21 Oct 2023

Liki Island Welcome and Adventures

Our visit to Liki Island was the first tourist since Heritage Expeditions previous visit in 2019. Filling Zodiacs we skipped across the glassy water and were welcomed by a traditional band, specially-woven palm frond sunhats and a full turn out of Liki Island's 400 villagers from 68 families and officials from West Papua.

One of Indonesia's most remote islands Liki Island is only 12-square-kilometres and features a locally-run Marine Reserve, lush, untouched tropical rainforest and stunning coral reef. The significance of our visit was notably marked by the Regency attending and giving us an official welcome.

Guests enjoyed fresh fish and sambal, sago, coconut breads, local vegetables and refreshing fresh coconut water straight from the source. Just as the ceremony finished, the skies darkened to a huge downpour that sent everyone running for shelter.

Once it cleared a quick look at the village along white sand paths to the Church and nearby Lagoon was followed by an opportunity to explore the underwater world, while on the other side of the island, among dramatic limestone caves and cliffs, virgin rainforest met white sand beach. Back on board Heritage Adventurer the afternoon saw teams competing in the Great Indonesia Quiz which was won by 'Graze Anatomy'.

Images © S. Bradley, Heritage Expeditions