Travel

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Travel in Irian Jaya/West Papua can be a great experience and it can be a terrible experience. Careful planning can help eliminate many of the more unpleasant aspects as well as enhance the more pleasurable ones. Select the appropriate link for your needs. But first some basic advice would be in order.

Things to keep in mind are as follows. Indonesians do not shake hands with their left hand. This is common in most Islamic countries and the intelligent traveler would be wise to keep that in mind. Never offer an Indonesian something with your left hand either! Indonesians also do not point with their hands/fingers. When visiting government offices, dress respectfully - avoid shorts! Indonesian beuracracy is like all others and to keep the engines well oiled one should try to be presentable. Ideally a woman should wear a dress with sleeves. However, in more modern parts of Indonesia this is not such a big issue. Never shout or lose your temper with an Indonesian official. That is exceedingly offensive. If an official asks to see your passport and starts to walk away with it - be patient. It happens and complaining will only make matters worse. Keep in mind that Indonesians operate on "rubber time". Getting upset at delays will accomplish nothing. Remember, you are a guest in their land.

The customs and culture of the various Papuans are obviously different. It would be impossible to list every one of the tribes' cultural practices and things to avoid. However, they are people so treat them as such. Be nice, smile, and do not rip them off. Sound simple? Well, some tourists create a lot of damage with their ignorant and arrogant ways, so please be considerate - to the people and for those who will follow in your footsteps.

Terms to know. A few basic language terms follow.

These are basic terms. They are not always the best in terms of grammar but they say what you want in simple and easy to remember format.

• Selamat pagi = Good morning
• Selamat siang = Good afternoon (approx 11.30 am - 2.00 pm)
• Selamat sore = Good afternoon (approx 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm)
• Selamat malam = Good evening/night
• Selamat datang = welcome
• Selamat jalan = safe travels (good bye)
• Dari mana? = Where [are you] from?
• Di mana [place name]? Where is .....?
• Saudara bisa berbicara bahasa inggris/Indonesia/a language = Do you speak english/ Indonesian (or whatever language you want to ask about)
• Bisa lihat? = May I see (it)?
• Bisa tawar? = Can we bargain?
• Berapa Harganya? How much (is it)?
• Saya tidak mengerti = I do not understand.
• Tidak = No (as in, "No I do not know, or no, I can't."
• Bisa = Yes (as in, Yes, I can.". However, one could say, "Tidak Bisa". This means, "Can't do (it)".
• Ma'af = (I'm) sorry.
• Mau = want. (Saya mau taksi - I want a taxi)
• Jangan = Do not do .... (Jangan begitu - Do not do that!)
• Bapak = Mr.
• Ibu = Mrs.
• Nona = Ms.
• Padi = unharvested rice
• Beras = harvested rice
• Nasi = cooked rice

• Wa = Greetings
• wam = pig
• Noken = netbag

There are so many languages in Papua and numerous dialects that it is impossible to list too much more than this. Fortunately Indonesian is more or less a Lingua Franca