Papua New Guinea

September 20 - October 6, 2019 | 17 Days | Aboard the Caledonian Sky EQUATOR Wildlife Highlights Tingwon Island Sepik River • Search for a bevy of marvelous Alim Island tropical birds, such as Radjah Rabaul Shelduck, White-bibbed Fruit-Dove, Madang To Ecelctus Parrot, Purple-bellied Lory, Cairns and Nicobar Pigeon. PAPUA Tami Island NEW GUINEA • Seek iconic birds-of-paradise Lababia Island including Raggiana’s and Goldie’s Tuﬁ Kuyawa Island birds-of-paradise and Curl-crested Port Moresby Fergusson Island Manucode. TORRES • Step ashore on Alim Island, home to STRAIT Suau Island a huge colony of Red-footed From Brisbane Boobies.

• Enjoy numerous birding outings and Zodiac cruises which reveal an array of kingfishers, hornbills, parrots, mynas, and honeyeaters, in addition to stunning scenery and luxuriant tropical landscapes.

• Itinerary...... page 2 > • Flight Information ...... page 3 > • Ship, Deck Plan & Rates ...... page 4 > • Featured Leaders...... page 5 > • Know Before You Go...... page 5 >

Wednesday, September 25 Itinerary FERGUSSON, D’ENTRECASTEAUX ISLANDS Today visit Fergusson Island, the largest island of the group, notable for its hot springs, bubbling mud pools, spouting Based on the expeditionary nature of our trips, there may be geysers, and extinct volcanoes. Spend the afternoon ongoing enhancements to this itinerary. snorkeling, or join a birding excursion to seek Goldie’s Bird- of-Paradise and Curl-crested Manucode among other forest birds. Friday & Saturday, September 20 & 21, 2019 DEPART USA Board your independent flight to Port Moresby. Lose a day Thursday, September 26 crossing the International Date Line. KUYAWA, TROBRIAND ISLANDS This morning, visit with the traditional Trobriand islanders of Kuyawa and view energetic, time-honored dances that Sunday, September 22 celebrate fishing and the seasonal yam harvest. Learn about BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA / PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA the history of the Kula Ring, a circular pattern of ceremonial Arrive in Brisbane and board your flight to Port Moresby. Enjoy trade relationships. These islanders are also renowned for the a short outing to seek Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, Orange- exquisite quality of their ebony wood carvings, often decorated fronted Fruit-Dove and an array of waterbirds. with mother-of-pearl shell inlays. Enjoy a walk among the villages of Kuyawa before returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon we anchor at a nearby island—snorkel or dive, Monday, September 23 or join a birding and nature walk in search of Flying Foxes PORT MORESBY / EMBARK CALEDONIAN SKY (fruit bats), Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Beach Kingfisher, Island Today join a tour of Port Moresby, visiting the National Monarch, and Helmeted Friarbird. Museum and Art Center, or travel to Varirata National Park for many birds including Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise, Blue-winged Kookaburra, and Yellow-billed Kingfisher. This afternoon, Friday, September 27 embark the Caledonian Sky. TUFI Discover the dramatic beauty of the rarely-visited Tufi Fjords. Soak up spectacular views of the sheer basalt cliffs draped with Tuesday, September 24 lush vegetation on a Zodiac cruise. Watch for Blyth’s Hornbill, SUAU ISLAND Red-cheeked Parrot, and Yellow-faced Myna. Step ashore to This afternoon visit the island of Suau. Birders venture into meet with friendly locals and learn about their way of life as the thicket to search for specialty birds such as White-bibbed village elders perform a traditional sing-sing. This afternoon, Fruit-Dove, Torresian Kingfisher, Black-tailed Whistler, and snorkel or dive along the fringing reef. Louisiade White-eye. Cultural options include energetic dance performances and observing canoe making and weaving demonstrations at an enchanting village. expedition.

VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS | PAPUA NEW GUINEA < 2 > © Michael Moore

RABAUL © Michael Moore ALIM ISLAND

Saturday, September 28 a large colony of Red-footed Boobies. Observe the birds LABABIA ISLAND nesting in the mangrove trees, and search for Black and Brown Today, visit the picturesque village of Lababia, gateway to noddies, White and Black-naped terns, and other tropical one of the most important conservation areas in Papua New seabirds. Guinea, the Kamiali Wildlife Management Area. Meet with locals and learn about projects to develop a self-sustaining cycle of environmental conservation. Keep an eye out for Thursday, October 3 Varied Honeyeater and other birds. In the afternoon, explore TINGWON ISLAND some of the region’s most unspoiled marine areas. Completely encircled by an oblong reef, few passenger vessels are able to visit this small group of islands. Land on a sandy beach and meet the 350 inhabitants of charming Tingwon, Sunday, September 29 and enjoy their hospitality, local delicacies, and dances. After TAMI ISLAND your visit, snorkel or dive along the islets’ surrounding reef or The people of Tami Island are renowned for their elaborate seek specialty birds such as Stephan’s Dove, Yellow-bibbed carved bowls, religious figures, and ceremonial masks. Meet Fruit-Dove, and Ebony Myzomela. with villagers and perhaps take a ride in a hand-carved outrigger canoe. The large, protected lagoon is perfect for underwater exploration, while ashore watch for Olive-backed Friday, October 4 Sunbird and Singing and Metallic starlings. RABAUL ISLAND, EAST NEW BRITAIN ISLANDS Six cone-shaped volcanoes, some of which are still active, ring Rabaul’s dramatic flooded-caldera harbor. Visit the bubbling Monday, September 30 hot springs and take in magnificent views from Observatory MADANG Ridge. And, learn about the island’s WWII history—Rabaul Madang is famed for its beautiful waterfront setting, perched was a Japanese stronghold under Admiral Yamamoto. Tonight on a fertile peninsula, backdropped by steep mountains and attend an astonishing performance of the Baining tribe’s fire surrounded by a number of picturesque islands. Visit the dance. Tribe members in huge, magnificently crafted masks colorful market where you will have the opportunity to peruse leap and dance over crackling, red-hot coals in a centuries-old a large selection of artifacts from the Sepik region. This area ritual to honor the local deity-spirits. is also famed for exceptional water clarity and numerous World War II wrecks that sit in relatively shallow offshore waters. Birders keep an eye out for Grand Munia among other Saturday & Sunday, October 5 & 6 species. RABAUL / DISEMBARK / CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA / USA Disembark this morning and board your flight to Cairns. Check in to the Shangri-La Cairns for dinner and overnight. Tuesday, October 1 Board your independent flight on Sunday, arriving in the USA KOPAR RIVER the same day. Kopar is situated on the mouth of the Sepik River, a 700-mile-long river whose tribes are famous for their traditional carvings linked to spiritual beliefs. Depending on tides, you may have the opportunity to visit the village, where Flight Information a women’s chorus welcomes you ashore. You will need to purchase airfare from your home city/Port Moresby and Rabaul/Cairns/home city. Please call 800-328-VENT (8368) or Wednesday, October 2 512-328-5221 to learn more about air arrangements. ALIM ISLAND Alim Island is a small, uninhabited island that is home to

VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS | PAPUA NEW GUINEA < 3 > The Caledonian Sky Deck Plan

PANORAMA DECK The all-suite 100-guest Caledonian Sky is PANORAMA DECK PANORAMA DECK a spacious, yet intimate, expedition vessel. Library PANORAMA DECK Library Panorama Lounge Sun Deck Refurbished in 2012, her beautifully designed PANORAMA DECK PanoramaLibrary Lounge Sun Deck Bar Elevator Library PanoramaBar Lounge Sun Deck public spaces include a single-seating dining room, Elevator Library Bar Elevator Panorama Lounge Sun Deck

a large lounge, elegant bar, enclosed panoramic PanoramaBar Lounge Sun Deck BRIDGE DECK Elevator BRIDGE DECK Bar viewing deck, sun deck, library, and gym. All suites Elevator BRIDGE DECK 511 509 507 505 511 509 507 505 have an ocean view and feature a sitting room, BRIDGE DECK Bridge Outdoor Cafe 511 509 507 505 en suite bathroom, flat-screen television, spacious BRIDGEOutdoor DECK Cafe Elevator Bridge Outdoor Cafe Elevator 512511 510509 508507 506505 Bridge Elevator 512 510 508 506 511 509 507 505 wardrobes, and dressing table. The Caledonian Sky Outdoor Cafe 512 510 508 506 Bridge Outdoor Cafe Elevator Bridge carries a fleet of Zodiacs, available for accessing PROMENADE DECK 512 510 508 506 Elevator PROMENADEPromenade DECK Deck Promenade Deck Promenade Deck 512 510 508 506 Promenade Deck remote shorelines and islands. PROMENADESalon 43 DECK3 431 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 Promenade Deck Promenade Deck PROMENADESalon 43 DECK3 431 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 WC Elevator 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 Salon Promenade433 Deck431 Promenade Deck PROMENADEWC DECK Elevator 434 432 Salon GymWCPromenade433 Deck431 Elevator 427428 425426 423424 Promenade421422 Deck420 419418 417416 415414 Gym 434 432 Promenade Deck 427428 425426 423424 Promenade421422 Deck420 419418 417416 415414 Salon WC 433 431 Elevator Gym Promenade434 Deck432 428 426 424 Promenade422 Deck420 418 416 414

WCPromenade Deck Elevator Promenade Deck CALEDONIANGym 43 DECK4 432 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414 CALEDONIAN DECKPromenade Deck Gym Promenade434 Deck432 428 426 424 Promenade422 Deck420 418 416 414 CALEDONIAN DECKPromenade Deck Bar Promenade Deck 347 345 343Promenade341 Deck339 335 333 331 329 CALEDONIAN DECKCastlePromenade Deck Deck Bar Caledonian347 345 Deck343 341 339 335 333 331 329 CastleLounge Deck Bar ReceptionCaledonian347 345 Deck343 341 339 335 333 331 329 CALEDONIAN DECKLoungePromenade Deck ReceptionElevator Castle Deck Elevator Caledonian Deck LoungePromenade Deck Bar Reception 348347 346345 343344 342341 339340 338 335336 334333 331332 329330 CATEGORY 1 Elevator CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3 CastlePromenade Deck Deck Bar Caledonian347348 346345 Deck343344 342341 339340 338 335336 334333 331332 329330 CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3 LoungePromenade Deck Reception Castle Deck Elevator Caledonian348 346 Deck344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3 LoungePromenade Deck Reception CASTLE DECK Elevator 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3 CASTLE DECK Promenade Deck 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3 CASTLE DECK Promenade Deck 261 259 257 255 Doctor CASTLE DECK 261 259 257 255 Doctor Restaurant 261 259 257 255 Doctor Restaurant CASTLE DECK Elevator 261 259 257 255 Doctor Restaurant Elevator 262 260 258 256 254 252 250 262 261260 258259 257256 255254 252 250 Restaurant Elevator Doctor 262 260 258 256 254 252 250 Restaurant Elevator 262 260 258 256 254 252 250 Elevator 262 260 258 256 254 252 250

Rates

CAT 1 $13,980 CAT 4 $17,980 CAT 1 SOLO $13,980 Solo Travelers: No Solo supplement on select CAT 2 $14,980 CAT 5 $19,680 CAT 2 SOLO $14,980 categories (limited availability)!

CAT 3 $16,580 CAT 6 $22,380 CAT 4 SOLO $17,980

Scuba diving is available on this expedition for an additional cost of $500 per person. Limited to 16 Advance Open Water (AOW) certified scuba divers. You must complete two open water dives within the 12 months prior to the trip’s departure.

INCLUDED: NOT INCLUDED: • Daily activity options including Zodiac cruises, snorkeling, • Airfare from your home city/Port Moresby and Rabaul/Cairns/ nature walks, and cultural tours home city • All gratuities • Excess baggage charges • All accommodations • Airport arrival and departure taxes • World-class lecture and expedition team • Transfers for independent arrivals and departures • All onboard meals and group meals ashore, including soft • Passport and/or visa fees drinks, beer, and wine with lunch and dinner • Travel insurance • All entrance fees, taxes, and landing and port charges • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, • Arrival and departure transfers on group dates (other than listed at left), and other incidentals • Gift certificates for recommended expedition gear • Email/Internet/fax/telephone charges and reading materials • Medical expense coverage and emergency evacuation insurance

A 25% per person deposit will secure your space on this expedition. All rates are per person, based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure. Visit http://ventbird.com/birding-cruises to view the details and terms and conditions for this expedition.

VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS | PAPUA NEW GUINEA < 4 > Featured Leader A team of experts will join you on this expedition. They will offer a comprehensive educational component to your adventure through lectures, guided tours, and informal discussions. Leaders from additional fields of study will join the leader featured below.

MICHIEL VALKENBURG (VENT LEADER) – Machiel was born in a southern province in the Netherlands where, encouraged by his parents, he began birding at an early age. During his teens he studied landscape ecology and began performing bird surveys with the Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology. His birding travels have taken him throughout Europe and Western Africa and further east to Russia and Kazakhstan. From Central Asia he ventured further, with Southeast Asia becoming a favorite destination. Along with birds, a good part of his attention is also given to butterflies,

Know Before You Go For most activities, a moderate level of exertion is required. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for snorkel and dive activities and excursions ashore. You must be able to walk moderate distances along beaches and sometimes on rough or slippery terrain. Some stairs may be uneven and without handrails. Temperatures will range in the 80sºF, with the possibility of some days reaching the low 90sºF, though high

(800) 328-8368 | (512) 328-5221 | FAX (512) 328-2919 2525 Wallingwood Drive | #1003 | Austin, TX 78746 www.ventbird.com | [email protected]

To reserve, visit www.ventbird.com/birding-cruises. < 5 > PAPUA NEW GUINEA CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

September 14 - 23, 2019 | 10 Days | Optional Pre-voyage Extension

Saturday - Monday, September 14 - 16, 2019 to Rondon Ridge Lodge. Each room features a bird’s-eye view DEPART USA / BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA / PORT MORESBY, of paradise, overlooking the Wahgi Valley. Spend the afternoon PAPUA NEW GUINEA exploring the lodge’s vast network of forest trails. Board your independent flight to Papua New Guinea, crossing the International Date Line en route. Arrive in Brisbane early on September 16, and board your flight to Port Moresby. Transfer to the Saturday & Sunday, September 21 & 22 Airways Hotel for dinner and overnight. RONDON RIDGE Located at 7,100 feet above sea level, Rondon offers pristine highlands rainforest. Over 180 species of birds have been recorded Tuesday, September 17 here, including 10 species of birds of paradise. A highlight of your PORT MORESBY / MOUNT HAGEN / KARAWARI time here is the chance to meet and interact with the Melpa people. After breakfast, board our group flight to the Sepik River area, Though first contact with the Melpa was made in 1934, in many via Mount Hagen. Transfer to Karawari Lodge—named for the ways, their lifestyle remains relatively unchanged. Among the world’s nearby river—your base for exploring the fascinating culture along first horticulturists, learn about the important industries of gardening the jungle-fringed waterways. The main lodge building, designed and sweet potato cultivation. after the traditional haus tambaran—ancestral worship house—is decorated with artifacts and boldly carved furniture, and includes a dining room, library, lounge, and a long veranda overlooking the Monday, September 23 Karawari River. RONDON RIDGE / MOUNT HAGEN / PORT MORESBY / EMBARK CALEDONIAN SKY This morning return to Mount Hagen for our flight to Port Moresby. Wednesday & Thursday, September 18 & 19 Embark the Caledonian Sky in time for dinner. KARAWARI Spend two days exploring ‘Arambak’ country, one of the most remote and unspoiled areas of Papua New Guinea. Board small boats to explore along the Karawari River, where crocodiles bask on the Rates banks, and you may see locals paddling their dugout canoes with $7,580 per person, double occupancy; long, curved oars. You have several opportunities to observe village $8,980 per person, solo occupancy life and customs, participate in daily activities, and see reenactments of traditional ceremonies. Search for several species of birds of paradise and the beautiful Sepik blue orchid, found along the forest Flight Information trails surrounding the lodge. You will need to purchase airfare from your home city/Port Moresby and Rabaul/home city. All other flights are included in the cost of the extension. Friday, September 20 Please call 800-328-VENT (8368) or 512-328-5221 to learn more about air KARAWARI / MOUNT HAGEN / RONDON RIDGE arrangements. Board our charter flight to Mount Hagen and, upon arrival, transfer

To reserve, visit www.ventbird.com/birding-cruises. < 6