Cultures & Customs of Papua New Guinea

Fly to Manila.

Land Manila. Transit and board the onward flight to Port Moresby. 

Arrive in Port Moresby and transfer to the hotel. The afternoon is free to relax after the long flight. Dinner is included tonight. (D)

Fly to Goroka.Land and head out on a tour of the Asaro Mudman village. Watch a traditional fire making ceremony and mudman performance before a enjoy a tasty "mumu" lunch. End the day at the spectacular Daulo Pass to enjoy sweeping views of the region. (B/L/D)

Climb to Mount Gurupoka this morning with our Sprit Guide and be rewarded with fantastic views of the Asaro valley and Daulo Mountains. Explore an ancestral cave and watch a Ghost Dance performance by the villagers. In the afternoon enjoy a tour of a local coffee factory and the small but interesting JK McCarthy Museum. (B/D)

This morning head out to explore the colourful Goroka market which is always bustling with locals buying supplies. Travel to a local Chimbu village and learn about their traditional way of life. Learn the ancient skills of making musical instruments, weapons and bilum (string bags) used by many local Papua New Guineans. Overnight Goroka. (B/D)

Today is a full day on the road. Take a scenic drive through lush terrain to the coastal town of Madang. En-route stop at Kamaliki Village for a colourful dance performance. End the day in Madang early evening. Note: there is an option to fly this journey for a supplement. (B/L/D)

An early start today for those interested in a spot of bird watching. Head to a nearby village and take a stroll in search of our feathered friends. Return to the hotel for breakfast before heading out to discover Madang town. Visit the museum to see ceremonial headdresses, jewellery and musical instruments at the small but interesting museum. Stroll through Madang Market and swing by the University Campus to see the colony of flying foxes. Visit the Coastwatchers' Memorial Beacon and Machine Gun Beach which is a popular swimming spot with local children. Return to the resort and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B/D)

Drive to Hobe Village and watch a traditional dance, culture and music performance. This performance includes village children of all ages demonstrating a range of local dances. Take a walk through the immaculate village garden with the Village Chief and enjoy a tasty Madang-style lunch. (B/L/D)

Head out on the calm seas of  Madang Harbour. Enjoy a cruise around the working harbour before continuing on to tiny Siar Island to enjoy the chance for a spot of snorkelling on the colourful reefs. Enjoy a tasty island BBQ with a further chance for a spot of snorkelling and the chance to explore the island. Return to the resort for the afternoon free at leisure. (B/L/D)

Fly to Rabaul via Port Moresby. The flight passes through Port Moresby and there will be time and opportunity to visit the Nature Park to see the animal and birdlife. Drive to the hotel and relax for the evening. (B/L/D)

Today is spent exploring the region. Head to the nearby Kokopo War Museum, home to an array of interesting war relics and items of cultural significance. Continue to Rabaul stopping en route at the U-boat tunnel and the Japanese war tunnels. Dug into the hillside by POW's during WWII they were used variously as officers quarters, weapons storage, canteen and hospital. Enjoy lunch in the historic Rabaul Hotel before further exploration of the New Guinea Club and Museum, Admiral Yamamoto's bunker and Mt Tavurvur to meet the local Matupit villagers. End the day at the Volcanological Observatory for fantasic views of Simpson Harbour with Mt Tavurvur in the distance. (B/L/D)

Head to a local beach early morning to watch the Tolai tribe's atmospheric Kinavai ceremony. Enjoy the spectacle of dukduks and tumbuans (masked forest spirits) coming ashore in canoes to the beating of traditional kundu drums, a truly spectacular sight. Return to the hotel for breakfast followed by a Rabaul harbour cruise which includes the chance to visit the megapode fields where the Matupit villagers dig for the eggs. A light lunch will be served onboard. The afternoon will be spent either visiting Kokopo market and the unique Vunapope Church or we can return to the festival site for potential afternoon events (to be discussed on the day). Return to the hotel (image: copyright David Kirkland).  (B/L/D)

Today will be spent at the festival ground. Enjoy VIP seating and the chance to watch a succession of fascinating traditional dances throughout the day. Villagers often come from far afield to take part in this fascinating celebration of their various traditional cultures. Enjoy an early dinner before heading out to Kainagunan Village to watch the fantastic Baining Fire Dance. Here groups of adolescent village boys compete to run through blazing flames as village elders chant, a truly wonderful spectacle to behold. (B/D)

Fly to Port Moresby. Land and drive out of the city to visit the Port Moresby Adventure Park & National Orchid Gardens. The site is home to a range of wildlife including numerous Birds of Paradise. Return to the city via the pristine Bomana War Cemetery and enjoy lunch at the Port Moresby Yacht Club (lunch at own expense). After lunch visit the fascinating National Museum which is crammed with interesting artefacts and see the neighbouring National Parliament. (B/D)

This morning board a boat and head out to Daugo Island, also known as Fisherman's Island, a short journey from Ela Beach. Visit the white sand beach for a spot of swimming before taking a tour of the fishing community who live on the island. Enjoy a locally caught seafood lunch on the island before returning to the city. Take a short stroll through the bustling Koki Fish Market before ending the day back at the hotel. (B/L/D)

Fly from Port Moresby to Manila. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B)

Explore the city with visits to Rizal Park, the historic walled city of Intramuros, San Agustin Church and the fascinating Chinese cemetery. Tonight there is the opportunity to enjoy dinner in the lovely Blackbird at Nielson Tower restaurant which was once the city's international airport and is now an art-deco era eatery (dinner not included). (B/L)

Return to the airport and fly back to the UK. (B)