Papua New Guinea Tour: Immersing in Tribal Culture

Papua New Guinea is probably one of the last frontiers of adventure travel, where you can enjoy natural beauty, exotic wildlife and century-old cultural traditions. The second largest island in the world is a land of geological contrasts, marked by high mountains, vast rain forests and river systems and pristine coral atolls. Such diversity is only rivaled by the local people themselves whose diverse traditions remain an active part of everyday life and are as varied and breathtaking as the landscape that surrounds them. From the colorful body adornment of the highlanders to the ceremonial and decorative carvings of the Sepik Region, the people of Papua New Guinea share their customs and their heritage with a genuine openness and hospitality. In this unforgettable journey you will have the unique chance to witness one of the best and largest cultural displays in Papua New Guinea – the Goroka show.

Highlights:
♦ Goroka show - a unique and fascinating cultural event featuring more than 800 tribal participants and sing sing groups from all over the country.

Itinerary:

Day 1. Port Moresby - Mt. Hagen
Arrival to Port Moresby (departure from your home country might be on the day before or even two days before). Domestic flight to Mt. Hagen. Transport to the hotel for accommodation. City tour of Mt. Hagen - the local market, Rondon Ridge with a beautiful panoramic view to the city, then drive to the Waghi valley and visit local villages, school, and tea and coffee plantations. In the afternoon return and overnight at Hotel Kimininga (or similar). -/L/D

Day 2. Mt. Hagen - Goroka
After breakfast we head for the Eastern Highlands Province to see the Goroka cultural show passing through Jiwaka and the Simbu Provinces. Upon arrival at Daulo a photo stop for a panoramic view of the Asaro valley. You will then drive straight to the show ground. You will spend half a day at the show ground. Overnight at Kanda Rest House (or similar) B/L/D

Day 3. Goroka cultural show
A yearly event in Papua New Guinea, the Goroka Cultural Show is one of the best shows in the country, where we will see some of the amazing traditional dances and tribal attire from over 100 different tribal groups. An early morning wake-up call gets us to the show ground to see the preparations before the formal show begins. We see the performers preparing their traditional clothing and body decorations and practicing for their dances. We spend most of the day at the Goroka Arena. In the afternoon drive to Komunive village to watch the mud man performance. After the performance return to Goroka and continue to Kainantu for overnight at Kainantu Lodge (or similar) B/L/D

Day 4. Madang
After early breakfast we will begin our road tour to the Madang Province.Madang has many of the country’s highest peaks and a broad ethnic diversity. Madang has been labelled “the prettiest town in the South Pacific” due to its palm-rimmed beaches, offshore islands, and lovely parks; all set against a rugged mountain backdrop. We have a full day driving today with several interesting stops along the way including an arts and crafts center and Yonki Hydro Dam. We will enjoy lunch enroute at a sugar plantation.Overnight in Jais Aben Resort (or similar). B/L/D

Day 5. Madang
After breakfast take a boat to Panadow Island for the snake dance and visit the local inhabitants of the island. After the performance return to the Resort for lunch and then after lunch tour of Madang includes Balek wild life, main market, Kalibobo light house, museum, and the craft market and then return to the hotel for overnight at Jais Aben Resort.(or similar) B/L/D

Day 6. Port Moresby - departure
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Port Moresby and then connect with your international flight home or to another destination in the region. B/-/-

Visa: All Europeans must have a visa in order to visit Papua New Guinea. The visa can be issued at the airport upon arrival for citizens of Western Europe (about 120 PGK - subject to change). You must provide a return flight ticket and sufficient funds; your passport should be valid at least 6 months after the return date. However it is recommended that you get the visa in advance as the procedure at the airport can take hours and you might miss your connecting domestic flight. Citizens of other countries must obtain visa in advance at the nearest Papua New Guinea or Australian Embassy or Consulate. Papua New Guinea has embassies in Belgium and UK, where you can apply for visa by sending your documents by post.

Practical information:

Though Papua New Guinea is situated close to some well developed countries like Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Singapore etc., it is somewhat isolated and as a result most services and facilities, including transportation and tourism, are relatively underdeveloped and you might encounter situations that you would not normally expect in other destinations. PNG has also wide variety of unique cultures, which might require that you be an ethical tourist with respect to the local customs and traditions:

►credit cards can be used at most major hotels, but it is preferable if you bring cash. It is strongly advisable that you exchange some local money, called kina, in advance, especially in small notes as often the exchange office at the airport runs out of money or is closed and you need to pay for your visa in kina. Small notes are preferred for shopping at the villages

► do not bring gifts to the locals, however notebooks and pens/pencils or other school supplies will be appreciated.

► the climate is hot and humid, so bring suitable clothes in light colours and with long sleeves (to protect you from the mosquitoes)

► on the domestic flights luggage allowance is restricted to 16 kg + 5 kg hand luggage

►before taking a picture of an individual (except in the case of a planned performance), always ask for a permission. If someone asks for money so picture could be taken - don't give them money, nor take the pictureort Moresby - Mt. Hagen

Price Includes:
5-night accommodation
full board (from lunch on day 1 till breakfast on day 6)
English speaking local guide
ground transport according to the program
entrance fee for the show,

Not Included:
international flight tickets to/from Port Moresby
domestic flights Port Moresby-Mt. Hagen,Madang-Port Moresby
departure taxes where required
insurance (strongly recommended)
tips and personal expenses
drinks
visa costs

Additional Services:
Additional Required flights that we urge you to book/ticket in conjunction with international arrival: Day 1- International arrival flight; Day 1- PX flight POM/HGU; Day 6- PX flight MAG/POM; Day 6- PX International departing flight to be nominated from your end. 2 domestic flights (price to be confirmed upon order)
additional night in Port Moresby before/after the tour: upon request
Supplement at 4 persons travelling together: on request
supplement at 2 persons travelling together: on request

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