Papua New Guinea – the last frontier of tourism.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is largely undeveloped, and is probably the least explored and most rarely visited country in the Asia-Pacific region. Our closest neighbour, PNG has over 800 different cultural groups, each with its own language, art, music, dance, fashion, weapons and architecture.

With almost no tourism infrastructure and limited information available in books and on websites, it can feel like you’re stepping into the great unknown. But this is exactly why travellers find this country so compelling. Nothing is contrived for tourists and every experience is authentic.

There is enormous diversity between the cultures in Papua New Guinea. For example the colourful Huli tribe found in the southern highlands, who use colourful clay for traditional body decoration. In contrast, the young men of the Sepik region undergo painful skin cutting on their backs. This is a symbol of strength and power to resemble the much worshiped water spirit (crocodiles) of the Sepik.

Our resort accommodation in Port Moresby is the perfect environment for you to relax before travelling into some of PNG’s more remote regions where you will experience this amazing culture, whilst being totally spoilt with this country’s famous hospitality, at luxury lodges.

We will provide you with a safe, eco-friendly and culturally sensitive experience in one of the world’s best kept secrets.

Day 1 Port Moresby

Upon arrival in Port Moresby you will be met and transferred to your hotel, a lovely island resort accessed by bus and water taxi outside Port Moresby. There will be a pre trip briefing this evening to discuss the upcoming activities, and a chance to meet your fellow travelers. We enjoy a relaxing meal at our hotel. Overnight: Port Moresby

Day 2 Mount Hagen (B/ /D)

We will travel back to the airport for our spectacular flight to Mount Hagen. Upon arrival, we will be transferred by 4WD to the Magic Mountain Hideaway. Magic Mountain Hideaway is about 10Km from Paiya Culture Center, precisely at the foot of Mt. Hagen. The Hideaway is a showcase of traditional architecture, with the accommodation perfectly blending with the natural environment. In the evening, we will witness a traditional night time `tanim het’ courting ceremony. Overnight: MAGIC MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY, Mt Hagen (D)

Day 3 Mt Hagen (B,L,D)

Enough of the easy stuff – today is time to shake off the cobwebs and enjoy getting out amongst nature. Our trek to the summit of Mt Hagen will be strenuous, but you will see this magnificent country up close and away from any other tourists. We will start early as this is a full day trek through what is a truly magical part of Papua New Guinea. After summiting and enjoying spectacular views, we will trek back down the mountain, where a hot shower and cold drinks await! Overnight: MAGIC MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY (BLD)

Day 4 Rondon Ridge (B,L,D)

Today we will relax after the exertion of yesterday, but we will still be enjoying the cultural aspects of the PNG Highlands. In the morning we will return to Mount Hagen via a tour of the Waghi Valley and Kudjip. A comprehensive touring program will take us on a journey through the traditions and customs of the Melpa People. We will also experience a visit to the villages of the mud men. Overnight: RONDON RIDGE (BLD)

Day 5 Karawari (B,L,D)

From our own personal charter plane, we will see the mountains begin to give way until eventually vast tracts of dense tropical lowland rainforest cover the landscape for as far as the eye can see. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari River, and inspired by local architecture, Karawari Lodge boasts a spectacular view over hundreds of kilometres of dense tropical jungle. On arrival at Karawari airstrip, we will transfer by riverboat to Karawari Lodge. We will have an opportunity to relax and enjoy lunch before an afternoon visit to Kundiman village for sago making demonstrations. Sago is the staple food for the river people. Overnight: KARAWARI LODGE (BLD)

Day 6 Karawari (B,L,D)

Time to hit the water today, as we visit many villages set along the jungle-fringed waterways in our slender dugout canoes. Before setting off, we will have some instruction on how to paddle these traditional vessels; it’s not as easy as it looks! We will see bountiful bird life along the rivers and nearby lakes, and enhance our understanding of traditional village culture, allowing us the opportunity to be able to observe village life and customs. Overnight: KARAWARI LODGE (BLD)

Day 7 Ambua (B,L,D)

Today we are privileged to enjoy another spectacular flight, this time from Karawari to Ambua. Ambua Lodge is high on the slopes of the Tari Valley – home of the Huli, a colourful and proud people, still largely living the same way that their ancestors did. After lunch, we will don the trekking boots again and set off for a hike exploring the area surrounding Ambua. Though the trekking is not particularly strenuous, we will travel through high mountain forests with roaring waterfalls. Overnight: AMBUA LODGE (BLD)

Day 8 Port Moresby (B,L,D)

This morning we wave goodbye to the beautiful staff at Ambua Lodge, travelling to Tari airport for our flight to Port Moresby. We will be met in Port Moresby and transferred to our accommodation at Loloata Island Resort. The afternoon can be spent swimming, snorkeling or just relaxing. Port Moresby (BLD)

Day 9 Tour ends (B)

After breakfast, a transfer from the hotel will take you to Jackson’s International Airport for your onward journey.

Tour Details

Inclusions

  • Australian Leader for groups of 10+
  • 9 day fully escorted tour ex Port Moresby
  • Twin share accommodation in Port Moresby
  • Twin share luxury lodge accommodation in regional PNG, including ensuite bathrooms
  • All meals
  • All ground transfers
  • Local guides

Exclusions

  • International and Australian domestic flights
  • Internal PNG flights:
    • Day 02 Port Moresby to Mount Hagen
    • Day 08 Tari to Port Moresby
  • Passport & Visa costs
  • Travel insurance
  • All items of a personal nature

Cost

Twin share: $4,795
Single Supplement: $895
(applies for single travelers & groups where single room is required)

The Fine Print

  • A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is required to secure a booking. The remaining monies are payable 60 days prior to departure.
  • You are required to complete a medical questionnaire providing us with information about any condition you may have that is relevant to these activity.
  • Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
  • Training is necessary. Mt Hagen trek is challenging and you will require a good level of fitness. We can offer you support in this area. Please contact us for details.

Tour must commence on Thursday