Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations

This itinerary promises an unforgettable experience exploring some of Papua New Guinea's most remote locations – Tari in the Southern Highlands and the Sepik River. You'll meet the Huli Tribe's wigmen, visit villages with beautiful primitive art and be treated to a tribal performance of Sing-Sing. At the end of your trek you have time to relax on the beautiful coastline of Madang.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Wigmen Sing-Sing: First known to Westerners in 1934, the Huli Wigmen of Hela Province are known for their distinctive face makeup and ornate headdresses, decorating themselves with the colorful plumage of the birds of paradise. While in a Huli village, travelers are treated to a traditional sing-sing.
  • Sepik Canoeing: Travelers take a motorized canoe down the Sepik River — known for its vibrant wildlife and isolated river cultures — to search for indigenous art and explore the riverside villages among the rainforest and mangroves.
  • Beaches of PNG: Explore the isolated beaches of Papua New Guinea at Wewak and Madang, where travelers will find rich underwater sealife and crystal clear water for snorkeling and diving.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Port Moresby

On the first day of your Papua New Guinea adventure you'll land in Port Moresby and check into your hotel. Port Moresby has a selection of great properties that offer the full range of modern amenities for the traveler – we recommend Gateway Lodge, which is set in tropical gardens and has a pool. In the afternoon, head out on a tour of Port Moresby and enjoy the relaxed island pace.   

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

· Proximity to the Airport: If the Airways Hotel was any closer to Jacksons International Airport, it would be on the runway. A stay here is convenient for guests with early/late flights or looking to escape the capital to explore Papua New Guinea's more remote regions via a domestic flight.

· Extensive Wellness Facilities: For an airport hotel, the Airways doesn't hold back on spa and fitness services. The well-equipped gym, as well as tennis and squash courts, are great options for those looking to keep active while traveling. Meanwhile, the award-winning Bliss the Spa offers a wide range of massages, facials and other treaments, such as foot reflexology, Thai massage and Swedish massage, to name but a few.

· Fine Dining: Airways' quintet of drinking and dining venues cater to the diverse tastes of international visitors. Fresh seafood is easily the best feature on the menus here, whether its in authentic Indian dishes at Bacchus or grilled up BBQ-style and served with a beer by the pool.

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Airways Hotel Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

· Prime Location: The Hilton Port Moresby is only a short drive from Jacksons International Airport and offers mountain and city views.

· Attentive Staff: Representing Papua New Guinea for the Hilton brand, Hilton Port Moresby offers high-end hospitality for travelers befitting the Hilton name.

· Adjacent Convention Center: For guests visiting Port Moresby for a conference or other event, the Hilton Port Moresby is located next to a large convention center with an outdoor amphitheater.

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Hilton Port Moresby Preferred Hotel
About

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.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Tari

Today your trek begins. In the morning you'll take a flight to Tari where you'll meet your guide and transfer to the trek site. Tari is home to the Huli Tribe with their infamous wigmen. You'll spend your first trek night at the traditionally-styled Ambua Lodge in your private spacious hut, positioned on the hillside with spectacular mountain views.

Hotel Options
About

Nestled amongst the Doma Peaks near Tari, almost 7000 feet above sea level, is Ambua Lodge. An award-winning, eco-friendly lodge boasting magnificent views of the Tari Valley below, and the perfect base for encountering the famous Wigmen, the lodge consists of forty round houses set amongst landscaped gardens and built almost exclusively from natural materials.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Tari
Tari

Day 3

Tari

It's onward to Karida Village today, where you'll get to meet more local Huli villagers. On the way, you'll visit Hibure Bachelor Center and Skull Cave. In the afternoon, enjoy bird-watching and spirit dance in the village. Tonight you'll return to the modern comfort of Ambua Lodge.

Day 4

Tari

Enjoy another day in the village with the Huli Tribe. Today the wigmen will perform a traditional Sing-Sing celebration, dressed in full tribal costume. After the performance, enjoy a traditional lunch roasted in an underground-oven and in the evening, listen to one of the elders during story-telling time.

Day 5

Kumul

This morning you will be transferred by air from Tari to Kumul, where you can enjoy spotting Papua New Guinea's beautiful tropical birds. On the way you'll drive via Mount Hagen and have the chance to browse through a colorful local market. In the evening, settle into the peaceful Kumul Lodge, an eco-lodge made from all natural materials and run by local villagers.

Hotel Options
About

Located in the lush rural highlands of Papua New Guinea, Kumul Lodge is a renowned eco-lodge offering comfortably rustic accommodation. Owned and operated by people from the local community, guests staying at Kumul Lodge contribute to the immediate area through their commercial support and in turn, guests enjoy cozy accommodation surrounded by native wildlife and enjoying local hospitality.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Kumul
Kumul

Day 6

Mount Hagen

Rise early today and embark upon a full-day tour to Wabag, the biggest provincial capital in Papua New Guinea and here you can enjoy local coffee. In the evening, return to Mount Hagen and check into the Quality Hotel Highlander.

Hotel Options
About

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.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 7

Ambunti

Today you'll bid adieu to Mount Hagen and fly to Ambunti. Here, you'll meet up with your guide and begin the four-day Middle Sepik Canoeing Art Tour. By exploring the waterways in this fashion, you'll get to see intricately carved spirit houses and remote villages dotted throughout virgin forest. Spend the evening at the Ambunti Lodge.

Hotel Options
About

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.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 8

Ambunti

Continue your journey through the waterways of the Sepik River via motorized canoe, stopping at villages and meeting different ethnic communities. Many villages you meet on this trip still practice ancient customs – secret ceremonies performed within spirit houses. You'll spend tonight in the fully self-contained Ambunti Lodge.

Ambunti
Ambunti

Day 9

Ambunti

Today is dedicated to exploring the waterways of the Sepik River on your motorized canoe, pushing through thick rainforest and mangroves, passing schools and villages and spotting all sorts of wildlife. It's your final night staying at Ambunti Lodge on the banks of the beautiful Sepik River, before making your way back to the more developed parts of Papua New Guinea.

Day 10

Wewak

Fly to the beautiful coastal town of Wewak, built on an estuary. Upon landing, you'll be escorted to your hotel, Windjammer Beach Resort. Enjoy the day at your leisure, perhaps exploring nearby islands or just relaxing on the beach with sunset drinks.

Hotel Options
About

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.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 11

Madang

Today you will fly from Wewak to Madang, where you'll transfer to the relaxed beachfront surrounds of Jais Aben Resort. You have a full day here at your leisure to enjoy Madang's coastline, the beach and the facilities at the resort.

Hotel Options
About

Jais Aben Resort is located on 22 acres of a former coconut plantation, situated beautifully on the tip of a peninsula between the Bismarck Sea and the Nagada Harbour. Located directly on the seafront with beautiful views facing the open sea, it features twin bungalow style units, all strategically located to catch the sea breezes.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Madang
Madang

Day 12

Madang

You have another full day of beach time today, where you can relax, swim and sunbathe with the addition options of snorkeling, diving, or going on a day canoe trip to Kranget Island. On Kranget Island you can enjoy fresh seafood and crystal clear blue waters.

Day 13

Departure

On your final day you'll take a flight from Madang to Port Moresby where we will assist your onward travels and departure flight.

Suggested Hotels For Day 1

Airways Hotel
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.
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Hilton Port Moresby
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.
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Gateway Hotel

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.

Suggested Hotel For Days 2–4

Ambua Lodge

Ambua Lodge

Nestled amongst the Doma Peaks near Tari, almost 7000 feet above sea level, is Ambua Lodge. An award-winning, eco-friendly lodge boasting magnificent views of the Tari Valley below, and the perfect base for encountering the famous Wigmen, the lodge consists of forty round houses set amongst landscaped gardens and built almost exclusively from natural materials. Each unit features 180-degree picture windows to soak in the view, en-suite bathrooms, and electric blankets and duvets for the cool highland evenings. Ambua has 24-hour, eco-friendly electricity, provided by its own hydroelectric power plant that generates clean, natural energy from a nearby mountain stream. The main lodge building houses the bar, dining and lounge areas and a cozy central fireplace.

Suggested Hotel For Day 5

Kumul Lodge

Kumul Lodge


Located in the lush rural highlands of Papua New Guinea, Kumul Lodge is a renowned eco-lodge offering comfortably rustic accommodation. Owned and operated by people from the local community, guests staying at Kumul Lodge contribute to the immediate area through their commercial support and in turn, guests enjoy cozy accommodation surrounded by native wildlife and enjoying local hospitality. The architecture is of simple, traditional style using local materials, comprising wing rooms or separate private cabins and a communal lounge with a wide verandah great for bird-watching. One of the highlights of staying here is the abundance of endemic bird species, many of which are vividly colored and accustomed to humans. 


Suggested Hotel For Day 6

Quality Hotel Highlander

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 Days 7–9

Ambunti Lodge

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 Day 10

Windjammer Beach Resort

Windjammer Beach Resort

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.

Suggested Hotel For Days 11–12

Jais Aben Resort

Jais Aben Resort

Jais Aben Resort is located on 22 acres of a former coconut plantation, situated beautifully on the tip of a peninsula between the Bismarck Sea and the Nagada Harbour. Located directly on the seafront with beautiful views facing the open sea, it features twin bungalow style units, all strategically located to catch the sea breezes. All bungalows come with air conditioning, ceiling fan, TVs, fridges, and coffee/tea-making facilities, with some units featuring private verandas. The stylish Coco's Restaurant offers local and international cuisine, and the informal Bridge Bar & Grill is perfect for relaxed beachfront dining. The resort also boasts a well-stocked games room.

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Travelogues

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Boys’ Trip in Papua New Guinea

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Planning an adventurous getaway with the guys? Looking for a destination to challenge and amaze you? Why not get off the beaten path and check out one of the most untouched and exciting places in the world: Papua New Guinea.
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What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

A Couple from London

A Couple from London

The Asaro Mudman tribal people took us where no tourists had been before, down through their lands to the source of the clay they use to make their tribal masks.

Papua New Guinea

A couple from Mexico

A couple from Mexico

We really enjoyed traveling with Remote Lands and will definitely plan our future travels in Asia through your company

China, Japan

A family from Los Angeles

A family from Los Angeles

Every moving part of the itinerary was perfectly planned and executed. The day to day program [Remote Lands] devised took into account all of our individual interests and preferred levels of activity.

Bhutan, Cambodia, Thailand

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