27 Oct 2024

An adventure in the remote Omanesep region

Today was an adventure nearly everyone rated as one of the highlights of our Indonesian Explorer voyage - a first-ever visit by an expedition cruise ship to the villages where Michael Rockefeller went missing in 1961. Omanesep was our destination today, as we headed to one of the remote villages nearly 10 kilometres up the nearby river.

We were greeted by a full war canoe party that emerged from the mangroves, followed by the most remarkable shield and spirit dance in the village longhouse. 

We were welcomed by a local tribe, who were masters of intricate wood carvings, especially the dramatic shields we had seen the war party use. Many were purchased and displayed at the daily recap as we reflected on being among the few people in the world to meet these isolated people.

Images © C.Finch & L. Sanson, Heritage Expeditions