Arborek Village is one of several locations in West Papua that has been developed into a “tourism village.” As the name suggests, the place is aimed to attract more tourists into coming to this village. After a lot of planning and transformations, the reward comes. The village has attracted many tourists, and Arborek Tourism Village has become the cleanest village in West Papua.
It’s a great achievement considering how large West Papua is. Even Raja Ampat Regency alone is filled with villages that stay loyal to their cultural beliefs that help preserve nature.
Where Is Arborek Village?
Arborek Village is located in the regency of Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia. It is a two-hour boat ride from Wasai, the regency capital. The place has received major revamps from the government and can better accommodate tourists now.
You won’t have a problem finding lodging or public facilities since these things are easy to find in Arborek Village. That’s the perk of visiting a tourist village: you can enjoy the quiet and simple village life without completely losing access to modern facilities.
What You Can Find at Arborek Village?
You will experience what nowhere can offer to you. Anything?
The Locals
The ladies in the village are known for their creativity. They make beautiful handicrafts such as string bags and manta-shaped hats. The men usually work as fishermen or work in pearl-agriculture businesses. Most women in Arborek Tourism Village think that working in the fishing business is a bit un-ladylike, so they prefer handicraft businesses.
Locals in Arborek Village are very serious about maintaining the place’s cleanliness. They are very dedicated to taking care of their surrounding environment. Besides, they work on some environmental conservation programs with the government.
A unique thing you may experience during your visit to Arborek Village is that locals usually set up a welcoming ceremony for tourists. This is because they deem tourists as guests. This ritual will involve traditional dance and may involve all villagers as participants.
Facilities
The village has many guest houses, so you can easily find accommodation here. You’ll get some cell phone reception, so you don’t need to worry about calling your loved ones. You’ll get internet signals here, but the Wi-Fi connection is finicky. You can take this time to take a sabbatical on your tech.
And if staying in one place makes you want to reach for your phone, get outside and explore the village. There are plenty of snorkeling and diving spots nearby. You can also find some diving operators and dive shops in Arborek Village.
The Accolades
Arborek Village has received many awards and accolades. In 2017, this place was named the Cleanest Village in West Papua Province. The Tourism Ministry also granted them an environmentally aware village the same year. In 2018, they granted the village a new title, “The Cultured Village”.
It’s proof that size doesn’t matter. With less than 200 people living in the area, Arborek Village has brought home many awards and titles. Arborek locals must be proud of their achievements.
Travel Tips to Arborek Village
Before visiting this clean village, you may want to plan your tour. So here are the best tips you can take:
- It is best to visit Arborek Village during Indonesia’s dry season. Exploring the beach when the sand is dry will be more pleasant. The view underwater is also better during the dry season.
- And since it’s a tropical destination, you may need to carry sunscreen, a hat, and bottled water. Keep yourself safe from the sun and dehydration.
- Pack a light first aid kit, just in case you need it. Carrying your personal medication is also wise.
- Lastly, book a reputable tour agency or get a local tour guide when you arrive.
The story about how Arborek Tourism Village becomes the cleanest village in West Papua is pretty inspiring. Hopefully, this will only be the first of many good things.
