Sepik Region

The longest river on the island of New Guinea at over 700 miles (1,124 kilometers), the Sepik is home to varied habitats including rainforests, mountains and marshy swampland. One of the last unspoiled freshwater ecosystems within Asia, the Sepik has, unlike others of its kind, managed to so far avoid the mining, forestry and urban development that is sweeping other parts of Papua New Guinea, making for a pristine environment not far removed from ancient times.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

East Sepik Islands

Visit the East Sepik Islands, consisting of Mushu, a coral atoll that features a white sand beach fringed by palms and home to a plethora of reef fish; the uninhabited Robuin, once used as a fuel depot by the Japanese during World War II; and Kairiru, a volcanic atoll.

Mindimbit Village

Visit Mindimbit, a large village on the Middle Sepik near the junction with the Korosameri River. The village is known for its own distinctive artistic style, where moon-faced figures and wooden masks are carved in fine detail and accented with red clay and white lime paint.

Visit a Men’s Spirit House, a sacred house built by men where they keep their wooden masks, garamut drums, bamboo flutes and other ritualistic possessions. Go inside and listen to music and fascinating tribal legends.

Palambe Village

Arrive at Palimbe village, a collection of thatched houses inhabited by the local Sepik people. Visit the Haus Tambaran, a traditional ancestral worship house of hand-carved and handpainted pieces such as totem poles and other wooden items.

Afterwards, watch a Sepik cooking demonstration of sago, a local diet staple, and enjoy a traditional meal of sago and other foods.

Sepik Crocodile Festival

See the Sepik Crocodile Festival, an initiative of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as part of its sustainable development programs. The festival celebrates the role of the crocodile in the lives of the local Sepik people, and provides a venue for the WWF to promote conservation on the part of indigenous people. Here, village groups perform traditional, crocodile-themed dances and dramas and sell crocodile-inspired handicrafts.

The Headland

Explore the headlands of Vanimo, a strange, peninsula-like limestone landmass home to tribal villages, fantastic beaches, and excellent snorkeling. Nearby is a rusting barge dating back to the Japanese occupation of the area during World War II, as well as a number of hidden beaches.

Papua New Guinea Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Sepik Region Itineraries

Classic Papua New Guinea

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $34,600
See Itinerary

Goroka Festival

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
Enquire for price.
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Nature in the Raw: Wild Papua New Guinea

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary

Papua New Guinea Crocodile Festival

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary

Remote Asia in 5 Countries by Private Jet

Duration
15 days / 14 nights
Per Person Per Day
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary

Wild Papua New Guinea by Private Aircraft

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary

Canoes & Mudmen: Papua New Guinea's Great Outdoors

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary

Meet the Wigmen: Papua New Guinea Adventure

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary

Sepik Highlands Safari

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary
Preferred Hotel

Sepik Spirit

Sepik Region, Papua New Guinea

Intrepid travelers can explore the mysterious and beautiful Sepik River and discover the secrets of Northwestern Papua New Guinea with a stay on the Sepik Spirit, an idyllic floating lodge in the middle of the river’s waters. From here, guests can make excursions on nippy speedboats into the river’s tributaries to explore the region, visit spirit houses, villages and tribes, meet the locals and witness the ancient cultures and customs such as tribal dancing, music and discussions with local elders. After a long day of exploration with knowledgeable guides, guests can return to the Sepik Spirit for delicious, artfully-prepared meals in its beautiful dining room, to enjoy sunset on the upper deck, sip a cool drink in the bar or to relax in the lounge areas. Finally, when the day is done, comfortable, spacious cabins beckon for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Karawari Lodge

Karawari Lodge

Sepik Region, Papua New Guinea

Karawari is a striking, rustic-style wood and bamboo lodge located in the heart of the rainforested Sepik region, home to numerous indigenous tribespeople. Its 10 private cottages are built from local bush materials and designed for minimum impact on the local residents. All come with two twin-bedded rooms, an en-suite bathroom, ceiling fan, 220V electricity, hot and cold running water, mosquito nets and a shared veranda, and are comfortable and generously sized. The dining room serves simple local meals, while guests can also relax in the lounge and bar.

Windjammer Beach Resort

Windjammer Beach Resort

Sepik Region, Papua New Guinea

This beachfront resort is in a convenient position halfway between Wewak town and the airport, offering comfortable accommodation for all ages. The Windjammer is one of Wewak’s oldest and most iconic resorts with a strong local following and a peaceful position on the waterfront, fringed by swaying palms. The Windjammer offers a wide selection of rooms and of of its highlights is a carved crocodile bar. The Windjammer is within walking distance of shops, parks and restaurants and the beach is suitable for swimming and surfing.

In Wewak

In Wewak

Sepik Region, Papua New Guinea


In Wewak Boutique Hotel is perched atop a hill, providing guests with expansive views of the calm waters of the Bismark Sea, in Wewak, Papua New Guinea. Being cocooned as it is in nature, in a residential area, the hotel exudes an aura of tranquility and serenity. Rooms feature air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs, while the common areas have internet facilities, a cafe and restaurant offering lovely sea views for guests’ dining pleasure, and even a resort-style pool, surrounded by sun loungers and sun umbrellas. The sunset views the hotel and its beachfront provide are a particular guest favorite.


Kanganaman Village Guest House

Kanganaman Village Guest House

Sepik Region, Papua New Guinea


This very simple, wooden guesthouse, in the small village of Kanganaman, East Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea, is not for everyone. Its thatched roof and wooden walls are enough to shield guests from the elements, but may not keep out every creepy-crawly. It provides guests with humble mattresses for sleeping and mosquito nets for comfort and peace of mind. Still, this rustic abode provides guests with an unforgettable experience and in-depth insight into how the locals live their day-to-day lives, thus further immersing visitors into their Sepik experience. 


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