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Indonesia
Korowai Treehouses
Where are they?
The Korowai treehouses are located in the remote forests of Papua (also known as Irian Jaya) in Indonesia, particularly in the Southeast part of the Papua province. The treehouses can be found in the Boven Digoel and Asmat regions, deep within the jungle. These areas are known for their dense forests and challenging terrain, which makes the treehouses and their builders stand out as one of the most isolated and unique cultures on Earth.
What is it?
The Korowai are an indigenous tribe known for their remarkable treehouses, which are built high up in the treetops, sometimes as high as 35 meters (115 feet) above the ground. These homes are constructed from natural materials found in the surrounding jungle, including wood, palm leaves, and vines. The treehouses are an integral part of the Korowai's traditional way of life, providing safety and shelter from floods, wild animals, and enemy tribes.
Key features of the Korowai treehouses include:
Treehouse Construction: The Korowai use ancient techniques to build their treehouses, selecting tall trees and constructing platforms and walls using wooden poles. The houses are often built around a central support trunk and feature thatched roofs made from palm leaves.
Traditional Way of Life: The Korowai tribe leads a semi-nomadic lifestyle, relying on hunting, fishing, and gathering for food. Their treehouses are not just homes, but also serve as a defense mechanism and a symbol of status within the tribe.
Cultural Practices: The Korowai people have a deep connection to their natural surroundings, and their treehouses reflect their values of protection, tradition, and resilience. The tribe is known for having a unique form of social organization, and the treehouses often symbolize a sense of unity and protection for family groups.
Isolation: Due to the remote location and inaccessibility, the Korowai were one of the last tribes in the world to be contacted by the outside world, with reports of their existence emerging only in the 1970s.
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (April to October): The dry months are the best time to visit as the weather is more favorable for trekking through the jungle and reaching the treehouses. The wet season can make access difficult due to flooding and muddy conditions.
Avoid Peak Rainy Months (November to March): During the rainy season, the region becomes difficult to navigate, and the trails may become impassable.
Tips for the Trip
Guided Expeditions: Visits to the Korowai treehouses require a local guide, as the area is remote and lacks proper infrastructure. These guides are typically local villagers or tribespeople who know the terrain and can lead you safely to the treehouses.
Physical Preparation: Be prepared for physical exertion, as trekking through dense jungle can be challenging, involving long walks and climbing. Ensure you are in good physical condition for the trip.
Respect Local Customs: The Korowai are a traditional and isolated tribe, so it’s important to approach them with respect for their customs and way of life. Always seek permission before taking photographs, and follow any cultural guidelines provided by your guides.
Packing Essentials: Pack light, but make sure you bring essential supplies like sturdy footwear, insect repellent, a flashlight, and proper clothing for jungle trekking.
Support Sustainable Tourism: If visiting, ensure you are part of a responsible and ethical tourism initiative that benefits the local community and respects their privacy and traditions.
Trunyan Cemetery
Photo by Yusuf IJsseldijk https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cemetery_in_Trunyan,_Lake_Batur,_Bali.jpg
Where is it?
The Trunyan Cemetery is located on the shores of Lake Batur, near the village of Trunyan in the Kintamani region of Bali, Indonesia. The cemetery is situated on the eastern side of the lake, and it can only be accessed by boat from the nearby village of Toya Bungkah or other lake settlements.
What is it?
The Trunyan Cemetery is renowned for its unique funeral practices, which differ significantly from traditional Balinese customs. The Trunyan people, an indigenous group in Bali, follow an ancient burial tradition where the dead are not cremated or buried, but rather placed in open-air locations in the cemetery, left to naturally decompose. The process involves the deceased being laid on the ground near a large tree, the Taru Menyan, believed to have special powers that help neutralize the odor of decomposition.
Key aspects of the Trunyan Cemetery include:
Open-Air Burial: Unlike most Balinese, who are typically cremated in elaborate ceremonies, the Trunyan people place the bodies of the deceased on the ground, either inside bamboo cages or directly under trees, allowing the bodies to decompose naturally.
Taru Menyan Tree: The Taru Menyan, a sacred tree in the cemetery, is central to the practice. The tree is believed to emit a fragrant aroma that masks the smell of decomposition, keeping the area surprisingly odor-free despite the open-air burial practice.
Traditional Beliefs: The Trunyan people hold strong spiritual beliefs about the afterlife, and the cemetery is considered a sacred place where the spirits of the deceased are allowed to rest in peace, in harmony with nature.
Limited Access: The cemetery is open to visitors, but access is controlled by the local community. Visitors typically need to arrange for a local guide to visit the cemetery by boat, as it is not easily reachable by road.
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (April to October): The best time to visit Trunyan Cemetery is during the dry season, when the weather is more favorable for boat trips on Lake Batur and hiking around the region. The wet season (November to March) can make the lake more difficult to navigate and trails more slippery.
Cultural Festivals: If you're interested in experiencing the local culture, try to plan your visit around traditional ceremonies or festivals held by the Trunyan community, though it’s important to approach these occasions with respect for their spiritual significance.
Tips for the Trip
Boat Tours: To reach the Trunyan Cemetery, you’ll need to take a boat from Toya Bungkah or another nearby village. Local boat tours often include a visit to the cemetery as part of the journey across Lake Batur.
Local Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions when visiting the cemetery. The site is sacred, and it’s essential to approach the area quietly and with reverence for the deceased.
Hiring a Guide: It’s recommended to hire a local guide to ensure you have proper access and are respectful of the area’s significance. The guide will also provide context about the cemetery's practices and history.
Health and Safety: Since you will be trekking and navigating the lake, bring appropriate clothing for outdoor activities, including waterproof gear, as boat rides and walks may expose you to wet conditions.
Photography: Be mindful of local customs around photography, particularly in sacred areas like cemeteries. Always ask for permission before taking photos of the local people or ceremonial practices.