Apra to Cairns Expedition (Silver Explorer)
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APRA TO CAIRNS EXPEDITION (SILVER EXPLORER) Unmistakably different from anywhere you might have been before, Micronesia and Papua New Guinea are rich in history and traditional legacies. Immerse yourself in a cultural tour de force during the next 19-days, experiencing diverse cultural traditions as you travel from island to island. From sailing an ocean-going outrigger to enjoying a glorious singsing in Papua New Guinea, this voyage takes interactive travel to a whole new level. ITINERARY Day 1 Apra Guam is blessed with spectacular natural beauty and a rich cultural history. Apra Harbor is a deep-water port located on the western side of the island. The island is part of the Mariana Islands and near the Mariana Trench, which is the deepest part of the earth’s oceans, and the deepest location of the earth itself. The port serves both as a U.S. naval station and Guam’s main commercial port. The harbour, formed by the Orote Peninsula to the south and Cabras Island in the north, is considered to be one of the best natural ports in the Pacific. Guam’s unique culture, traditions and heritage have remained intact despite European imperialism, wars and changing foreign governments. Archaeological evidence suggests that the indigenous Chamorros of Indo-Malayan descent migrated from the Southeast Asian islands and settled throughout the Marianas archipelago. Being expert seamen and skilled craftsmen, they flourished and built unique houses and canoes suited to the region. As a matriarchal society and through the prestige of the women, much of the Chamorro culture and traditions were able to survive. Since the 16th century, a wave of foreigners have arrived on Guam’s shores, including Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 who remained on the island for three days to restock his small convoy. Americans, Asians, Europeans, Micronesians and other visitors have since left their imprint on the island’s pastimes and tastes. Day 2 Gaferut (Yap) 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com Gaferut is a rookery island full of nesting birds, and one of the uninhabited volcanic islands in the lagoon, hence the local name of Chuuk (mountain). islands of the State of Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia. Just 1,500 Since none of the islands actually carries the name Chuuk, the lagoon and feet long and 500 feet wide, Gaferut is called Fayo by the Faraulep people of islands are commonly known as Chuuk Islands. Some 1600 years before the the neighboring atoll some 70 miles to the southwest; meaning stone or rock Spaniards first saw and then claimed Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesian had already in the Woleaian language. established themselves on two of the islands. The Caroline Islands were sold to Germany in 1899 as a result of the Spanish-American War and later turned Day 3 Lamotrek, Yap over to Japan as a mandated territory after WWI. The natural harbor created by the reef had been used by the Japanese navy during WWII as its largest Lamotrek is both a coral atoll in the Federated States of Micronesia, and one forward naval base with submarine repair shops and a communication center. of the fourteen outlying atolls that partly makeup the island State of Yap, as In addition to airstrips and seaplane bases, infrastructure for the more than well as the only inhabited island of the atoll. While the total land area is less 44,000 Japanese troops stationed there had been set up. To divers Chuuk than half a square mile, the atoll’s reef encloses a lagoon that is 12 square Lagoon is one of the highlights in the Pacific because it contains a ghost fleet: miles in size. The population of Lamotrek is approximately 373, and the during “Operation Hailstorm” 44 Japanese ships were sunk by American residents are accustomed to visitors but still maintain their own culture carrier-based planes. proudly. Visitors to this small island will be greeted with generosity and friendliness that makes up the essence of the Yapese culture. The village is Day 7 Oroluk Atoll located on the lagoon side of Lamotrek Island and shows almost as many canoe houses as traditional homes. The lagoon offers snorkeling to see giant clams and, if not on a voyage, the Queen Veronica, the biggest outrigger Day 8 Pohnpei canoe in the whole Federated States of Micronesia, can be seen. Pohnpei (also known as Ponape) is the largest island in the Eastern Caroline Day 4 Satawal (Yap) Archipelago and the national capital of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The State of Pohnpei is one of four that comprise the FSM, along with Satawal is a remote coral island made up of just over 1 km2 of land that is the islands of Chuuk, Kosrae and Yap. Unlike other Micronesian islands, thick with coconut and breadfruit trees. It is home to approximately 500 volcanic Pohnpei boasts tropical jungles, mist-covered mountains, mangrove inhabitants. Archaeologists have not yet agreed about when or how the island swamps and exotic flora. Abundant rainfall feeds streams, rivers and tumbling Satawal was settled. The people of Satawal are culturally and linguistically waterfalls. Pohnpei’s most prominent landmarks include Sokeh’s Rock, a related to those of Chuuk in the Caroline Islands. Satawal has a narrow steep, 800-foot (244-metre) volcanic outcrop overlooking the harbour; the fringing reef and is not frequently visited by outsiders. After World War II, the town of Kolonia; and Nan Madol, the mysterious, ancient stone city that is island was controlled by the United States and administered as part of the Micronesia’s best known archaeological site and often called the “Venice of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands from 1947. Satawal became an official the Pacific”. Built on 100 man-made islets by the legendary Saudeleur kings, part of the Federated States of Micronesia in 1979. Satawal is famous for its the ruins can be visited by boat from Kolonia, but require a permit and a ocean-going canoes and navigators –Mau Piailug was the navigator on the guide. The main town of Kolonia boasts such historical sites as the remnants Hokulea. of the Spanish Wall, built in 1889 as a boundary for Fort Alphonso XII; the Catholic Mission Bell Tower, part of the old German church torn down by the Day 5 Pulap Japanese during World War II; the Lidorkini Museum, an occasional Japanese tank, and the Japanese Shrine. When exploring around the island, bird watchers may be able to spot the endemic Pohnpei fantail and Pohnpei Day 6 Chuuk Lagoon flycatcher. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at Dekehtik Port, Chuuk Lagoon, formerly known as Truk Lagoon, is the main island of Chuuk Pier #4 in Kolonia. The town is within walking distance. Non-metered taxis are State –with more than 36,000 residents the largest of the four states making available upon call. We recommend establishing the fare before leaving the up the Federated States of Micronesia. Located at the center of the Caroline pier area. Shopping Handicrafts and souvenir items can be found in shops Islands, the reef protecting the lagoon has a length of more than 220 around Kolonia and Kapinga Village. Most shops are open from 9:00 a.m. to kilometers with 41 islets on it, while 57 islands and islets are found within the 6:00 p.m. The local currency is the U.S. dollar. Cuisine Polynesian and lagoon. The capital Weno is on Weno, one of the two larger of several other Micronesian dishes as well as the typical American fast food can be found in a variety of eateries and hotel restaurants around Kolonia. Other Sites Explore 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com the island’s capital and see its major points of interest including the Cultural oblong-shaped “Tami bowls”. The small community of islanders live simply. Center. The main attraction is the archaeological site of Nan Madol, reached Tami has just a single primary school and a small medical aid post. Coconut via a boat trip. For independent sightseeing, it is best to use taxis. and areca palm trees, Alexandrian laurel and frangipani make for a lush and colourful appearance of the island. South of Kalal Village is a small sandbar Day 9 At Sea that permits snorkelling. Day 16 Tufi Day 10 Nukuor Tufi is located on the south-eastern peninsula of Cape Nelson in the Oro Province of Papua New Guinea. It is situated on a tropical fjord, which is the Day 11 Kapingamarangi work of ancient volcanic activities and was not shaped by ice as the descriptive name might lead you to believe. Surrounded by uncharted coral Day 12 At Sea reefs, the underwater world has attracted many divers wanting to see for themselves how the area earned the description of having more fish than water. Although Tufi has been the administrative centre of the region, Day 13 Rabaul traditional ceremonies are still very important with natives wearing tapa cloth made from the bark of mulberry trees found in the local forest. Dance is Rabaul, the former provincial capital, has quite a remarkable location. The predominant in the culture and performers sport fanciful headdresses decked town is inside the flooded caldera of a giant volcano and several sub-vents with bird-of-paradise plumes and a rainbow of iridescent feathers. Tufi’s wide are still quite active today! The fumes of the volcano Tavurvur can be seen range of colourful birds and butterflies is well-known throughout Papua New continually and the town suffered greatly during the last major eruption of Guinea, boasting several ‘largest’, ‘biggest’ and ‘smallest’ records.