Itinerary

Days 1-3 USA/Papua New Guinea
Fly U.S. to Port Moresby. Cross the International
Dateline and “lose” a day. Upon arrival our
group will be assisted to our hotel. The rest of
the day will be free to rest. There will be an orientation
dinner tonight. Overnight Airways Motel
& Apartments. (D)

Days 4-6 Tari/Ambua
This morning we will transfer to an airstrip
for our charter flight to Tari. Upon arrival, we
will transfer to the stunningly situated, highly
acclaimed Ambua Lodge. Located at a cool
7,000 feet, this lodge, built in the style of the
local Huli villages, will be our home for the next
three nights. Here the Huli tribe—famous for
their face paint and human hair wigs—live
much as they have for millennia, in high lush
valleys nestled between towering limestone
peaks. Thirteen species of birds-of-paradise
inhabit the area, orchids flourish in the cloud
forest and waterfalls thunder a short walk from
the lodge. We’ll enjoy guided nature hikes, birding,
village visits or simply relaxing at the lodge.
Overnight Ambua Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Mt. Hagen
Transfer to the airstrip for
our flight to Mt. Hagen.
Take a breathtaking flight
over the alpine grassland
of the Tari Gap, and enjoy
magnificent views of the
peaks and valley below.
Upon arrival enjoy a halfday
tour of the surrounding
villages. This location
provides spectacular
views of the Hagen Range,
Mt. Giluwe, Sepik Divide,
Baiyer Gap and Wahgi
Valley. Overnight Rondon
Ridge Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Tumbuna Sing
Sing
Prepare to be amazed as you join the locals in
celebrating at the spectacular Tumbuna Sing-
Sing. “Tumbuna” means “ancestors” in Tok Pisin
(the lingua franca of Papua New Guinea). This
sing-sing celebrates “Taim Bilong Tumbuna”
(the time that belonged to the indigenous people,
i.e. pre-European contact). Experience this
very obscure, supremely authentic village singsing,
whereby different groups, dazzling in their
wildly flamboyant costumes, plumage
and make-up, compete for prestige in a
splash of color and a chorus of song.
Sing-sings are a psychedelic smorgasbord
of ritualized ancient theater
paraded to vocal accompaniment. The
chanting of each tribe is alternately
haunting, happy or warlike, and ranges
from dizzying whoops to subtle, wind-like
murmurs. Participants take exceptional
pride in representing their tribe’s unique
garb and rituals. Far from being a
staged event for tourists, sing-sing competitions
have a long tradition, and jealous
losers have in the past been known
to wage actual war on the winning tribe.
The tribes present at this sing-sing are
barely post-Stone Age. They cultivate
yam and taro, search for the edible fruits
and animals in the forest, and live in
symbiosis with their livestock (women
suckle piglets). There will be plenty of
opportunities for cultural interaction.
Overnight Rondon Ridge Hotel. (B,L,D)

Days 9-11 Sepik River
This morning we will transfer to an airstrip for
our charter flight to Timbunke. Upon arrival,
transfer to the Sepik Spirit to begin our 4 day/3
night cruise. After boarding the motor vessel
Sepik Spirit, we will begin our voyage of discovery
into the mystical world of the Sepik region
where the spirit world and the people’s everyday
life merge in a fascinating mixture of ceremonies,
carvings and haus tamberans. During the
next few days, the Sepik Spirit will transport
us in air-conditioned comfort along the mighty
Sepik, one of the greatest adventures in travel.
Each village has its own ceremonial house,
called haus tambaran, that is decorated with
monumental masks and many carved objects.
These objects often embody local history and
myths, offering fascinating anthropological
insights. You’ll see tribal art galore, now famous
the world over. Here you may obtain it straight
from the source; it’s possible to purchase elaborately
carved hooks, ancestral figures, hand
drums, baskets, bilums, gourds and many other
interesting items. Fantastic wildlife abounds, so
keep an eye out for crocodiles, and myriad bird
species such as egrets, brahminee kites, pied
herons, whistling kites, jacanas, cormorants,
kingfishers, and the incredible bird of paradise.
Overnight Sepik Spirit. (B,L,D)

Day 12 Timbunke/Madang/Malolo
Transfer to Timbunke for our flight to Madang.
On arrival, drive to the village of Siar to explore
the central market, lighthouse, Madang Cultural
Museum and harbor area. We’ll enjoy lunch at
the Coastwatchers Hotel, which affords beauti-
ful views of the harbor area. Then head to Bilbil
village, famous for its earthenware pots. See
an interesting demonstration of local pottery
techniques. Arrive at our lovely resort, originally
a grand, colonial coconut plantation, overlooking
a splendid beach. Overnight Malolo Plantation
Lodge (B,L,D)

DAY 13 Bagildig/Sokaka/Tadwai Island
Drive along the scenic north coast to Bagildig
village. While here enjoy a cooking demonstration
utilizing traditional pots and local, native
ingredients such as taro, bananas, yams,
greens, fish, prawns, or chicken. These are combined
in a clay pot and boiled in coconut
milk over a fire. You may choose
to sample the fare, which can be quite
delicious. Proceed to Sokaka village
for a demonstration of traditional
costumes. A long tradition of incredibly
colorful adornment with paint, feathers,
shells, plants and furs is a hallmark
Papua New Guinea’s exotic tribes. Learn
about the significance of the visually
striking traditional dress, as well
as an explanation of the local herbal
medicines. Depart Sokaka village for
the short drive back to Malolo for lunch.
After lunch climb into outrigger canoes
and cross the lagoon to Tadwai Island,
a coral cay. Marvel at the plant life
and tree species growing on ancient
volcanic rocks swept by ocean waves.
Snorkel in the calm, protected waters
of the lagoon, which abounds with
colorful tropical reef fish and swaying
soft corals. This excursion is a delight
for the senses, an experience at once
compelling and supremely relaxing.
Overnight Malolo Plantation Lodge
(B,L,D)

DAY 14 Malolo/Madang/Port Moresby
This morning transfer to Madang Airport for your
flight to Port Moresby. Arrive at the hotel and
enjoy lunch. This afternoon explore the city, with
visits to the National Parliament House, National
Museum, PNG Arts, and the lovely Botanical
Gardens. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner
at the hotel restaurant. Overnight Airways Hotel
(B,L,D)

Day 15 Home/Extend
Transfer to the airport for flights home, extend
to other great destinations in Asia or the
Pacific. (B)

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