Daniel Pinto, a 27-year-old adventurer from Lambeth, South London, has captivated the internet with his recent trip to Papua New Guinea. Pinto, who aims to visit all 195 countries in the world (he’s already visited 138), became the first known tourist to interact with multiple indigenous tribes in the remote Pacific nation. During his three-week stay last month, he immersed himself in their vibrant cultures, a feat he meticulously planned.
Before his journey, Pinto conducted extensive research and established contact with various tribes, leading him to remote areas previously untouched by foreign visitors. His experiences were far from ordinary, encompassing a diverse range of activities. He participated in a tribal wedding, joined hunting expeditions, and stayed in local homes and guesthouses, gaining an intimate understanding of their daily lives. He lived amongst the “Skeleton Tribe,” the “Crocodile People,” and the “Spirit Bird Tribe,” each encounter offering a unique cultural immersion.
A particular highlight was witnessing a sacred waterfall protection ritual performed by the Spirit Bird Tribe and celebrating a birth ceremony where tribe members adorned themselves with clay and orange paint. Describing Papua New Guinea as “the last frontier,” Pinto commented, “It still has villages and tribes that people have not visited yet. I found it incredible that in 2024 I was the first tourist that some tribes have ever seen.”
Further showcasing his intrepid spirit, Pinto shared a video from the remote island of Tumleo, stating, “Located 2 km from the town of Aitape, it is home to its own unique culture, language, and traditions. After just a few minutes of stepping foot on the island, I was proudly told that I was the first-ever visitor.” This statement, alongside videos posted on his Instagram account (@dnzh.travels), underscores the remarkable nature of his achievement.
Pinto’s adventurous spirit extends beyond Papua New Guinea. He has already traveled to countries considered dangerous and largely unexplored, including Libya, Iraq, and Syria. With the Crocodile People, he witnessed the intense practice of scarification, where individuals create markings resembling crocodile scales. In another Instagram post, he described his journey to Pagwi, the gateway to the Sepik River, sharing, “After a few days of remote travel, I finally reached Pagwi…where I spent an incredible 48 hours with the Crocodile people.” His journey continues to inspire awe and highlight the incredible diversity still present in our world.