The capital of Papua Province, Jayapura is the chief city of North New Guinea. Bordering the Pacific Ocean, it is a port city on Yos Sudarso Bay. Nestled at the foot of Mount Cyclops, the town serves as a portal for discovering Indonésie and its wonders.

The Town's Past

Throughout history, the town has carried several names. Under Japanese and Dutch rule, the city was known as Hollandia. Conquered by Soekarno in 1963, it was called Kota Baru then Sukarnapura. The official name, Jayapura, was established in 1968. In Bahasa Indonesia, Jaya means victory and Pura means city.

The Papuans, natives of New Guinea, nickname the town Port Numbay. Indeed, it is a major center of commercial exchange. The constant flow of cargo boats shapes the rhythm of local life.

The 1998 Aitape tsunami inflicted damage on the city. This tragedy remained etched in memory as the worst disaster to strike Jayapura. Beyond material damage, there were tragic human losses.

Jayapura Today

According to 2020 census data, Jayapura has 303,760 inhabitants. These people live mainly from fishing and agriculture. Ocean products include fish, shrimp, sea cucumbers, oysters, and seaweed. The most consumed staple is rice. This cereal accompanies the majority of locally prepared dishes.

This modern city of 17,514 km² comprises 5 districts: Muara Tami, Abepura, Heram, Jayapura Selatan, and Jayapura Utara. The town is renowned for its quality textiles and furniture.

Best Time to Visit the City

Climatic conditions are favorable year-round. The average temperature is 28°C. May is the hottest month.

The city is connected to the rest of Indonésie via Sentani Airport. Local flights connect Jayapura to several major cities: Jakarta, Denpasar, Makassar, Ambon, Timika, Sorong, Manokwari, and more. Airlines serving Jayapura include Batik Air, Citilink, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, NAM Air, PNG Air, Sriwijaya Air, Trigana Air Service, Wings Air, and Xpress Air.

Getting Around the City

A wide choice of transportation options is available from the airport: buses, taxis, and bemos. Rates vary depending on the route.

What to Visit in Jayapura

Beaches

• Pantai Hamadi Jayapura
• Base G Beach
• Pantai Pasir 6 Jayapura
• Pantai Khalkote
• Pantai Yakoba
• Pantai Engross
• Yos Sudarso Bay
• Governor's Office Beach Jayapura

Parks

• Mesran Park
• Pholeuw Park
• Kampung Nelayan Hamadi

Monuments

• Youtefa Bridge
• Jembatan Furia
• Dermaga Teluk Youtefa
• Dispela Monument
• General MacArthur Memorial

Temples

• Pura Agung Suryahuvana
• Pura Agung Surya Bhuwana
• Vihara Buddha Maitreya
• Waute
• Vihara Numbay Santi Jaya Entrop
• Vihara Ariya Dharma
• Pura Giri Cyclop

Museums

• Museum Negeri Provinsi Papua
• Musée Lokabudaya Ucen

Other Attractions

• Tugu Pepera Historic Site
• Bukit Jokowi Tourist Attraction
• Jayapura City Tower
• Pulao Ase Island
• Hamadi Souvenir Market
• Abupera Traditional Market