Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
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.

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

  • The Crocodile Men: Explore the Sepik River by motorized canoe to visit with the Crocodile Men of Palembei, Yentchen, and Kanganaman. Some of these tribes use ritual scarification of the back and arms as a rite of passage for young men, producing patterns that look like the scales on a crocodile.
  • Simbai: No roads lead to Simbai; the only way in is by private charter. Here, travelers will discover the Kaironk River Valley and the unique people and wildlife which call this region home.
  • Birds that Change the World: The endemic birds of Papua New Guinea helped Alfred Russel Wallace found the theory of evolution alongside Charles Darwin. Travelers will find the most visually impressive — and strange — specimens in Madang, including the rare fire-maned bowerbird.

Day-by-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. 

Hotel Options
About

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.

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.

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 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.

Hotel Options
About

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.

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.

Sepik Region
Sepik Region

Day 3

Simbai & Kaironik Valley

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.

Hotel Options
About

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.

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.

Simbai & Kaironik Valley
Simbai & Kaironik Valley

Day 4

Simbai & Kaironik Valley

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.

Hotel Options
About

It’s a long a bumpy road to get to Keki Eco-Lodge, but one that rewards those who make the journey with thrilling views, as they pass through the thick jungle of Madang, Papua New Guinea. Keki Eco-Lodge, at nearly 3,000-feet above sea level, is surrounded by the majestic Adelbert Mountain Range.

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 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.

Madang
Madang

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.

Madang
Madang

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 Hotels For Day 1

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.

In Wewak

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

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


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

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

Keki Eco-Lodge


It’s a long a bumpy road to get to Keki Eco-Lodge, but one that rewards those who make the journey with thrilling views, as they pass through the thick jungle of Madang, Papua New Guinea. Keki Eco-Lodge, at nearly 3,000-feet above sea level, is surrounded by the majestic Adelbert Mountain Range. Upon arrival, the hotel’s staff will come to greet guests with friendly smiles, and escort them to their traditionally-styled cottages. Rooms come equipped with kerosene lamps, pit toilets, freshly-washed bedding, mosquito nets, and more. Refreshing showers are taken in the nearby creek.The guesthouse staff are more than happy to assist with tours of the area, including both the surrounding jungle and the local village. Among the many thrills of staying in this isolated guesthouse cocooned by jungle and mountains are the exotic native birds, some incredibly rare, and beautiful mammals that roam the area.


Similar Itineraries

Classic Papua New Guinea

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

Exotic Wildlife of Papua New Guinea

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

Goroka Festival

Duration
14 days / 13 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

Private Papua New Guinea: Mt Hagen to Bensbach by Private Aircraft

Duration
10 days / 9 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

Jungles, Rivers & Beaches of Papua New Guinea

Duration
13 days / 12 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
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.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

What Others Say

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