised person, with positive attitude and great sense of humor. He has very good relationship with Dani people and great knowledge about Baliem Valley and Wamena. The time spent with people in villages was precious, we never met people like that before. The trip was absolutely mind-blowing experience - beautiful landscapes, amazing people and great organisation. Thank you Athan (Jefalgi Papua Tours) and Gustu for wonderful lifetime experience.
Written April 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Anna, Greetings from Lovely Papua. Thank you very much for sharing your travel experience you had to our team of Jefalgi Papua Tours with others travelers here on Trip Advisor. We love to read that you enjoyed all the destinations in the itinerary and activities 100% without having to think about who we are! that the itinerary suited you perfectly. Because that is exactly what we want for you, our past guests and next future guests . I can say your visit to Papua and west Papua has been helping a lot of people. With limited facilities and infrastructure are available during your travels in Papua we've done our best to get the best experience by our destination in Baliem Valley-Papua, we are very happy because you were able to accept very limited local conditions and you've got the best service from us during trekking in Papua. Again thanks for the reviews that have been written on Trip Advisor. Hopefully more and more travelers be able to plan their trips to visit Papua and contributed much to the local people in Papua, especially in remote areas in Wamena Baliem Valley. Much hope we can meet again on another day in the more exciting adventure with our team Jefalgi Papua Tours.
Written January 17, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

AniaWarszawa
Warsaw, Poland6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2017 • Friends
I was with Jefalgi Papua Tours at the Korowai tribe and the Baliem Valley in II.2017 during 11 days. The choice was difficult because it is difficult to decide on the distance of a good guide. But I decided first of all: a very good e-mail contact with the Athan. The answers to my many questions answered patiently, and tips and advice were invaluable. It was very reliable and professional help, and then the organization. The choice was difficult from the other end of the world - if there are many guides, but there are only few reviews.

Especially I recommend the guide Olfied. Very professional person. Everything was very well organized, there were no problems. Olfied has very strong knowledgeable about the area, tells interesting stories and has a great contact with people. He helps and cares about everyone.
11 days to visit the Korowai tribe and the Baliem Valley is too short. A better solution is an extended stay in the jungle than in the Baliem Valley. Korowai tribe is very friendly (we all still live, they do not eat us 😊). Due to the short time trip, every day we were on the trekking. It lacked even 1 or 2 days to spend time in one hamlet.

The expedition is not cheap, but worth it and you have to come here and see the last place of wildlife and wild nature and the people who live here without the achievements of civilization. This is a real return to the past. Although the Valley Baliem disappointed me. Next time I would like go on trekking only into the jungle and tribes.
Written March 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ania, Almost unbelievable to read the review from you. Hope it is not too late to say thanks again for sharing a great experience you had to all users of Trip Advisor, the review you published is very important to a local agent in Papua like us and to all travelers. See you in the next trip with Jefalgi Papua Tours.
Written August 17, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

pickynousse
Paris, France1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2018 • Solo
I traveled last march.I paid 6000 USD for 18 days.It was a rip off.I saw 2 Koroway men,three women 2 Dani with a few women, and 1 bird of paradise....The canoe which took me to Mabul was very uncomfortable ,At that price I was not allowed a speed boat.
I was given no rubber mattress for the tent but a dirty blanket.From Mabul I got a dirty mattress full of acariens which bit all over..My guide Nicky very lazy;Every time I wanted to see an other koroway family he found excuses not to go.I was in better form than him.The porters helped him to cross the rivers on logs;The other excuse was my age which I nothing to do.Very very disappointed trip.I was in Irian Jaya in 1986 no guide MUCH BETTER.Ethan did not even bother to come and say good bye to me;;though he was at the airport!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Written April 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Sophie, How are you.. many thank to review us on this site of Tripadvisor. We appreciated your writing for dissatisfaction during our trip with us. Comfort, satisfaction and safety are the main priorities for us. If there is something that is not in line with your wishes, then there is something that we can not do, We are very concerned about your age and ability so we are always extra careful to do better while in the forest. The situation, conditions and availability of equipment while in the middle of the forest is certainly different in the city. Of course all equipment will be dirty because the trip is a type of adventure not a city tour. All of these things we have explained before to you, remember your age which is very vulnerable to dissatisfaction. Of all that has happened to you, we apologize for dissatisfaction while staying with us. Thank you for your understanding. Long life and healthy health always throughout the day. Lord Jesus always bless you and family members. With love and smile from our team.
Written January 17, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

SinYit88
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2015 • Solo
I am a solo female traveler and visited West Papua to witness the Baliem Valley Festival. I always wanted to visit West Papua, Indonesia. It’s my neighboring country but yet too far and not easy to reach (3 flights to reach Wamena!!!). In view of West Papua is not a popular tourist destination, it’s a bit difficult to get the updated travel information. Finally I’ve made up my mind and started searching for a reliable tour operator to plan the trip. I found Jefalgi Papua Tours and their website is showing lots of information about West Papua, various types of tours to suite different kind of travelers needs and detailed itineraries with price quoted. I dropped a note to their website and got prompt reply from the person-in-charged, Athan. Athan patiently answered all my enquiries about the arrangement of flight, date, festival, trekking matters, etc. Even though I’ve paid for the deposit but still keep on searching for the positive reviews about this tour company. Yes, I was not convinced till I finally managed to find positive reviews about this tour operator and Athan’s professional service. So, in the end, I paid for the 7 days Trekking and Baliem Valley Festival trip. Almost forgot, they always welcome solo traveler to join their tour!

Athan was there to receive his clients including me at the Jayapura airport and helped us to transfer to the next flight to Wamena. Once touched down Wamena, our Tour guide Herriman was already there. My 7 days trip had started with trekking. The trekking is not a difficult one but a chance for us to reach locals' villages to have a glance of their daily life. Herriman speaks English, very knowledgeable about West Papua. Through my observation, found that he knows the locals quite well and cares for them. We were arranged to stay at the local house and it’s a great opportunity to have in-depth understanding about life of the locals. The lunch box they served is more like home cook food to me which definitely can keep your stomach full to have all the energy to continue with the trek. Have no complaint about the food.

The highlight of this trip is the Baliem Valley Festival which last for several days. A lot of tourist, photographer were gathered there to witness the annual festival participated by different local indigenous tribes. We can choose to sit there to watch the performance, singing and dance by the local or we can even go down to the field to get closer, nearer to the local. Before the trip, I’ve checked with Athan how many days we should attend the festival. He said 1 day is enough thru his past experience with his clients. True enough unless we are obsessed with the performance.

The tour also included spending a day or two to explore Wamena and Jayapura. All the activities highlighted in the itinerary were followed. Accommodation wise (what I mean is hotel here) is far better than what I’ve expected.

My trip at West Papua ended perfectly with the superb arrangement by Jefalgi Papua Tour and the team. They have shown fantastic hospitality and delivered quality service. Most important, you can feel their passionate about the land of West Papua throughout the conversation along the trip. Awesome.
Written May 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You have done well, is very useful to us much appreciated for sharing your unbelievable experience you had in the world's largest travel site of Trip Advisor. We are happy because you were satisfied with our service. We are very happy because you were able to accept local conditions! Finally thank you very much for choosing us as your best partner in Papua. Best wishes from Team of Jefalgi Papua Tours a small tour operator but recognized and trusted by many travelers.
Written May 24, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

AustrianinAsia
Singapore, Singapore154 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019
We did the 7d/6n tour with Ridwan from Jefalgi Tours which was a combination of trekking and staying with locals on one side and the Baliem Festival on the other.

The first three days were challenging, interesting, amazing. We did quite a bit of hiking (at times tough since rain made the paths slippery), we got to know the locals better, we stayed overnight in huts of Papuans, enjoyed local food and appreciated fantastic views over the Baliem Valley

The Baliem festival was the higlight of the second half of the week. To be part of a festival which is actually meant for locals was a privilge. It was simply amazing to see their rituals, some historical plays and their traditions.

Our group consisted of only 3 tourists (a real boutique travel group) and Ridwan was a knowledgable and very considerate guide who was basically here for us 24/7

Such a tour is not cheap but a life-experience and we can highly recommend Jefalgi and Ridwan if you consider booking a tour in West Papua
Written August 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Hans, It is very useful to us, much appreciated for sharing your unbelievable experience you had in the world's largest travel site of Trip Advisor. We are very happy because you were able to accept local conditions! Finally thank you very much for choosing us as your best partner in Papua. Best wishes from Team of Jefalgi Papua Tours a small tour operator but recognized and trusted by many travelers.
Written August 27, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

hessud
Helsinki, Finland53 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019 • Friends
Me and my friend had an 8-day trip to Koroway at the end of November and I have to give big thanks to Jefalgi and Athan for arrangements and even bigger thanks to our guide and cook Usman who took care of everything by himself during the trip and was really helpful for fulfilling our wishes and explained a lot about local tribes and history. 🙏🙏

We flied first from Jayapura to Dekai, stayed over night there in a hotel (quite decent place with air con, taken into account that we were in the middle of Papua) and continued to Mabul next morning by harbour chief’s speed boat. In Mabul we spent one night in head porter’s home and started our jungle journey next morning along with 6 Korowayan porters (4 women, 2 of them carrying also their babies, and 2 men).

We were lucky that it hadn’t rained a lot lately (it actually didn’t rain at all during day time during our trip) so trekking in the jungle was rather easy although it was still muddy (rubber boots were a must!). We met original Koroway people as expected and spent a few nights on their small villages (2 different places). We were also allowed to visit their three houses and follow their daily activities like sago processing and they showed us how to make a trap for wild boars etc. People were very friendly throughout the trip and everything went ok without problems. Really extraordinary experience, I have to say! 👊🏻

Especially I’d like to thank Jefalgi and Usman for the one extra day of guiding in Jayapura as our flight to Sorong (with Sriwijaya Air, avoid if possible, they cancel flights often!!) was cancelled without any notice or email. 🙏🙏🙏

Few tips/things to take into account if going there:

- Jungle is very hostile environment for white people. It’s really hot, humid and full of blood sucking horseflies and mosquitos. Wear long trousers and long sleeve shirt and cover your neck with scarf etc. at least while trekking.
- Use efficient (factor 50) sun screen especially during the boat trip. The sun is really violent on equator and you can’t see or feel the burning skin until it’s too late. I know. 🤨
- Drinking water is taken from the river during the trek and it needs to be boiled. It means that:
• the amount of water is limited, so don’t waste it
• it’s hot if it hasn’t cooled down over the night (it’s practical to pour extra tea/coffee water to a hot resistant water bottle to cool down for the next day)
• it tastes slightly bad, so you just need to accept it 😳
- Take antibacteria powder with you. Even small wounds/blisters don’t heal easily there and powder works best as it keeps the wound dry.
- Bring head lamp. You’ll need it!
Written November 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Jani and Heikki - Finland Thank you very much for taking the time to write about your great experience you had during stayed with Jefalgi Papua Tours. It is very usefull for us to convince all travelers about Papua and Jefalgi Papua Tours.
Written December 3, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

katefraug
Warsaw, Poland5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2018 • Couples
We have booked 6 days Baliem trekking tour with Jefalgi Papua Tours. We stayed 2 nights in Baliem Pilamo hotel and 3 nights at local people houses in the mountains in sleeping bags provided by Jefalgi Papua Tours.

The whole trip was very well organized, the trekking started in Wamena, then we went to Ugem, Syokosimo and Kilise and back to Wamena. We hiked up and down about 6 hours a day with a local English speaking guide, Hariman and four porters/cooks. Our guide was a fantastic person with a great knowledge about the local culture and a very friendly and warm person. The team was very helpful and strong. They carried all the equipment and also helped us at more difficult parts of the trekking.

We have unforgettable memories from the trekking and would recommend to anyone who likes adventures.

We also recommend Jefalgi Papua Tours as a reliable and very professional tour operator.
Written January 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Erika W
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2017 • Couples
My boyfriend and I did a trekking in the Baliem Valley in September 2017 for four days. It was a really special experience!

When we got back to Holland after three months of travelling, a lot of people asked what our most favourite thing was. Our world trip was one big adventure, but the trekking in Papua was the most memorable!!

Everything was really well prepared by Jefalgi. Our guide (Herriman) was super knowledgeable, kind and good company. And so of the rest of the team. The food was delicious and the places to stay were amazing. Dont expext any luxury its about the experience to stay with the locals.

We can recommend this trip to everyone who loves adventure! It was by far the best trekking we’ve ever done!

Written January 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alexbangkok2013
Sydney, Australia5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2016 • Friends
Jefalgi Tours took very good care of us, providing us with a fine guide in Baliem valley, arranging for the hotel, hikes, and visits to the villages. The Baliem area is fascinating, with dramatic scenery and blue skies because of the altitude. One could see rapid changes coming to the locals who only recently emerged from the stone age. People in the villages and along the way as we hiked were very friendly. For all tour, everything went very smoothly, and we were happy with all the arrangements. We would love to take a Jefalgi tour to other parts of Papua again.
Written July 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Alex, thanks for sharing a review to us and all users of Trip Advisor, the review is very important to us and to all travelers in order they could decide the best tour and company they shall contact. Again thank you very much and see you for the next adventure in Papua with Jefalgi Papua Tours.
Written August 4, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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