Day 2 Exploring Mount Hagen

Wake up early. Enjoy breakfast sitting on a big terrace overlooking the valley below Mount Hagen, surrounded by high-altitude moss forest. After breakfast we take a drive-around tour of Mt Hagen area by private-hire bus or open-back passenger truck stopping at places of interest including the main market – the biggest and liveliest market in PNG and an experience not to be forgotten. We travel out of Mt. Hagen to witness a performance by the Skeleton Boys, their bodies painted with charcoal and white clay, doing a Spirit Dance. After the dance the village leader will explain the story behind the performance. We continue to Paiya village, a typical Highlands village. Visit the Men’s House and the skull house where the bones of ancestors are kept. Meet the village chief and his 3 wives and take a tour of the village before sitting down to a local style “mumu”. Meat and vegetables have been wrapped in leaves and cooked in a pit under hot stones and you will see the parcels of cooked food removed from the earth “oven” and opened before your eyes. After lunch the village people will take you for a walk through their gardens and show you how they cultivate the vegetables that they eat every day. Before departing witness a traditional sing sing – traditional presentation of song, dance and dress, performed by some of the ladies from the village. If time allows visit the local school for a game of football, volleyball or rugby with the kids – a warm experience and possibly one of the highlights of your trip! Return to Magic Mountain Lodge, dinner and free time to rest. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Mount Hagen – Goroka

Depart Magic Mountain Lodge after breakfast, stopping at the local supermarket for snacks, water, soft drinks. We depart the capital of the Western Highlands Province for Goroka, approx. a 5-hour drive depending on road conditions, with a lunch stop at a hotel in Kundiawa. Admire the Highlands landscape along the way and stop at Daulo Pass (2400m) scenic point overlooking Goroka Town below. Overnight in a local hotel. (B)

Day 4 Goroka discovery

Spend the day visiting two local villages. Travel to Asaro to see a cultural performance by the famous Asaro Mudmen. The Asaro Mudmen are famous for wearing fierce looking masks, with their bodies covered in white mud which made them look like ghosts emerging from the morning mist, when attacking their rival tribes. After a village walk through Asaro we continue to Kennedi Village where you will meet the local people, experiencing some cultural performances and taking in traditional village life. The villagers will greet you with a welcome dance and walk you into their home. Try your hand at archery, see a traditional sing-sing and help prepare a traditional Mumu lunch. While the food is cooking we enjoy the various performances the villagers have prepared for us. After lunch it’s time to say goodbye as we head back to our vehicle. Return to your hotel late afternoon. (B,L)

Day 5 Goroka – Rabaul via Port Moresby

Transfer to the airport after breakfast accommodation for our AM flight to Port Moresby, then connect through to Rabaul. Arrive late afternoon and transfer from Kokopo to our hotel located in Rabaul, approx. a 45-minutes drive depending on road conditions. Rabaul was the provincial capital and most important settlement in the province until it was destroyed in 1994 by falling ash of a volcanic eruption. During the eruption, ash was sent thousands of metres into the air and the subsequent rain of ash caused 80% of the buildings in Rabaul to collapse. After the eruption the capital was moved to Kokopo. Rabaul is continually threatened by volcanic activity as it is surrounded by six volcanoes. We also stop at the Kokopo Markets, a nice experience and opportunity to buy some local produce and artefacts. (Bitapaka War Cemetery and Kokopo Markets visit subject to change depending on arrival time.) (B)

Day 6 Rabaul – Little Pidgeon Island, snorkeling & Simpson Harbour Cruise

In the morning depart for Little Pidgeon Island, a little island located not far from the mainland offering amazing snorkelling and diving (scuba diving possible at extra cost. Must be booked in advance). The island has a white sandy beach compared to the gazelle coastline and the tropical setting is an experience to immerse yourself in. You will spend some time snorkeling in the tranquil waters, discovering the abundance of fish life and reef. Enjoy a packed lunch on the island, while sitting under the palm trees. On the way back there are opportunities to see passing school of fish, turtles and dolphins which are a common sight for curious onlookers. The return trip gives you a horizontal pictorial view of the coastline of the Kokopo Township. On the way back take a 3-hour boat cruise around the two harbours (Simpson & Matupit) nested within the Blanche Bay with close up views of Mt Turanguna (South Daughter), Mt Tavurvur (active volcano), and Mt Kombiu (Mother) – all volcanoes. You will have legends and myths told about how the harbour and the volcanoes came to form. The cruise continues out of Matupit Harbour, past Karavia Bay and then in toward the Simpson Harbour. You will see close up views of the dormant Vulcan volcano and the Dawapia rocks (“Beehives” as they are called these days), which are a pair of volcanic rocks emerging from the middle of the harbour. Arrive back in Kokopo at the hotel late afternoon. (B,L)

Note: Rabaul-Kokopo offers fantastic diving opportunities: reefs, WWII wrecks, abundant fish life. If you are interested in diving please let us know. Day itinerary may run in reverse and is subject to change.

Day 7 Rabaul – Duke of York Islands

Today we travel to the amazing Duke of York Islands, located about one hour off the coast. Along the way enjoy the scenery and keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. Once on the island it is time to meet the locals and let them show you around. Spend the day experiencing a true cultural immersion, have fun on the beach, walk through the village and take part in everyday village activities. There is also time for snorkelling and swimming the crystal clear waters surrounding the island. In the evening you get to enjoy a traditional home cooked dinner before spending the night in rustic conditions of our hosts guest house. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Duke of York Islands – Rabaul

Wake up early and take in the village life and hang out with your new friends. Locals in Papua New Guinea are extremely friendly and welcoming, so expect some tears when it is time to say good-bye. After lunch travel back to Rabaul by boat and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing. (B,L)

Day 9 Rabaul – Mt. Tavurvur trek & Rabaul Land Tour

Rabaul is surrounded by six volcanoes and the tour today will bring you up-close with the liveliest of them all – Mt. Tavurvur. With its most recent eruption being only a few years back (2014) this volcano is far from dormant and trekking to the rim carries risk and adventure. Departing the hotel early to avoid the heat the trek will take approx. 1 hour to the top (time may vary due to fitness levels). Enjoy the views, have a peak inside the caldera, a short rest before heading back down the hill. Good footwear should be worn and plenty of water taken on the trek. After the trek we embark on a discovery tour of Rabaul learning about some of its history and the military occupations. WWII highlights of the morning include a visit to the site of a crashed WWII Japanese Betty Bomber, General Yamamoto’s Bunker, the Rabaul Museum, tunnels dug by Japanese forces to house their hideouts, barge tunnels to hide their barges and an old British floating crane. Rabaul and its surroundings have remnants of WWII which this tour will reveal. Continue up to the Volcano Observatory for a panoramic view of Rabaul and the Simpson Harbour. (B,D)

Note: trekking Mt. Tavurvur or any other volcano in the Rabaul area carries risk. Each person trekking does so at their own risk. Prior to commencing the day’s activities the guides will contact the Volcano Observatory to get a report on the state of the volcanoes in the area. Another trek may be recommended should conditions be deemed too risky.

Day 10 Rabaul – Port Moresby

Very early wake up. Transfer to Rabaul Airport for your AM flight to Port Moresby and onwards flight out of Papua New Guinea. End of tour.

• International and domestic flights
• Visa charges (if applicable)
• Accommodation before or after the tour in Port Moresby if required
• Travel insurance
• Extra activities not specified in the program
• Meals not specified in program
• Alcohol and drinks

Magic Mountain Lodge: located outside of Mount Hagne town, on the slopes of Mt. Hagen. Standalone bungalows with ensuite with one double and one single bed, common dining area, surrounded by high-altitude rainforest and moss gardens.

Birds of Paradise Hotel: three-star hotel, twin or double standard rooms incl. breakfast. Hotel has a pool, restaurant and bar. Centrally located.

Rapopo Plantation Resort: three-and-half-star resort, twin or double standard rooms incl. breakfast. Hotel has a pool, restaurant and bar. Centrally located with an amazing view of the bay and volcanoes. Absolute beachfront.

Duke of York village stay: traditional, basic accommodation.

Accommodation subject to change without notice.

• This offer is valid until the end of March 2021 pending availability of spaces
• Packages can be tailored according to individual requirements
• Optional activities available on request
• Package based on 2 persons traveling together
• Accommodation is subject to change pending availability. No reservations have been made and rooms are not being held.
• TUFI is reachable with PNG Air. Flights operate Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
• The above itinerary takes you into some very remote and isolated regions of Papua New Guinea. Although all arrangements are made to ensure the safety and smooth running of the tour clients travel at their own risk. No Limit Adventures takes no responsibility for any losses, accidents, injury or any other personal misfortune, which may occur during the duration of the tour.
• The above itinerary is subject to change at any time, including during the duration of the tour. Possible causes for change are unpredictable forces such as weather, local issues such as land disputes, political unrest and the like. No Limit Adventures takes no responsibility for such changes, but will attempt – where possible – to offer an alternative route to make up for any losses.
• No Limit Adventures takes no responsibility in any delays that may lead to missed flights. In any such case the clients will be able to claim any losses through their personal travel insurance.
• Recommended dive level is min. OWD.
• Alcohol: bottles of strong alcohol such as vodka, whisky etc. are difficult to purchase. We recommend buying your own duty-free. Beers, wine and spirits are available at most bars.
• Visas to Papua New Guinea are required and, in some cases – depending on nationality, can be obtained upon arrival (VOA). Each participant is responsible for checking his/her visa requirements and application.
• Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended including evacuation cover.
• Participants are advised to be in reasonable physical condition when traveling to Papua New Guinea.
• There is a certain level of patience required for PNG, as everything happens at a slow pace and is not always based on the time of day, the time on your ticket, or arranged meeting.
• Each participant will be obliged to sign a legal liability disclaimer prior to commencing the tour.

Payment and Cancellation Policy

• 30% deposit required to secure place
• Full payment must be made no later than 42 days before program commencement
• No refunds inside 42 days of program commencement
• Cancellations made within 42 – 60 days will incur a 50% cancellation fee of total price
• Cancellations made outside 61 days will be charged an administration fee of AUD$150
• No shows will incur 100% cancellation fee