running the length of the island is the island's most distinctive topographical feature. Irian Jaya's landscape is rich and varied with tropical rain forests, craggy mountain peaks, alpine meadows, swampy lowland forests, grassy savannahs, mangroves and beautiful coastal islands.

Small permanent snowfields and relic glaciers grace the highest elevations (Puncak Jaya 4,884m). Climate average is hot (27c) and sultry (60-100 percent humidity) in the lowlands and can be cold (as low as 5c) in the highlands.