Jakarta, IO – When visiting the mountains of Papua, the most phenomenal main tourist destination is Puncak Jayawijaya because it is the only snow-cladded mountain in Indonesia.
However, Papua does not only has natural beauty. Puncak regency in Central Papua also offers culinary and religious tours that are no less interesting, per Kompas Travel, Wednesday (7/6).
Carstensz Pyramid
Carstensz Pyramid is a mandatory destination for tourists who like to conquer heights. The peak is 4884 meters above sea level and is one of the seven highest mountains on five continents.
“Carstensz is one of the tourist destinations that doesn’t need to be promoted anymore because many people have gone there,” said Puncak regent Willem Wandik.
The Carstensz Pyramid itself is one of three mountain peaks in Puncak Jayawijaya. Previously, this peak was known by many names — Soekarno Peak, Ndugundugu Peak and Nemangkawia Peak.
Hot water bath
Puncak regency secretary Darwin H.L. Tobing said after visiting the Carstensz Pyramid, it is best to warm the body in a hot spring bath in Mayuberi village, North Ilaga district. To reach this hot spring, visitors can use four-wheeled vehicles from Ilaga City which takes about 20 minutes.
Eating rainbow sweet potatoes
After getting tired of exploring the cold Carstensz Pyramid and soaking in hot spring, it’s time to fill your stomach with the local specialty, that is native rainbow sweet potatoes found nowhere else.
“The sweet potato is unique because it is colorful, hence the namesake. It only grows in Puncak regency,” said Willem.
Read: The Sensation Of Watching “Golden Sunrise” On Mount Prau
Dream interpretation
Furthermore, Willem encourages tourists to visit religious tourism which is considered sacred because it is believed to be able to predict dreams.
“If we sleep in this sacred place and we dream, it is said that the dream will become a reality,” he said.
There are special requirements so that the dream can be interpreted correctly. One of them is one has to go to sleep and wake up at the exact same time with the shaman. (bp)