Legends of Papua New Guinea
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BOOK BEFORE 31 DECEMBER 2013 AND SAVE £800 PER COUPLE Legends of Papua New Guinea An expedition cruise from Papua New Guinea to Micronesia aboard the MS Caledonian Sky with a pre-cruise visit to the Highlands 29 th March to 16 th April 2014 Guam Travelling independently in Papua New Guinea can be difficult, FEDERAL STATE Gaferut OF MICRONESIA with little infrastructure in place to accommodate for tourists Ifalik Satawal and information about getting around often scarce. This is of course what makes the region alluring to the genuine traveller, Mussau Island but also why travelling with 100 other passengers aboard Tingwon Island PAPUA NEW Rabaul the MS Caledonian Sky, one of the finest and best equipped GUINEA Rondon Ambua Lodge Ridge expedition ships in the world, is an ideal way to explore this Trobriand Islands Port Moresby D’Entrecasteaux Islands fascinating part of the world in comfort. Bonarua apua New Guinea is a land of beautiful D’Entrecasteaux Islands learn of these fascinating differences between the cultures. During striking natural beauty and a and the Trobriand Islands offering formed by a turbulent history. your stay in one of the wilderness hybrid of diverse and unique exceptional underwater experiences. lodges you will witness cultural Pcultures, with more than 1000 We continue to the little visited Before our expedition aboard the shows which are a way for the tribal groups, each with different islands of the Federated States of MS Caledonian Sky begins, we proud local people to showcase traditions. The region possesses Micronesia which are divided into have included a three night stay at their traditional customs. There will exotic wildlife, turquoise seas, four unique states; Kosrae, Pohnpei, your choice of lodge in either the also be nature walks and time at tropical rainforest and steep sided Chuuk and Yap. Jutting out of the Southern or Western Highlands leisure at the lodges to appreciate volcanoes with breathtaking islands sea are lush grand land masses, where you will have the opportunity the beautiful surroundings. scattered to its east and north. haloed by pristine white sands and to discover local tribes and learn brightly coloured coral formations, more of their traditions. You will We hope you will join us for On this journey of contrasts we their cultures and identities remain visit villages where the locals are this unparalleled opportunity to will witness an astonishing array of distinctive from one another and on dependent on subsistence farming explore one of the most intriguing cultural ceremonies, and explore the our exploration of the area we will and understand the diversity places on the map. Choose your lodge experience for days 4 to 7 of the itinerary from choice of lodges below: Ambua Lodge, Southern Highlands Province Rondon Ridge, Western Highlands Province Ambua Lodge is an award winning, eco-friendly lodge nestled amongst the Doma Located 7100 feet above sea level and near the town of Mount Peaks near Tari, almost 7000 feet above sea level . A favoured destination amongst Hagen, on the outer fringes of the Kubor Range, lies Rondon Ridge birders, Ambua’s rain forests have been the star of many a wildlife documentary. which boasts panoramic views of the Wahgi Valley below. An incredible 217 species have been recorded here and Ambua is home to 13 different species of Bird of Paradise. Whilst at the lodge you will be in the company Over 180 species of birds have been recorded in the rainforests of knowledgeable local birding guides who cater for all interest levels. Ambua is around Rondon Ridge including ten species of Birds of Paradise. surrounded by pristine, mid-montane jungle, a mass of interlocking tree tops and The surrounding area is pristine rainforest and home to numerous well kept nature trails venture out into this wilderness, crossing traditional vine orchid species. The lodge has hours of walking trails providing bridges, tracing clear mountain streams to secluded waterfalls. ample opportunity to explore the unique ecology of this area and during your time at the lodge there will be nature and birding walks During your stay at Ambua Lodge, you will be accommodated either in one of accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable nature guides. the round houses which are set amongst landscaped gardens and built almost Comprehensive bird and orchid lists are available from the lodge. exclusively from natural materials or in the main lodge building. All rooms feature unparalleled views of the valley below. Ambua Lodge has 24-hour, eco- Guests are accommodated in twelve tastefully appointed rooms with friendly electricity, provided by its own hydroelectric power plant that generates warmed king beds for those fresh highlands nights, with modern en- clean, natural energy from a nearby mountain stream. The main lodge building suite bathrooms. Rondon Ridge has 24-hour, eco-friendly electricity, houses the bar, dining and lounge areas and a cozy central fireplace. provided by its own hydroelectric power plant that generates clean, natural energy from a nearby mountain stream. Tari is home to one of the most immediately recognisable tribes in Papua New Guinea, the Huli Wigmen. Proud, flamboyant people known for their ornate While staying at Rondon Ridge Lodge, there will be excursions ceremonial “wigs” with dances and songs fashioned on that of the mating which will take you on a journey through the traditions and customs rituals of the Birds of Paradise - an encounter with the Huli’s is bound to be of the local Melpa People. First contact with the Melpa was made memorable. During your stay there will be excursions to nearby Huli villages in the mid-1930s when the Leahy brothers were prospecting for where you will learn about and observes everyday life of the Huli tribe, as well gold. The Melpa are said by anthropologists, to be ‘predisposed as the peculiarities of their traditions and beliefs. Accompanied at all times to capitalism’ because of their complex traditional society in which by experienced and knowledgeable Huli guides from the local area, your ‘big men’ earn status by accruing wealth and then giving it all away experience will be all the more educational and rewarding. in a ceremonial exchange called “Moka”. Rainbow Lorikeet Micronesia Emerald Tree Monitor The Trobriand Islands Local boy fishing The Itinerary Day 1 London to Singapore. Fly by guides and learn more about the Fergusson Island, the largest of harbour. One of these, Mt Tavurvur scheduled flight. fascinating birdlife of the Highlands. the chain, in a small fishing village. is still active last erupting in 1994 From here we will walk to the and covering Rabaul in volcanic Day 2 Singapore. Arrive this Day 7 Tari or Mount Hagen to Port local hot springs and bubbling ash. Rabaul also had a significant afternoon and transfer to the Moresby. Check out of your chosen mud pools surrounded by lush role in the Second World War as Shangri-La Singapore (or similar) for lodge and transfer to the airport vegetation. This afternoon we will a Japanese stronghold. We will an overnight stay. for your flight to Port Moresby. On cruise through the spectacular see some of the 700km of tunnels arrival this afternoon, enjoy a local Dobu passage and use our Zodiacs built by the Japanese during the Day 3 Singapore to Port Moresby. lunch before your transfer to the to explore and snorkel on the local occupation, they were used as a After breakfast, spend the morning MS Caledonian Sky for embarkation. reefs. hiding place for barges from enemy at leisure before checking out of Sail this evening. aircraft and some of these can still the hotel. We will enjoy a tour of Day 10 Kitava, Trobriand Islands. be seen in the tunnels. We also Singapore this afternoon which will Day 8 Bonarua. As we follow the We sail overnight to the Trobriand visit Admiral Yamamoto’s bunker include, the National Orchid Garden, coast of Papua New Guinea, the islands first discovered by French from where he led the South Pacific Chinatown the Sultan Mosque and peaks of the dramatic Stanley vessel, Esperence, in 1793 and campaign. lunch before transferring to the Owens Range come into view. named after the first lieutenant. airport for our scheduled overnight After a leisurely morning at sea They are also known as the Day 12 Tingwon Island. Today flight to Port Moresby. we arrive at the island of Bonarua “Islands of Love” after the study by we take advantage of our small (officially: Badila Bedda Bedda anthropolist Bronislaw Malinowski. ship. Completely encircled by an Day 4 Port Moresby to Tari. Arrive Bonarua Island) in Milne Bay. We The islanders have made great oblong reef, few passenger vessels this morning in the capital of Papua will go ashore to view fishing and efforts to preserve their culture and are able to visit this small group New Guinea for our connecting weaving demonstrations, and when we land on the island of Kitava of islands. Land on a sandy beach flight to either Tari in the Southern wander through the enchanting where we will receive a traditional this afternoon and meet the 350 Highlands Province for a three village, sampling local delicacies. welcome. We will also have the inhabitants of charming Tingwon—a night stay at Ambua Lodge or to Birders have the chance to trek into opportunity to visit the local village picture-perfect village—and enjoy Mount Hagen for Rondon Ridge the thicket for their first sightings, to learn about their unique culture their hospitality and dances. After Lodge. Spend the rest of the day at and the warm inviting waters and customs and vist the Trobriand our visit snorkel or dive along the leisure before dinner this evening of the Coral Sea offer a perfect Yam House.