Yahukimo Regency: Highlands, Tree Houses and Kimyal Culture

In Yahukimo Regency, travel interests range from mountain valleys and rivers to tree-house architecture and cultural expression. Three distinct points of interest are the Kimyal Highlands, the Momuna tree house in Kampung Massi and the offerings of Desa Wisata Keike. They provide a starting point for deciding whether your trip should focus on the landscape, a building or village activities.

Kimyal Highlands and Trails

The Kimyal area in the highlands of Yahukimo is defined by mountains, valleys and rivers; this landscape also shapes the way of life of the local population. Kimyal tourism combines nature and culture. This includes trekking routes and views of valleys in the mountainous landscape.

A 2015 travel report describes a trekking route from Desa Sogokmo towards Desa Kurima. According to the report, the route first passes through grassland in front of green hill ranges; after Jembatan Kuning, it follows the Baliem River. The report identifies the bridge as the first checkpoint. For current planning, check the trail conditions locally.

Momuna Tree House and Village Activities

The Momuna tree house is in Kampung Massi, near the center of Dekai. It was built from Boa wood without nails or cement. The walk there is about three kilometers through the forest; local villagers can accompany visitors as guides. Both the construction method and the forest trail are distinctive features of this destination.

“Tracking ke Rumah Pohon” and the “Paket Wisata Kura-kura Moncong Babi” are listed as tourism products of Desa Wisata Keike in Distrik Dekai. Their availability may change, so check before making plans. “Jungle Tracking” is listed there as a facility, while “Kampak Batu” is a souvenir product of Desa Wisata Keike.

Among the six destinations promoted in Yahukimo Regency in 2024 were a pig-nosed turtle breeding pool in Keike, “klai buatan di jalan gunung,” DTW Kurima in front of the Bupati’s office and a tourism village in Kampung Massi. In 2024, Desa Wisata Keike was also among the 300 best Desa Wisata as part of ADWI.

Culture and Getting Oriented

Sago has long been a staple food of the local Momuna community in Desa Wisata Keike. Among the Kimyal, the traditional craft of making stone axes and traditional dances are forms of cultural expression. These examples highlight different aspects: sago represents the food culture of the Momuna in Keike, while stone axes and dances belong to Kimyal culture.

For geographical orientation: Bandar Udara Nop Goliat Dekai is located in Distrik Dekai. Kampung Keyke in Yahukimo Regency is also part of this district. If you are planning to travel by plane, check the current flight schedule.

Use the landscape, cultural or village activities that interest you most to guide your search.

Discover more destinations: Kwelamdua, Intan Jaya Regency and Kota Jayapura.

For the broader travel overview: Papua.