Meet Our Team of Expedition Specialists

The success of our expeditions rests on the expertise, passion, and dedication of our team. We have assembled a group of leading professionals from the fields of ornithology, luxury hospitality, and conservation, each bringing a unique set of skills to ensure your journey is safe, enriching, and unforgettable. Our team’s work is guided by our strict Editorial Standards and a deep-seated respect for Indonesia’s natural and cultural heritage.

Leadership & Experts

Dr. Ardiansyah Putra

Founder & Chief Scientist

Credentials: PhD in Ornithology, Universitas Indonesia; Member of the Indonesian Ornithologists’ Union (IdOU); 25+ years of field research in New Guinea.

Bio: Dr. Putra is the visionary behind our expeditions. His doctoral research on the behavioral ecology of the Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise is considered a foundational text. Having spent decades in the remote forests of Papua, he possesses an unparalleled understanding of the birds’ habitats and behaviors. He personally designs the core scientific and observational aspects of our itineraries and oversees the training of all our field guides to ensure the highest standards of ethical wildlife viewing are maintained.

Isabella Tan

Head of Operations

Credentials: Certified Travel Professional, ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies); Former Operations Director for Aman Resorts Indonesia.

Bio: Isabella is the logistical mastermind who ensures every element of your journey is executed with flawless precision. With a distinguished career in luxury hospitality, she brings a world-class standard of service to the most remote corners of the archipelago. From coordinating private charters with AirNav Indonesia to managing our supply chains and vetting every partner lodge and vessel, Isabella’s meticulous planning is the bedrock of our seamless guest experience.

Yacob ‘Kaka’ Mansai

Lead Expedition Guide

Credentials: Certified by Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia (HPI – Indonesian Tourist Guide Association); 15 years of guiding experience in the Arfak Mountains.

Bio: Kaka was born and raised in a village at the foothills of the Arfak Mountains, a global epicenter for Birds of Paradise. His knowledge is not learned from books, but passed down through generations. He can identify birds by their calls from a kilometer away and knows the precise fruiting trees that attract specific species. His gentle demeanor and deep connection to his ancestral lands provide our guests with an authentic and profound link to the Papuan culture and environment.

Sofia Wijaya

Client Concierge Manager

Credentials: IATA Certified Travel Professional; Luxury Travel Specialist.

Bio: Based in our Bali office, Sofia is the primary point of contact for our clients. She curates every bespoke detail of the journey, from arranging pre-expedition stays at five-star resorts to accommodating complex dietary requirements and organizing private medevac insurance. Her proactive approach and unwavering dedication to client satisfaction ensure that every personal preference is anticipated and met, making a complex journey feel effortless.

Dr. Lena Sari

Conservation & Community Liaison

Credentials: PhD in Conservation Biology, Australian National University; Former Project Manager for WWF Indonesia.

Bio: Dr. Sari ensures our operations have a net-positive impact. She manages our partnerships with conservation organizations like The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Burung Indonesia, and she works directly with local adat (customary) communities to develop our benefit-sharing programs. She is responsible for our sustainability reporting and ensures that every expedition adheres to, and exceeds, global best practices for ecotourism. Her work is crucial to our mission of turning tourism into a powerful tool for preservation.

Together, our team represents the perfect synthesis of scientific expertise, operational excellence, and local wisdom. We are united by a shared passion for the Birds of Paradise and a commitment to protecting their future. Explore our expeditions to see their work in action.

Continue exploring Birds of Paradise Indonesia Expeditions:
Our Birds of Paradise Indonesia Expeditions Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance

Crafting unparalleled luxury in the wild

Imagine waking to the symphony of the Papuan rainforest, a warm breeze carrying the scent of exotic blooms, knowing that every detail of your day is meticulously orchestrated for comfort and discovery. Luxury in remote settings isn’t just about plush amenities; it’s about seamless service, deep local knowledge, and the ability to transform challenging environments into havens of sophistication. Our team excels at this delicate balance, ensuring that even in the most secluded corners of Indonesia’s vast archipelago, your experience remains utterly refined. We believe true luxury is having your every need anticipated, allowing you to immerse fully in the breathtaking natural theater unfolding around you.

This extends to every facet of your journey. From the private chefs who craft gourmet meals tailored to your dietary preferences, featuring fresh, local ingredients – often sourced directly from indigenous communities – to the bespoke itineraries that adapt in