Canoes & Mudmen: Papua New Guinea

Duration: 14 days / 13 nights

Price Per Person: From $17,900

Interests: Trekking, Tribal

Destinations: Papua New Guinea

This 14-day adventure itinerary covers the Highlands and remote areas of the Upper Sepik. You’ll have the chance to meet the legendary Mudmen, observing their rituals, and trek up the country’s highest peak. A four-day canoe adventure will take you past the incredible sights and sounds of villages and forests that line the country’s longest river, the mighty Sepik river. Finish off with some beach time in the white sands of Louisia.

Highlights

Meet the legendary Asaro mudmen and learn about their fascinating history
Trek the country’s highest peak, all the way to its Base Camp
Enjoy a languid four-day Sepik canoeing adventure
Relax on the pristine beaches of Louisia

Day-by-Day

Day 1 Goroka

Arrive in Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby, where you’ll immediately transfer to your flight to Goroka. Check in to your room at Bird of Paradise Hotel, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with Goroka township on an orientation tour that includes a visit to the JK McCarthy Museum, Raun Raun Theatre, and the local market.

Day 2 Goroka

Enjoy a half-day tour through Goroka’s world-famous coffee plantations this morning, and then pay a visit to the village of the legendary Asaro mudmen, learning about their fascinating history involving conquering an invading tribe using mud. Relax for the remainder of your day either back at your hotel or exploring your prefered sights.

Day 3 Mount Wilhelm

This morning you’ll embark on a scenic tour of Mt Wilhelm, a trekker’s paradise that rises to 14,800 feet above sea-level. Along the way, you’ll pass through the picturesque Asaro Valley, Daulo Pass, and quarrelling Gorges, as well as local markets and villages. Check in to your room at Betty’s Guest House, and settle in. This afternoon you may participate in some local cultural activities.

Day 4 Mount Wilhelm

You’re in for a fabulous adventure today, trekking three to four hours to Mt Wilhelm’s Base Camp, 11,480 feet above sea-level. The challenging journey is well worth the reward: once you reach your destination, you’ll be afforded incredible views of the rugged terrains and surrounding hills. Tonight, get into the heart of local culture by witnessing a Courting Ceremony.

Day 5 Mount Hagen

After breakfast, you’ll be driving to Mt Hagen, the country’s third-largest city. The drive will take you through the fertile Wahgi Valley, famous for its tea and coffee plantations. On the way, witness Simbu Players. Check in to your room at the Highlander Hotel, and relax for the evening.

Day 6 Ambunti

Today, you’re taking off for Ambunti, a picturesque village in Papua New Guinea’s Sepik region. Once arrived and settled, you’ll be given a short briefing of your upcoming Sepik Canoeing Adventure. You’ll begin tomorrow, so enjoy a good night’s rest.

Day 7 Upper Sepik

Your thrilling Sepik Canoeing Adventure starts today! You’ll pass through remote cultural villages as you paddle your way across Papua New Guinea’s longest river. Overnight tonight at a humble abode in a local village.

Day 8 Upper Sepik

Continue your Sepik Canoeing Adventure today, passing through the likes of Tonjamb, Wagu Lake, and more. You’ll no doubt be in awe of the pristine environment - take it in, you’re creating memories to last a lifetime! Overnight once again in a humble dwelling in a local village.

Day 9 Upper Sepik

You’re more than half-way through your canoe adventure. Continue onwards through the Hunstein mountain range. Overnight once again in a humble dwelling in a local village.

Day 10 Upper Sepik

Today is the final day of your Sepik Canoeing Adventure. Paddle onwards, watching the area’s rich wildlife and, and spend the night once again in a remote village.

Day 11 Port Moresby

After breakfast, you’ll fly to Wewak, where you’ll connect to Port Moresby. From there, transfer to your room at the Gateway Hotel, where you may enjoy some free time to explore the city.

Day 12 Louisia

A flight will bring you to the beachside destination of Louisia today, where you’ll be transferred to your room at Kiriwina Lodge. This afternoon, enjoy some free time, either relaxing at your hotel, or chilling out at the beach.

Day 13 Louisia

You’ll get well-acquainted with Louisia today on a full-day tour, with activities that include the local Tapioca dance, visits to local villages, and a boat trip to nearby islands. Bed down for the night once again at Kiriwina Lodge.

Day 14 Departure

Say goodbye to the new friends you’ve made in Louisia today, and take a flight to Port Moresby once more. From here, you’ll be assisted with checking in for your international flight.

SUGGESTED HOTEL FOR DAYS 1-2

Bird of Paradise

The Bird of Paradise is the best hotel in Goroka, and while hardly posh, it is relatively clean and comfortable. It has 52 rooms, cable TV, IDD telephones, laundry, room service, an outdoor heated pool and gym. The Lahani Restaurant offers exotic dishes such as crocodile, buffalo, venison, and pigeon as well as fresh Highland vegetables and fruit. The hotel also has a more casual café with outdoor dining, the Deck Bistro, and a bar called Birdy's Piano bar. The Bird of Paradise is conveniently located in the center of town near the J.K. McCarthy Museum, Raun Raun Theatre and Mount Gahavisuka Provincial Park, an 8,000-acre park featuring walking trails, a scenic lookout, and a variety of native flora and fauna. Amenities include an outdoor heated pool, game room, fitness center, on-site squash club, business center and broadband Internet access. The hotel is only five minutes from the Goroka Airport (GKA).

SUGGESTED HOTEL FOR DAYS 3-4

Betty's Guest House

Papua New Guinea's highest peak reaches a towering 4509 meters above sea. On the path up to this sky piercing point rests Betty’s Place at 2790 meters. Nestled in with the surrounding scenery, the lodge furnishes beautiful views of rivers and surrounding nature from its 4 double rooms. Electricity, hot-water showers, and meals are provided. Produce is sourced from a nearby local farm and guests are invited to cook on their own. In business for over 20 years, the staff at Betty’s Place possess a wealth of knowledge and the lodge's location is perfect for guests seeking to climb up Mount Wilhelm, enjoy bird watching, or hike throughout the region.

SUGGESTED HOTEL FOR DAY 5

Quality Hotel Highlander

The Highlander Hotel in Mount Hagen, gateway to the Western Highlands and its vibrant culture of tribal sing-sing rituals, is one of the best hotels in PNG and offers many comforts one might not expect in the region, such as an outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis courts, and a choice of dining options. The hotel's buildings are inspired by traditional architecture, with thatched roofs, and are surrounded by landscaped grounds. Each of the 60 rooms has a color television, IDD telephone, air conditioning and of course a private bathroom. Some rooms are equipped with broadband Internet, and access is available to all guests in the business center. The Poolside Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch on an outdoor terrace and Palmuri serves an à la carte dinner menu by an open stone fireplace. The Highlander is 10 miles from the Mount Hagen Airport (HGU).

SUGGESTED HOTEL FOR DAY 6

Ambunti Lodge

Perched on the banks of the Sepik River, Ambunti Lodge provides basic accommodation and restaurant services. Guests may choose from twin or double rooms, and recent upgrades have resulted in air-conditioning and private bathrooms in each, making the rooms among the most comfortable available in the area. The lodge also features a generator to keep power going during a power-cut. Ambunti Lodge is the ideal base from which to explore the exotic and fascinating Sepik region, with its rich tribal cultures.

SUGGESTED HOTEL FOR DAYS 7-10

Homestay

A village homestay in Papua New Guinea provides the ultimate culturally-immersive experience, though it is not for everyone. This type of accommodation is quite basic, without electricity or modern amenities, but there's no more authentic way to be a part of local village life. Beds are light mattresses on the floor, the bathroom has a pit toilet and an eco-friendly bucket bath. Breakfast is whatever your host family has prepared for you – usually sago and taro. Village life in rural Papua New Guinea remains largely unchanged over the centuries, and a homestay affords unparalleled insight into everyday village rituals.

SUGGESTED HOTELS FOR DAY 11

Gateway Hotel

The Gateway Hotel is a short drive from both the international and domestic terminals and is surrounded by lush, tropical gardens. The hotel has 115 rooms and apartments, all with balconies, internet, cable TV, air conditioning and tea/coffee facilities. The Ani Ani Restaurant serves some of the finest international cuisine in Port Moresby, and features a buffet from a different part of the globe each night. Alternatively, choose one of Enzo's pizzas in the Rattle 'n' Hum Pizzeria & Bar. The hotel also boasts a beauty salon and souvenir shop.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Airways Hotel

Australasia's leading airport hotel and one fo the finest hotels in Papua New Guinea, the Airways Hotel is located on a hillside overlooking Jacksons International Airport. Seevn guest room and suite types are available, ranging from the well-appointed Bacchus Room to the spacious Presidential Suite. All accommodations are decorated in an airy, modern style with warm wooden furnishings and flooring, crisp white linens and standard mod cons; such as WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, and a 49-inch smart TV. Hotel amenities include a health and fitness center with sauna and steam rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, a spa, plus tennis and squash courts. There are five drinking and dining options for guests, including fine dining at the Bacchus Restaurant.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Hilton Port Moresby

A modern building with impressive architecture, the Hilton Port Moresby is one of the best accommodation options in the capital. Lodgings include five guest room types, including an accessible room, as well as two suite types. All are furnished in a contemporary style with standard mod cons for convenience. Club rooms offer access to a private lounge, which serves complimentary refreshments. Hotel facilities include a rooftop outdoor pool, a hot tub, a gym and a convention center with an open-air amphitheater. For dining, guests can enjoy drinks and deli-style food at Copper, all-day international dining at Feast, coffee and snacks at Halo, traditional dishes at Mumu, as well as alfresco cocktails at Summit.

Kiriwina Lodge

13 DAYS

FROM

$16,300

PER PERSON

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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