Sorong Shopping Tips by RoyJava

UNTEA Dutch New Guinea: Hunt For Dutch-Indie Stamps

When we immigrated to Holland, Dutch New Guinea became Indonesian. During these turbulent times in the 60' the region had its own post-stamps. The one which were overprint were named "UNTEA" (United Nations Temporary Executive Authority), printed on the stamps of Dutch New Guinea. Because of the Canada's UNTEA / UNSF operation in Dutch New Guinea (1962-1963) which was known as the "United Nations Security Force" in Papua New Guinea (Irian Jaya).

What to buy: You see the overprint on the face of the postage stamp and, these stamps got an collector's item and, very wanted! If you are lucky to buy these kind of stamps, keep those very apart. In future they double their worth ... maybe a big business! My father was a stamp collector, so I found these ... though will keep these in memory of my dad!

What to pay: From 1$ up to what collectors want to pay

Address: Find collectors anywhere

Theme: Antiques

Website: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/7c3af/1268e9/6/

TOKO THIO: Papua Stuff

Yes! Toko THIO was a family-business, and still is. Anything you could buy there. And still can ...

Well,... ehhh ... almost anything. Like in the most of the warehouses of the villages. Donot get yourself a big idea ...

What to buy: The beautiful craft on the pic (Asmat) you cannot buy anymore. Just like the Paradise-bird feathers ... those are very forbidden to export them. The Asmat people who live along the remote Southeast coast around Agats are famed for their artistic "primitive" woodcarving. Sometimes people come to you to offer those crafts ...

If you DO buy ... the law says you must obtain an official permit from the office in order to remove crafts from Sorong, Irian Jaya! Failure to do so may result in the confiscation of your pieces at the airport ...

What to pay: Whatever you want to spend for tourist-stuff ...

Address: Jalan Pemuda, Sorong - Irian Jaya

Directions: Head for the Pasar Malam/Central, Sorong Remu

Theme: Local Craft