About Us
Our journey began in 1979 when Dr. Werner Weiglein first visited Papua. In the following years, he traveled frequently through Papua, initially alone, but gradually began leading tours for tourists. He quickly became a leading expert in traveling to the most remote parts of New Guinea.
In 1997, after years of traveling and leading expeditions in New Guinea, Werner was offered an extraordinary opportunity: the Dani people of the Baliem Valley extended a rare invitation to purchase land in their territory, a privilege rarely granted to outsiders. Indonesian President Suharto approved the project and The Baliem Valley Resort was born. Our eco-friendly resort in the highlands of Baliem Valley opened in late 1999 and has since attracted travelers and adventurers from around the world.
A few years after joining the company, Marc Weiglein deepened the focus on Papua by establishing Papua Explorer and relocating the company’s office to Papua. Based in Jayapura, Papua Explorer is the first and only foreign-owned travel agency and tour operator in Papua and an official member of the Association of Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies (ASITA).
With a history spanning over four decades and a dedicated focus on Papua, we are the oldest and most trusted tour operator for this part of the world. From our home in the Baliem Valley to the islands of Raja Ampat, from the summit of Carstensz Pyramid to the lowland jungles and mangrove forests of Korowai and Asmat, we are passionate about our work, offer only what we have experienced, and work closely with our local partners.
Marc has been deeply connected to Indonesia and Papua from an early age. Beginning as a young student, he assisted with tours and in 2012, he transitioned to becoming a tour guide. Now, as the managing director of Papua Explorer, Marc is the primary contact for tours to the Baliem Valley and various other destinations in Papua. He also continues to lead expeditions to some of the more exotic destinations. Marc, a co-author of travel guides about Papua, is also an avid photographer, with many of his photos featured on this website. He advocates for sustainable, respectful tourism and its positive impact. For more of his photography, check out his Instagram, what else..
Since 1979, his main interest is in the cultures of Oceania, especially in Papua, the Indonesian part of the New Guinea island. Until today, he successfully organised and guided more than 250 expeditions in New Guinea and the Salomon Islands. Werner is co-author of publications by world-famous explorers Heinrich Harrer and Dieter Kronzucker. Furthermore, the physician organised and guided more than 20 TV productions to China, Mongolia, Namibia and especially Papua/Indonesia. With more than 30 tours to the Carstensz Pyramid one can safely assume that he is the current world record holder for tours to this mountain. Werner has received two certificates of honor from the Indonesian government and owns his own museum.
Laura Sakalian
Raja Ampat Expert
With years of experience in Raja Ampat, Laura’s in-depth knowledge is the foundation of our operations in the area. She has also traveled to almost every other corner of Papua and is a regular visitor to the Baliem Valley. This vast experience allows her to create truly unique and personalized itineraries that you will not find anywhere else.
Madi Jumading
The Baliem Valley Resort
Since joining The Baliem Valley Resort in 2014 as On-Site Manager, Madi has been instrumental in ensuring that guests enjoy a delightful stay. He oversees your stay from start to finish, ensuring that your tours run as smoothly as possible, and serves as your primary on-site contact. Madi’s dedication is central to the Resort’s unique guest experience.
Siprianus Osan
Jayapura Office
Siprianus is responsible for handling all guests in Jayapura/Sentani. He takes care of the tickets, welcomes you at the airport, assists with check-in, and guides most of the excursions in the surrounding area.
Iwan Darsono
Sorong Handling
Iwan is our local representative in Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat. With him by your side, you can count on a seamless start and finish to your trip, ensuring you never get lost.
Ketut Medal
Office Support
With many years of experience in the tourism industry, Ketut is a seasoned professional. He works diligently behind the scenes, ensuring smooth operations with attention to detail.
Rest of Team
In alphabetical order: Amos, Anton, Bernard, Derrangen, Frans, Fransiskus, Herman, Jimmy, Joni, Jupiter, Lanigeo, Layus, Les, Markus, Maspur, Melius, Nabin, Paulus, Paulus M. and family, Penius, Sakarias, Tanapius, Tapania, Terong, Thomas, Wanamuke, Weakuli, Willem, Yesaya, Yoni, Yosef.
Papua Explorer is a member of ASITA
