Nature in the Raw: Wild Papua New Guinea

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Price Per Person: From $11,300

Interests: Wildlife, Tribal

Destinations: Papua New Guinea

This is Papua New Guinea like few people get to experience, from remote village visits, to treks through lush rainforests and jungles. In this thrilling 10-day itinerary, you’ll meet friendly locals who will give you a glimpse into their native cultures, and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime encounters with exotic birds and mammals.

Highlights

A mystical motorized canoe ride down the Sepik River
Fly in to a remote village with no roads in or out for a traditional meal
Explore the exotic forests full of fascinating birds and mammals
Scuba dive one of the world’s most ecologically diverse reef systems

Day-to-Day

Day 1 Wewak

Arrive in Port Moresby, the beachside capital of Papua New Guinea, and connect on an afternoon flight to Wewak, the gateway to the Sepik River. Spend the night at In Wewak Boutique Hotel, a simple-yet-comfortable abode perched on top of Wewak Hill, overlooking the Bismarck Sea, in a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere.

Day 2 Sepik Region

Today you’ll start your adventure with an overland drive to the Sepik River, the longest river in Papua New Guinea, accompanied by your own private guide. From here, you’ll take a motorized longboat canoe downstream, passing swamplands, timeless tropical rainforests and majestic mountains, to the mystical Middle Sepik. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the crocodile by exploring the crocodile cult villages of Palembei, Yentchen and Kanganaman, before checking in to your hotel, the humble Kanganaman Village Guest House.

Day 3 Simbai

Continue your adventure further downstream, passing by the Timbunke Catholic Mission, before taking a charter plane to Simbai. This unique, timewarped village, nestled in the highlands of Medang province, is isolated from the outside world but for charter planes. Enjoy a traditional welcome by the local villagers, accompanied by lunch. The nearby Nugent Cave is your next stop, accompanied by expert guides. Bed down for the evening in Simbai Village Guest House.

Day 4 Simbai

Your adventure today begins with a full day of hiking through the exciting Kaironk River Valley, famous for its wealth of archaeological digs. The challenging hike, which takes you over steep spurs, pig fences, and stream crossings, is well worth the effort. Along the way, you’ll likely be greeted by friendly local tribespeople crossing your path. At the end of the day, rest your tired feet once again at Simbai Village Guest House.

Day 5 Madang

A short plane ride will bring you to Madang, a town known as one of the most picturesque in the South Pacific. Check out the town on a whirlwind tour, before a thrilling four-wheel-drive jungle adventure to Keki Eco-Lodge, a remote mountain dwelling of traditionally-style cottages set amidst the Adelbert Range rainforest. The area is famous for its exotic birds, the watching of which is an entertaining way for you to pass this relaxed afternoon.

Day 6 Madang

Today, you’ll spend time exploring the intricacies and curiosities of the mystical jungles that envelope Keki Eco-Lodge, including fascinating native birds and mammals. Among the exotic animals you may spot is the rare fire-mane Bowerbird, known for its huge nests. Overnight once again a Keki Eco-Lodge.

Day 7 Madang

Return to Madang and check into the Jais Aben Resort, situated on Madang’s picturesque harbourfront. Spend the afternoon scuba diving Madang’s reefs, known for being among the world’s most ecologically diverse.

Day 8 Madang

Spend a full day scuba diving, further exploring Madang’s delicate and rich reefs. Among the exotic sea life you can expect to spot are anemones, ghost pipefish, feather stars, mandarin fish, barrel sponges and gorgonian fans.

Day 9 Madang

Drift down the picturesque Gogol River, a short trip from Madang, allowing the downstream current to ease the effort of paddling. Your vessel: a native dugout canoe. Enjoy some well-earned rest and relaxation in the evening back at the Jais Aben Resort.

Day 10 Departure

Catch an early flight from Madang to Port Moresby, where you can connect easily to your international flight home or on to your next destination.

SUGGESTED HOTEL FOR DAY 1

In Wewak

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.

SUGGESTED HOTEL FOR DAY 2

Kanganaman Village Guest House

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.

SUGGESTED HOTEL FOR DAYS 3-4

Simbai Village Guesthouse

Simbai Village Guesthouse provides an extremely basic sleeping quarters for those who truly want to experience the real culture of Madang, Papua New Guinea, spending a few nights living as the locals do in this isolated town with no roads in or out. The rooms here, which come in single and double form, are equipped with pit toilets, kerosene lanterns, and a kitchen with cooking utensils. The friendly staff are always ready to assist, from organizing trekking trips, providing local guides, to doing guests’ washing in the nearby stream.

SUGGESTED HOTELS FOR DAYS 5-9

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.

Keki Eco-Lodge

13 DAYS

FROM

$16,300

PER PERSON

Enquire

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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Here is a small selection of the kind words our guests have said about us, as well as features by journalists and travel writers.

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