Dense jungle, superb coral reefs, misty highlands and smoking volcanoes, plus a unique range of tribal peoples

Papua New Guinea has it all; the scenery is as diverse as it is majestic. The Sepik River is reminiscent of the Amazon with its huge jungle while the Highland region is a mixture of crisp mornings, beautiful sunsets and vibrant wildlife, including the fabulous Birds of Paradise. In New Britain Province we find smouldering volcanoes and highly acclaimed coral reefs. Culturally it is one of most extraordinary places on earth as the range of distinct languages (over 800!) and people groups is scarcely believable. As colourful and exotic as many of their names - Huli wigmen, Asaro mud men - suggest, many of these people groups have only come into contact with the West in the past 50 years and remain refreshingly traditional in their outlook. The fact that you will be seeing all this far away from any tourist hordes is just another element of this trip that makes it so special.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Singapore, fly to Port Moresby. 2 Arrive Port Moresby; transfer by road and ferry to Lolata Island. Afternoon free to recover. 3 Free day to relax or particapte in optional water based activities; snorkle, scuba dive or windsurf. 4 Fly to Mt Hagen. Full day tour of Wahgi Valley including the famous mudmen. 5 Fly to Karawari Lodge by Sepik River. Afternoon visit to Kundiman village. 6 Two full days in this remarkable area of wonderful scenery, great wildlife and fascinating villages. 7-8 Fly to Ambua Lodge in the Highlands. Two days of activities including visits to Huli Wigmen and birdwatching for the famed Birds of Paradise. 9-10 Fly to Port Moresby via Mt Hagen. 11 Fly to Rabaul in New Britain Province; to Rapopo Plantation Resort. 12 Full day tour of volcanoes, Rabaul town and some World War II sites. 13 Free day for diving, fishing or island cruise (all optional). 14 Fly to Port Moresby. 15 End Singapore.

Mode of travel: Travel by minibus, boat and several internal flights.
Group size: Min. 8, max. 16, plus leader and appropriate local staff.
Accommodation: 8 nights lodges, 3 nights resort, 2 nights hotel.
Food: All breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $680.00
Trip Reference: ALP
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.