Papua is the largest province of Indonesia, comprising a majority part of the western half of the island of New Guinea and nearby islands (see also Western New Guinea). The province originally covered the entire western half of New Guinea, but in 2003, the western portion of the province, on the Bird's Head Peninsula, was declared by the Indonesian Government as a separate province named West Irian Jaya (now West Papua). The legality of this separation has been disputed as it appears to conflict with the conditions of the Special Autonomy status awarded to Papua in the year 2000, but it has already resolved as of early 2007.

Naming
"Papua" is the official Indonesian and internationally recognised name for the province. During the Dutch colonial era the region was known as part of "Dutch New Guinea" or "Netherlands New Guinea". The province was known as "West Irian" or "Irian Barat" from 1969 to 1973, and then renamed "Irian Jaya" (roughly translated, "Glorious Irian") by the Suharto administration. This was the official name until "Papua" was adopted in 2002. Today, natives of this province prefer to call themselves Papuans rather than Irianese. This may be due to etymology (variously identified as a real etymology or a folk etymology) of the name Irian which stems from the acronym Ikut Republik Indonesia, Anti Nederland (join/follow the Republic of Indonesia, rejecting The Netherlands).

The name "West Papua" was adopted in 1961 by the New Guinea Council until the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA) transferred administration to the Republic of Indonesia in 1963. "West Papua" has since been used among Papuan separatists and usually refers to the whole of the Indonesian portion of New Guinea. The other Indonesian province that shares New Guinea, West Irian Jaya, has been officially renamed as "West Papua".

Source and detail: http://www.wikipedia.org

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Papua is the western half of New Guinea, a land of snow-topped mountains, swamps, and dry savannas. About 75 percent of Papua is still covered by topical forest. The massive Maoke mountain chain runs through the center of the land.

Papua is land endowed with natural riches. Off the north coast, waters rich in marine life border terrific beaches. Natural parks are home to a unique collection of flora and fauna.

The small town Sentani on the shores of Lake Sentani is around 35 kilometers from Jayapura, the provincial capital. Sentani offers the chance for water‑based activities and a chance to hunt for local crafts pottery at Hamadi Village which was the site for Allied landing during World War II. Climb the hill to see engraved stone monuments at the megalithic site of Doyo Lama.

Imbi Bay
The central town is here, from Bhayangkara you can see the beautiful view of the town and its activities in the afternoon or at night. To reach Bhayangkara it takes 10 minutes by car or motorcycle.

Raja Ampat, the Coral Triangle
A variety of diving sites, shallow bays, lagoon channels bordered by rainforest, rock islands and offshore reefs in Raja Ampat Island contains of the richest marine biodiversity on earth. Diving in Papua offers a rich variety of dives and amazing under water attractions that include World War I fighter ships and planes in the shallow waters of Cendrawasih Bay and in the islands off New Guinea's western tip.

Sorong
The Wai Island Base Camp is breathtaking tropical with lush green trees lining the finest white sand and a crystal clear turquoise lagoon. Surrounding reefs hold a myriad of colorful marine life, big and small, from sharks, rays, whales, dolphins, turtles and giant clams to school of snapper, parrot fish, surgeon fish, the list goes on.

Base G Beach
The beautiful beach strectching along the Pacific Ocean with its white sands and clear water makes it ideal for the lovers of swimming and sun bathing. During the World War 2, this place was used as Base G and logistic center by allied force.

Bosnik
Bosnik Beach has clear water and white sands, located 5 km on the east part of Biak partioulary on holiday. The place is reachable by motor transportation.

Source: Cruise and marine tourism destination guide by Ministry of Culture and Tourism Republic of Indonesia