Tailor Made Holidays in Papua New Guinea: Highlights

Take a boat trip from Rabaul

An hour or so by boat from Rabaul are the beautifully rustic Duke of York Islands. Just a handful of locals live very simple lives on the islands and spend their days fishing and collecting shells from the white sand beaches. There is great snorkelling here and a good chance of seeing dolphins in St George's Channel. On the return trip to Rabaul the boat detours to take in spectacular views of the volcanoes on the peninsula.

Read more about: New Britain Province
 
See the birds of paradise near Mount Hagen

An early morning trip out looking for birds of paradise is a highlight of a stay at Rondon Ridge Lodge, above Mount Hagen. Creeping through the jungle all your concentration will be on keeping quiet and your eyes up. The guide will occasionally stop suddenly as if he has heard something, with his well tuned ears. The excitement at finally seeing your first bird of paradise will be immense. You may also see a Stephanie's Astrapia, which will perhaps stay posing for photos too. Stunning!

Read more about: Birds of Paradise
 
Immerse yourself in nature at Kimbe Bay, West New Britain

This area is most famous for the incredible reef diving found in the bay. With over 400 species of reef building corals and 900 species of fish it is no surprise that the small resort here, Walindi Plantation, has been voted one of the world`s best dive resorts. The surrounding forests and gardens are home to eclectus parrots, kingfishers, hornbills and cockatoos. Whether you are a dedicated diver or a casual snorkeller, an avid birdwatcher or occasional trekker, Walindi Plantation Resort makes a great base. And for a day off to unwind there`s an inland hotspring for pure relaxation!

Read more about: New Britain Province
 
Go scuba diving off the smaller islands of PNG

Hugging the east coast of mainland Papua New Guinea lie an abundance of smaller islands each boasting pristine coral reefs teeming with stunning tropical fish. The variety of marine life is astounding and you can expect to see anything from the tiny pygmy seahorse to the awesome orca whale. Diving is wonderful here, particularly because of the peace and tranquility these waters offer. Apart from the local fishing boats you can expect to have as far as the eye can see all to yourself without another dive boat in sight.

 
Step back in time on the Sepik River

The Sepik is to Papua New Guinea as the Amazon is to Brazil. Whilst this great waterway carries only a fraction of the traffic that the Amazon sees it defines the life of the people who live in the northern lowlands. The villages are built on stilts to cope with the annual flooding and when the waters recede and the gardens are replanted the area comes alive with flowers and traditional sing-sings. Birds of paradise, Brahminy kites, egrets, crocodiles and kingfishers can be spotted on the riverbanks and the surrounding forests. This area is well known for the incredible carvings created by the Sepik craftsmen which represent ancient spirit beliefs and rituals.

Read more about: The Sepik River
 
Enjoy traditional sing-sings and cultural shows

A sing-sing is a gathering of a tribes or villages in order to show off their distinct culture, dance and music and share their traditions. The flamboyance of the make-up and costumes is always breathtaking and the music and dance is loud, raucous and very energetic! There are big annual sing-sings which attract the crowds from far and wide, but there are also smaller more local affairs which can happen at anytime for any reason - any excuse for a party!

Read more about: Shows & Festivals
 
Explore the fjords at Tufi

On the north east coast of mainland PNG dramatic volcanic fjords, swathed in lush, green rainforest, meet the deep turquoise ocean. There is a huge amount of exploring to do in the area: on foot in the pristine forests; by kayak around the fjords and underwater for fantastic muck diving. The Alexandra Birdwing Butterfly, the world`s largest butterfly, can be found here and the birdlife itself is spectacular. There's no light pollution here so enjoy an evening barbecue on the terrace and watch the night sky light up with stars.

 
Visit local villages in Kavieng, New Ireland

Visiting the local villages is always fascinating, meeting the native people and seeing their incredibly simple way of life. In Kavieng this is particularly fun as the children are so friendly and always wanting to play. Their curiosity is immense and they are rarely shy, always vying for your attention. Their appearance also differs from the highlanders as many of the children are blond.

Read more about: New Ireland Province
 
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