With Coral Expeditions would took a small boat cruise to Northern PNG and the Trobriand Islands. With us on the cruise were Julie and Grahame as well as Diane.
Alotau
This morning join our private jet in Cairns for the short flight to Alotau (additional expense). After boarding Coral Discoverer, at 3:00pm we leave Alotau on the start of our Papua New Guinea Circle adventure. Take the opportunity to explore your new home for the next 10 nights. Enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks before sitting down to the first of many delicious dinners.
Dobu and Fergusson Island
We are greeted by a flotilla of canoes as we approach the Dobu anchorage. Our Expedition Team will share with you the history of the Kula Ring where Dobu Island was a pivotal link between the north and south Kula trade routes. Meet the local primary school children who will welcome us with a traditional dance performance. Join our Expedition Team on an expedition to the Dei Dei Hot Springs where the landowner shares the mythical and spiritual tales of these hot water and mud springs.
Trobriands and Kuiawa
Historically known as the ‘Islands of Love’ the Trobriands offer a glimpse of traditional culture largely unspoilt by outside influence. On the island of Kuiawa witness traditional Trobriand dance performed by the colourfully costumed locals.
Tufi Fjords
Today enjoy a true highlight as we discover the scenic beauty of the rarely visited Tufi Fjords. Similar to Nordic fjords and featuring 25 individual canyons with sheer basalt cliffs, these are the only fjords in Papua New Guinea and offer a wealth of sightseeing opportunities. Soak up the spectacular views as we cruise close to the towering cliffs before boarding Xplorer to travel ashore to meet the friendly locals. Then, enjoy the opportunity to discover the region’s numerous white sandy beaches, take a leisurely swim and snorkel or kayak over spectacular fringing reefs.
Buna’s WWII History
Today we commemorate one of the most important battles of WWII in the Pacific as we visit the coastal village of Buna. Forming the main Japanese base during their advance across the Kokoda Track during World War II, it was in Buna that the Japanese made their last stand after their withdrawal following the Kokoda campaign. By November 1942 more than 6,000 Japanese troops were dug-in in the Buna-Gona area, using the rugged terrain to great effect to conceal hundreds of machine gun bunkers and trenches. A combined Australian and US force launched a series of bloody attacks against the Japanese defenders, wrenching the ground from them inch-by-inch. By January 1943 more than 22,000 men had been killed or wounded on both sides, a casualty rate that makes the Buna-Gona campaign one of the bloodiest of the entire Pacific War. Visit the site of the old Buna Government Station and Australian and US memorials paying tribute to the men who died here.
Kamiali Wildlife Management Area.
We awaken early and travel ashore to the picturesque village of Lababia, gateway to one of the most important conservation areas in PNG – the Kamiali Wildlife Management Area. In the company of our Expedition Team and local guides, walk through the prehistoric rainforest. With luck we may see some of the prolific birdlife resident here including hornbills, parrots, palm cockatoos and the iconic Raggiana Bird of Paradise. Enjoy an afternoon of in-water activities at Fly Island, which has some of the best coral reefs in all of Papua New Guinea to discover through snorkelling, SCUBA diving, glass bottom boat tours and kayaking.
Tuam and Dregerhafen
Tuam and Dregerhafen, in the Siassi group of islands, offer a mix of both mainland and Bismarck Archipelago cultures. Their prized trinkets and decorations include dog’s teeth, spondyllus shells and wonderful balsa wood and sago bark headdresses. We enjoy the welcome dances and village hospitality.
The historic town of Madang sits on a peninsula surrounded by a number of picturesque islands. Famed for its diving, the waters surrounding Madang offer excellent visibility and many WWII wrecks to explore. Enjoy swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, diving and a harbour exploration.
The Mighty Sepik River
Sepik River and Volcanic Manam Island
Sure to be a highlight, this morning we enter the mouth of the mighty Sepik River – one of the world’s great river systems. Over the next two days Coral Discoverer will cruise well upriver to the middle Sepik region, which is renowned for its unique artefacts. Visit the remote village of Bien where the local Sepik people are amongst the greatest primitive artists on earth and each village has its own distinct style. Enjoy the opportunity to purchase unique hand carvings. Anchor this evening in the river whilst overhead hundreds of flying foxes stream through the sky.
An early morning start offers a great opportunity for bird watching. Join the Expedition Team to identify Spotted Blue-eyed Cockatoos, Wagtails, Great Egret, Little Egret, Great Billed Heron, the enormous Blyth’s Hornbill and others as we cruise back down river. On farewelling the Sepik we pass the active volcano on Manam Island and enjoy the sunset.
Early this morning we arrive in the picturesque port city of Wewak, where it is time to farewell fellow travellers, the Captain and his crew. Disembark at 8:00am for your onward travel arrangements.
Feb 23 2016
PNG 2016
Alotau
This morning join our private jet in Cairns for the short flight to Alotau (additional expense). After boarding Coral Discoverer, at 3:00pm we leave Alotau on the start of our Papua New Guinea Circle adventure. Take the opportunity to explore your new home for the next 10 nights. Enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks before sitting down to the first of many delicious dinners.
Dobu and Fergusson Island
We are greeted by a flotilla of canoes as we approach the Dobu anchorage. Our Expedition Team will share with you the history of the Kula Ring where Dobu Island was a pivotal link between the north and south Kula trade routes. Meet the local primary school children who will welcome us with a traditional dance performance. Join our Expedition Team on an expedition to the Dei Dei Hot Springs where the landowner shares the mythical and spiritual tales of these hot water and mud springs.
Trobriands and Kuiawa
Historically known as the ‘Islands of Love’ the Trobriands offer a glimpse of traditional culture largely unspoilt by outside influence. On the island of Kuiawa witness traditional Trobriand dance performed by the colourfully costumed locals.
Tufi Fjords
Today enjoy a true highlight as we discover the scenic beauty of the rarely visited Tufi Fjords. Similar to Nordic fjords and featuring 25 individual canyons with sheer basalt cliffs, these are the only fjords in Papua New Guinea and offer a wealth of sightseeing opportunities. Soak up the spectacular views as we cruise close to the towering cliffs before boarding Xplorer to travel ashore to meet the friendly locals. Then, enjoy the opportunity to discover the region’s numerous white sandy beaches, take a leisurely swim and snorkel or kayak over spectacular fringing reefs.
Buna’s WWII History
Today we commemorate one of the most important battles of WWII in the Pacific as we visit the coastal village of Buna. Forming the main Japanese base during their advance across the Kokoda Track during World War II, it was in Buna that the Japanese made their last stand after their withdrawal following the Kokoda campaign. By November 1942 more than 6,000 Japanese troops were dug-in in the Buna-Gona area, using the rugged terrain to great effect to conceal hundreds of machine gun bunkers and trenches. A combined Australian and US force launched a series of bloody attacks against the Japanese defenders, wrenching the ground from them inch-by-inch. By January 1943 more than 22,000 men had been killed or wounded on both sides, a casualty rate that makes the Buna-Gona campaign one of the bloodiest of the entire Pacific War. Visit the site of the old Buna Government Station and Australian and US memorials paying tribute to the men who died here.
Kamiali Wildlife Management Area.
We awaken early and travel ashore to the picturesque village of Lababia, gateway to one of the most important conservation areas in PNG – the Kamiali Wildlife Management Area. In the company of our Expedition Team and local guides, walk through the prehistoric rainforest. With luck we may see some of the prolific birdlife resident here including hornbills, parrots, palm cockatoos and the iconic Raggiana Bird of Paradise. Enjoy an afternoon of in-water activities at Fly Island, which has some of the best coral reefs in all of Papua New Guinea to discover through snorkelling, SCUBA diving, glass bottom boat tours and kayaking.
Tuam and Dregerhafen
Tuam and Dregerhafen, in the Siassi group of islands, offer a mix of both mainland and Bismarck Archipelago cultures. Their prized trinkets and decorations include dog’s teeth, spondyllus shells and wonderful balsa wood and sago bark headdresses. We enjoy the welcome dances and village hospitality.
The historic town of Madang sits on a peninsula surrounded by a number of picturesque islands. Famed for its diving, the waters surrounding Madang offer excellent visibility and many WWII wrecks to explore. Enjoy swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, diving and a harbour exploration.
The Mighty Sepik River
Sepik River and Volcanic Manam Island
Sure to be a highlight, this morning we enter the mouth of the mighty Sepik River – one of the world’s great river systems. Over the next two days Coral Discoverer will cruise well upriver to the middle Sepik region, which is renowned for its unique artefacts. Visit the remote village of Bien where the local Sepik people are amongst the greatest primitive artists on earth and each village has its own distinct style. Enjoy the opportunity to purchase unique hand carvings. Anchor this evening in the river whilst overhead hundreds of flying foxes stream through the sky.
An early morning start offers a great opportunity for bird watching. Join the Expedition Team to identify Spotted Blue-eyed Cockatoos, Wagtails, Great Egret, Little Egret, Great Billed Heron, the enormous Blyth’s Hornbill and others as we cruise back down river. On farewelling the Sepik we pass the active volcano on Manam Island and enjoy the sunset.
Early this morning we arrive in the picturesque port city of Wewak, where it is time to farewell fellow travellers, the Captain and his crew. Disembark at 8:00am for your onward travel arrangements.
By Daniel • Timeline, Travel