Rainforest, reef & a wild frontier · West Papua · 2024
West Papua and Cendrawasih Bay remain among the most remote, unspoiled and breathtaking regions on Earth — impenetrable rainforest meeting turquoise seas. One of the last truly wild frontiers.
- Location
- West Papua · Cendrawasih Bay
- Terrain
- Rainforest · reef · turquoise sea
- Access
- Remote · special permissions
- Partner
- Conservation International
- Products
- EP01 field pack
- Result
- Left exactly as we found it
Incredibly hard to reach, and surrounded in controversy, it is almost a real-life Avatar. Scattered through the interior are isolated, little-known indigenous communities whose ancient traditions and deep connection to the land remain untouched by modern influence — a way of life that is pre-Bronze Age.
We travelled six hours up a river in primitive boats, accompanied by Conservation International, to visit one such community — taking great care not to influence their way of life, or to cross into a neighbouring group's territory. We held special permissions, and we won't disclose the name or location.
Conservation efforts here aim to protect both the pristine ecosystems and the cultural heritage of these communities.
Why it mattersPreserving one of the last truly wild frontiers on the planet.
Reefs teeming with marine life — and coral adapting to the heat.
One of the last wild frontiers.
Getting there.
Six hours up a river in primitive boats, with Conservation International.
Ancient traditions and a deep connection to the land — untouched by modern influence.
We won't say where. Some places are best left exactly as they are.
Field notes
Test reports, new releases, and the occasional failure we learned from.