The Highland Savanna of Papua: A Jurassic Landscape at 4,000 Meters
Hidden deep within the mountains of Papua lies one of Indonesia's most extraordinary natural landscapes. This highland savanna stretches across the slopes at an altitude of nearly 4,000 meters above sea level, making it even higher than the summit of Mount Kerinci and most other peaks in the country. Standing here feels like stepping into another world, where vast open meadows meet the icy winds of the Sudirman Range.
The savanna's beauty is striking from the moment you arrive. Wide golden fields ripple under the mountain breeze, framed by towering cliffs and mist that drifts gently across the valley. Yet what makes this place truly special is the presence of the ancient pakia trees, known scientifically as Cyathea muelleri. These giant tree ferns have existed since the Jurassic period, long before humans walked the Earth. Their tall, elegant silhouettes give the savanna a prehistoric atmosphere, as if the landscape has been frozen in time.
Walking through this high-altitude meadow is a surreal experience. The air is thin and cool, carrying the scent of grassland mixed with alpine moisture. Sunlight cuts through the clouds in soft beams, illuminating the ferns and creating a golden glow over the terrain. It is rare to see a savanna this high, and even rarer to find one so untouched, peaceful and rich with ancient plant life.
For many adventurers heading toward Carstensz Pyramid or exploring the upper regions of the Jaya Wijaya mountains, this savanna becomes one of the most memorable stops along the journey. Climbers often pause here to rest, take photos or simply soak in the moment. The vastness of the landscape combined with the unique Jurassic vegetation creates the kind of atmosphere that stays with you long after the climb is over.
This highland savanna is more than a scenic waypoint. It is a reminder of Papua's incredible biodiversity and the deep history written into its mountains. Standing among the ancient pakia trees, at 4,000 meters above sea level, you get a glimpse of Earth as it once was and a renewed appreciation for the wild beauty that Papua continues to protect.
