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A special departure to one of Papua New Guinea’s most important tribal events, the Mount Hagen Cultural Show
Flight - 1 night
Singapore - 1 night
Flight - 1 night
Mount Hagen - 2 nights
Karawari - 3 nights
Mount Hagen – 2 nights
East New Britain - 4 nights
Flight - 1 night
An incredible 16-day journey to wild, raw and captivating Papua New Guinea a land lost in time, with ample to discover
One of Papua New Guinea’s most important tribal events, the Mount Hagen Cultural Show, provides an incredible opportunity to discover the tribal diversity of this country. First staged in 1961, before PNG’s independence, intended to unify warring tribes, the show has since become a major event at which to witness the fabulous sight of thousands of painted warriors dancing and singing to the beat of Kundu drums. Each August tribes from all over the country gather in Hagen in an amazing conglomeration of colour, beauty and culture to reveal the most exciting sing-sings (cultural presentations) involving traditional performances and rituals. In a land that is home to hundreds of distinct traditional social groups, or tribes, where over 800 languages are spoken, tribal identities and traditions remain fundamental to the fabric of Papua life. There is no better opportunity to see so many indigenous people in elaborate, traditional costume, mask and body paint, some beautiful, some terrifying, gathered in one place. Arrive early and see the groups dressing and donning their feathered headdresses, see ribald, vigorous impromptu performances before the main event. Ensure you witness the most important ‘sing-sings’ including those of the Chimbu Skeleton People, Huli Wigmen, Asaro Mudmen and Baining Fire Dancers. Immerse yourself in the cultural experience with some excellent photo opportunities.
Culture, Natural Wonders & Birdlife
Private Charter Flights
Chauffeur Driven Transfers*
Best Available
Accommodation
Mount Hagen Cultural Show
Expert Local Guides
Small Group Size: 4 – 15
Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow to Singapore.
Day 2 Arrive Singapore, transfer to the Park Regis hotel, time at leisure to explore the sights of Singapore.
Day 3 Full day at leisure before the evening flight to Port Morseby. Papua New Guinea, the last great unexplored land mass remains a place of great wonder and mystery. Exotic animals, extraordinary art and flamboyant warriors await the curious traveller. (B)
Day 4 Arrive in Port Moresby and transfer for your flight to Mount Hagen, capital of the Western Province in the upper Wahgi Valley. First contact was only made with the Melpa people of the Wahgi Valley in 1933, they were amongst the world's first horticulturists and in many ways their lifestyle remains unchanged. Transfer for an overnight at Rondon Ridge, perched high on Mount Kuta, with incredible views over the valley. Guided nature walk followed by a film show, cocktail and welcome dinner. (L, D)
Day 5 Full day spent exploring the Hagen Area and Wahgi Valley featuring the unique culture and tradition of the “MELPA” people. This is the business heart of the Papua New Guinea highlands, supplying tea, coffee and mining industries. A city where stone meets steel, and where tradition and history are juxtaposed against modern ways. Enjoy a journey through the traditions and customs of the Melpa People. The Melpa are said by anthropologists, to be “predisposed to capitalism,” because of their complex traditional society in which “big men” earn status by accruing wealth and then giving it all away in ceremonial exchanges. This will also give you a great opportunity to feature a Huli tribe who have migrated into Mt. Hagen as labourers in the coffee and tea plantations (B, L, D)
Day 6 Fly by private charter to Karawari, deep in Arambak country and home of the Kamangabbi spirit legend. The mountains start to give way until eventually vast tracts of dense tropical lowland rainforest cover the landscape for as far as the eye can see. From Karawari airstrip, you will be transferred by river boat to the lodge. In this remote and unspoiled region, the tropical lowland rainforest is a complex habitat housing a tremendous variety of flora, fauna and a unique culture. After lunch visit a riverbank village, the real fascination here is the people, how they live and how the land and river shapes their lives, maintaining traditions as they have for generations. Afternoon visit to Kundiman village for sago making demonstration. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Excursions are undertaken in small custom designed riverboats, allowing access to shallow and small tributaries of the river. Venture back in time to a hunter-gatherers society on an excursion along the jungle-fringed waterways, where crocodiles bask on the banks and boatmen standing upright, paddle their slender canoes, adorned with sculpted crocodile masks. Experience the traditional village life of the Sepik region, discover carved totems, drums, woodcarvings and different expressions of art. See bountiful bird life along the rivers lakes. Your excursions will enhance your understanding of the different spices of orchids found in the Sepik region. (B, L, D)
Day 8 A full day birding, with some 225 species of birds, Karawari is an excellent location to seek lowland, rainforest and freshwater birds - particularly parrots, including lorikeets, Eclectus, Palm Cockatoos, Edwards-Fig Parrot. There are also three birds of paradise, the King, Twelve-Wire and the Magnificent Riflebird. Cassowaries, frog-mouths, owls, birds of prey, bower birds, honey eaters and a whole host of others await the intrepid birder. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Fly by private charter to Mount Hagen. This spectacular flight crosses vast tracts of highlands and mountains rise to startling heights from the flat lands of the Sepik Basin. Located at an elevation of 2,150 m. Home to the Melpa and Jiwaka People, the pristine highland rainforest hosts a diverse range of orchids and birdlife. Return to Rondon Ridge, high above the valley, where we will stay for the next two nights. Enjoy the pre-show activities. (B, L, D)
Days 10 Enjoy a full day at the Mount Hagen show - world famous for its colour, culture and vibrancies. It is a truly spectacular event. The diversity of the coastal, lowlands and highlands sing-sing groups at the Hagen Show reflects the incredible diversity of Papua New Guinea's landscape - an unforgettable experience. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Fly to Rabaul via Port Moresby. On the island of East New Britain, Rabaul has a colourful and explosive past. It was a base for Japanese operations in the South Pacific during WWII and was largely destroyed in 1994 by Mount Tavurvur, when Kokopo became the new capital. Take the short drive to Kokopo Beach Bungalows for a four night stay. Enjoy the tropical setting, the location is picture perfect, overlooking turquoise blue waters, reefs and framed by six volcanoes. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Explore the Gazelle Peninsula, start with an early trek to the rim of Mount Tavuvrvur, (approx. 1 hr), enjoy the views before heading down to the hot springs, where locals demonstrate their intensity by boiling eggs of the Megapode bird. Visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery (Bita Paka), Kokopo War Museum, the site of a crashed WWII Japanese Betty Bomber, General Yamamoto's Bunker and Japanese barge tunnels. Continue to the Volcano Observatory for a panoramic view of Rabaul, Simpson Harbour and of course, the volcanoes themselves. Return to your hotel mid-afternoon with time to relax. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Enjoy a full day boat tour to the Duke of York Islands. Explore the stunning bay and small craft market, admire white sandy beaches in a picturesque tropical setting, stop on a quiet, private beach for lunch under the trees and a chance to go swimming in the warm waters of the Bismarck. On the return look out for turtles and dolphins which are a common sight. Enjoy the cruise along the coastline of Kokopo arriving late afternoon at the hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Enjoy a day of leisure. Relax by the pool, stroll along the beach or visit the Kokopo markets. You may choose to head out to swim with the dolphins or join a dive boat for scuba diving or snorkelling. (B, L, D)
Day 15 Fly from Rabul to Port Moresby, lunch at the Airways Hotel. Enjoy a short exploration of the capital(time permitting) before our flight to Singapore. (B, L)
Day 16 Arrive London.
Notes
This special departure will be a shorter programme with the visit to Lake Murray omitted and a further night spent in Karawari.
Close to the entertainment hub of Clarke Quay and a short walk from the culturally-rich district of Chinatown, close to Raffles and Marina Bay. The hotel has an outdoor pool and fitness centre. Bicycle or e-scooter rentals are available. WiFi throughout. Its 202 elegant, modern rooms are air-conditioned, fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows and equipped with safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and TV.
At over 2,100m on the slopes of Mount Hagen is an oasis of comfort and luxury with spectacular views of the Wahgi Valley, Mount Giluwe and the Western Highlands. The main building has a large veranda, dining room, bar and exhibition room. Using only clean, natural energy produced from a mini-hydroelectric power plant and solar collectors. WiFi limited/chargeable. The 24 rooms have mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and private patio.
Nestled along the coastline of Blanche Bay, the hotel boasts sweeping views of New Ireland, the unspoiled Duke of York Islands and the mighty volcanoes surrounding Rabaul town. Once you are captured by the spirit of this island paradise you will not want to leave. WiFi (limited). All 39 bungalows are modern, air-conditioned, spacious, quiet and have their own private balcony to enjoy the breathtaking views.
Accessible only by river, this stunning rustic style lodge is perched on a ridge above the Karawari River with spectacular views of dense tropical jungle. Built to fit into its environment, following indigenous design principles, the only substantial concessions are modern en suite bathrooms, electricity and hot and cold water. The main lodge is built in the style of a traditional “haus tambaran” or spirit house, featuring carved furniture, beautiful artefacts and a veranda with magnificent views overlooking the enormous Sepik basin. No WiFi. The 10 cottages have ceiling fans and mosquito nets.
New Ireland Province, Kavieng Extension
Located at the northern tip of New Ireland, Kavieng is often described as a typical “Somerset Maugham South Sea island port”. So a loose translation of which would be friendly, laid-back and quiet. New Ireland’s never-ending beaches, smattering of islands and uncrowded reefs and waves make it a dream destination for pure escapism. Fly from Rabaul and stay on Lissenung, a small private island, just 20 minutes from the town of Kavieng. The eco-resort is the only structure on the island, containing just 7 rooms, this is the perfect place to escape to for that well-earned break. Includes: Four nights’ accommodation, a full day village and island tour and the Bulominski Highway tour. (B, L, D)
Day 1 Morning at leisure until we transfer to the airport for the short flight to Kaveing. Transfer to Lissenung Island for a four night stay. Enjoy a few days of relaxing on the beach, swimming and snorkelling on the fringing reefs of the islands, visit the mainland of New Ireland, meet the locals from nearby islands and immerse yourself into the peace and quiet that is New Ireland. (B, D)
Day 2 Enjoy a full day village and island tour with a BBQ lunch. Lissenung Island is just one of many islands in New Ireland Province and many of the neighbouring islands are inhabited. Join us on a visit to those island villages and experience the simple life without running water, electricity, TV and Internet. You will be accompanied by one of our local guides, who will open the door to their homes to you and let you experience their life for a short while. You will find out why the islanders have a separate Haus Kuk (kitchen), how copra is made, you may even get to watch the weavers make floor mats or bline, which we use for the walls in all our bungalows. Visit Enuk Island (a donation has been made to Enuk Island community and elementary schools for peach person participating in the trip.), then onto Ral for a chance to snorkel around its stunning reef and enjoy a BBQ lunch, there is also a chance for reef fishing. (B, L, D)
Day 3 We head to Kavieng by boat, where we change mode of transport and take a mini-van for a ride down the Boluminsky Highway. The drive takes us along some stunning coastal scenery, New Ireland is famous for its birdlife and visitors come from around the world to enjoy the excellent birding. Our first stop is at Poliamba Oil Palm Plantation, where we will have a quick look at the plantation. After a small snack, we will be on our way to Cathy’s Eelfarm at Laraibina Village. It’s not actually a farm in the true sense, but just Cathy’s house right next to a freshwater stream that connects with the ocean and where freshwater eels hang out until they give birth. These animals can grow up to 1.20 metre in length and are silky smooth. Time permitting we may visit Fissoa Village for a quick and very refreshing swim and lunch, before slowly making our way back to Kavieng and Lissenung Island. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Full day to sit back and relax and enjoy the pure escapism the island offers. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Early morning start for flight to Port Moresby, via Rabaul. Connect with onward flight to Singapore, lunch will be provided at the Airways Hotel in Port Moresby. Depart for London Via Singapore. (B, L)
Day 6 Arrive London.
The resort is built in traditional style to blend in with its surroundings. The dining room is communally configured, with meals served together, relax after dinner in the casual lounge. Bungalows have large verandas with comfortable chairs to relax. The walls are made from woven bamboo, one side of the roof is thatched (Sago Palm leaves), the other has corrugated iron to collect the rainwater which provides the property’s water supply. Although the shower water is not heated, the warm environment (28°C/83F) usually ensures a pleasant water temperature. The 7 bungalows are fitted with a mosquito net over the bed, a ceiling fan, a desk and wardrobe, the windows don’t have glass, but are fitted with a flyscreens. There are no technological annoyances such as TV or internet to disturb the quiet.
2021
Sundays
per person in a twin room
Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow
August 12 | £8995 |
Sundays
per person in a twin room
Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow
A Jules Verne Limited Edition
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £1190
Flight Options
Premium Economy (London - Singapore) from £2035
Business Class (London - Port Moresby) from £5495
Extension Options
Extension - New Ireland Province, Kavieng
Lissenung Island Resort
4 nights £1195
Single supplement £270
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, VIP return transfers*, free stop-over in Singapore, private charter flights between Mount Hagen, Lake Murray and Karawari, 14 nights’ accommodation, meals as indicated, expert local guides and naturalists. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Notes
*On all of our Great Journeys, we provide a VIP chauffeur driven transfer for passengers living within a 70-mile radius of the point of departure. For those passengers that live outside of this 70-mile radius, we will provide the most competitive quotation for the additional mileage.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm