If you think Indonesia is only about tropical beaches and rainforests, prepare to be surprised. At the far eastern edge of the country, in the heart of Papua, lies a national park where you can travel from coastal shores to permanent snowfields—all without ever leaving the same protected area.
This is Lorentz National Park, one of the world’s most extraordinary places, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
Lorentz is the largest national park in Southeast Asia and one of the few places on Earth that contains a complete ecological transect—from the ocean all the way to snow-covered mountain peaks. Within a single journey, you can explore coastlines, swamps, tropical rainforests, misty valleys, towering mountains, and the eternal snow of Carstensz Peak.
Natural Wonders and Diverse Ecosystems
Imagine walking from the shores of the Arafura Sea, passing through mangrove forests, dense tropical jungles, and cloud-covered valleys, before finally reaching high alpine terrain with permanent ice.
That is Lorentz — a place where every step takes you into a completely different ecosystem.
The region sits at the meeting point of two major tectonic plates, creating dramatic landscapes: steep valleys, massive rivers, and extremely rare tropical glaciers. Unfortunately, the glaciers of Carstensz are melting rapidly due to climate change — and one day, they may exist only in photographs.
A Sanctuary for Thousands of Species
Lorentz National Park is home to thousands of species, making it one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Its flora ranges from ancient Gondwanan trees to alpine plants found only at high elevations. More than 120 mammal species have been recorded here, including tree kangaroos and the rare long-beaked echidna.
The birdlife is equally extraordinary — with over 630 species, from the iconic birds-of-paradise to endemic Papuan species found nowhere else. Many reptiles and amphibians in Lorentz remain scientifically undescribed, making the park a living natural laboratory full of mysteries for researchers and nature enthusiasts.
Indigenous Communities: Guardians of the Land
Beyond its natural wonders, Lorentz is home to diverse Indigenous groups such as the Asmat, Amungme, Dani, Nduga, and many others. These communities have lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years — hunting, farming, and protecting their forests through ancestral knowledge passed down across generations.
For them, nature is not only a resource but a core part of identity, spirituality, and cultural heritage. Protecting Lorentz, therefore, also means safeguarding the heritage and future of its Indigenous peoples.
Lorentz National Park reminds us that our planet is full of wonders — if we choose to respect and protect them.
If you seek an experience that goes beyond travel and becomes a journey of the soul, Lorentz is the place.
To protect Lorentz is to protect the future of life — not only in Papua, but on Earth as a whole.