An Irish travel influencer has gone viral after filming a risky encounter with an isolated tribe in Papua, Indonesia, even labeling them “cannibals” in a TikTok clip.
Dara Tah, a YouTuber with over 750,000 subscribers, has built his brand on dangerous stunts, including enduring “Chinese water torture” for half a day. His latest attempt at viral fame saw him and a group of tourists paddling a wooden boat towards tribesmen deep in Papua’s dense jungle.
Papua, which makes up the western half of New Guinea, is home to more than 250 Indigenous tribes, many of whom remain hostile to outsiders. Beyond the obvious safety risks, unwanted contact can expose tribes to diseases they have no immunity to.
In the video, Tah’s group nervously approached warriors standing on the riverbank. Within seconds, one raised a bow and arrow, sending the visitors into a panic.
“I think they’re pointing bows and arrows at us, bro,” one of Tah’s crew can be heard saying.
Tah then attempted to appease them by waving packets of salt. One tribesman spit it out in disgust and stared him down. “Oh God, he doesn’t look like he likes that,” Tah said before urging his group to retreat. His local guide can also be heard apologizing, saying, “I’m sorry I took you here.”
YouTuber’s viral interaction with “cannibal” tribe sparks criticism
Despite the tense exchange, Tah declared in his caption that he would “try again tomorrow,” while also referring to the tribe as “cannibals.” The post has since amassed more than 18 million views.
Critics blasted the stunt in the comments. “They are not cannibal, they are just people living a peaceful life,” one wrote. Another added: “Leave them alone, they are not bothering you.” Many compared the scene to Eli Roth’s horror film The Green Inferno, which depicts students captured by a remote tribe.
Tah’s video also drew comparisons to American YouTuber Mykhailo Polyakov, who faces prison time after trying to contact the isolated North Sentinel Island tribe with Diet Coke and a coconut.
So far, Tah hasn’t uploaded a TikTok since his encounter with the tribe and it’s unclear if he made good on his vow to return.
