Two of the world's tropical glaciers are in Indonesia

Did you know Indonesia is home to two of the world’s tropical glaciers? Discover the Carstensz Glaciers.

Indonesia is associated with a lot of things: bustling beaches, gorgeous sunsets, nightlife, cheap beer, luxury resorts and heat. Above all, heat. So it’s not where one would expect to find glaciers, but in fact, it has two. But how is this possible?

Tropical glaciers are few and far between, but they’re found in the tropics around the world. They’ll be found at high altitudes on mountains where the temperature stays low all year, unlike the rest of the country. Which is exactly where you’ll find Indonesia’s glaciers. Near the peak of Puncak Jaya (a mountain in the Sudirman Range) at 4000 metres above sea level, the Carstensz Glaciers are all that’s left of a once-larger ice sheet, and the only ones left in Asia. You’ll find them in Papua’s Lorentz National Park.

This glacier isn’t where you’d expect. (Image: Getty/ Gr8ph1cs)

Before the 1800s,  this entire mountain range was covered in snow and ice with regular snowfall, creating and maintaining the glaciers. Since the 1850s, data on the snowlines (the snow-covered and snow-free areas) have been logged by scientists to reveal one of the most unique glacial systems in the world.

Sadly, that data has also shown that the glaciers had lost over 99 per cent of their area in 2015, leaving just small ice patches of about 200 by 200 metres each. Meaning that it’s unclear how long the remnants will avoid melting.

Getting there

As for visiting, these Central Papua glaciers are not for the faint of heart to find. In fact, visitors will need significant mountaineering experience and specialised climbing and expedition skills. And, sadly, you’ll need to learn those skills pretty quickly. The glaciers are considered climate survivors, being particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures.

Hike, sleep, eat, repeat. (Image: Getty/ Serafin Nilmayanti Sianda)

Where travellers can more easily go, however, is Lorentz National Park. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, this national park is the largest protected area in Southeast Asia. Despite its remoteness and untouched nature, hikers can find trails that range from easy to very advanced; however, be prepared for mud and other obstructions. And you’ll want to plan the trip for the dry season, from May to October.

Those with a sense of adventure will be rewarded with dramatic mountain views, lush rainforests and unique wildlife spotting opportunities: the elusive bird of paradise calls this park home. It’s also home to the Indigenous Asmat peoples. Discover opportunities to learn about their traditions and crafts in local villages.

Keep an eye out for the gorgeous birds of paradise. (Image: Getty/MLHaring)