Highlands to New Guinea Islands

Arrival in Port Moresby at 05:10 AM. After clearing immigration and customs, there will be an opportunity to exchange currency (PG Kina) and purchase local SIM cards for those who need them.

Afterward, transfer to the Hilton Hotel for check-in and some rest before embarking on a half-day city tour of Port Moresby (POM), the capital and economic hub of Papua New Guinea. With a population of around 300,000, it is the country's most developed urban center.

Our tour includes:

• Poreporena Stilt Houses – a glimpse into the traditional coastal village lifestyle.
• Koki Fish Market – a bustling market where local fishermen sell their fresh catch.
• Port Moresby Nature Park – home to Papua New Guinea’s diverse flora and fauna, including the iconic Birds of Paradise, crowned pigeons, cassowaries, tree kangaroos, and reptiles.
• Accommodation: Hilton Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (BLD)

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for a one-hour domestic flight from Port Moresby to Mt. Hagen, the capital of Western Highlands Province and the heart of the Highlands region.

Historical Insight: The Western Highlands remained isolated from the outside world until 1930, when Australian explorers searching for gold discovered over a million indigenous people still living in a Stone Age-like society.

Upon arrival, we embark on a half-day cultural experience with the Urup Kaip Tribe, an excellent example of traditional Highland authority and governance. Here, we will:

• Learn about their tribal organization and the clan system, where leadership is traditionally held by elders and chiefs.
• Witness how clan leaders still practice polygamy, surrounded by their wives, children, pigs, and lush gardens—symbols of wealth and status in Highland society.
• Accommodation: Mc Royal Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (BLD)

After breakfast, we start the day with a visit to the Mt. Hagen Market, a vibrant hub where the people of the Central Highlands trade fresh produce from their lush gardens. This is a great opportunity to experience the bustling local commerce and interact with the highlanders.

Next, we travel to Kumdi Village, home to the Melpa Tribe, where we will spend the rest of the day immersed in their rich traditions. The Melpa people are known for their elaborate attire, intricate face paintings, and dynamic cultural performances. Upon arrival, we receive a traditional welcome with mesmerizing sing-sing (dance performances).

For those interested, there is a chance to have your face painted in authentic Melpa tribal patterns. We will also be guided through the village, visiting traditional homes, meeting clan leaders, and learning about their unique customs and way of life.

• Accommodation: Mc Royal Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (BLD)

After breakfast, we embark on a scenic journey along the Highlands Highway, traveling eastward to Simbu Province. Our route takes us through the Waghi Valley, crossing Jiwaka Province, where we pass through lush tea and coffee plantations before reaching Simbu.

We arrive at Mindima Village around 10:00 – 10:30 AM, home to the Skeleton Tribe. Witness a mesmerizing performance where warriors, adorned in striking skeleton body paint, reenact their ancestral legend, a tradition deeply rooted in Simbu culture.

Lunch will be served at Mindima Eco Lodge.

In the afternoon, we visit Nintul Village to observe the Simbu Women’s Initiation Ceremony, a sacred tradition marking a significant transition in a woman’s life. We also witness ceremonies at the Men’s Haus, gaining insight into the tribal hierarchy, customs, and ancestral wisdom.

This day offers magnificent photo opportunities, capturing the essence of Simbu’s rich traditions and stunning landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (BLD)

Accommodation: Tabare Village Resort

After an early breakfast, you will visit the Widows Haus, where the chief's wife still awaits her freedom. You will first witness the Courting Ceremony, where the bride and groom are taken out and prepared for their wedding. After lunch, you will experience the full Simbu wedding ceremony.

Today, you will enjoy a private Simbu wedding ceremony, where the bride and groom will tie the knot in the Simbu tradition. The ceremony will take place in a private arena and will involve two tribal clans—one representing the groom and the other the bride. The event includes the gathering of food, modern money, pigs, and cooked food. Chiefs will engage in discussions, and the bride price exchange will take place. Instead of exchanging wedding rings, pork belly is consumed in front of both tribal clans, signifying the confirmation of the marriage. The gathered crowd will also partake in eating the pork belly to solidify the union.
Lodging: TABARE VILLAGE RESORT (BLD)

After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive eastward along the Highlands Highway to Goroka. The journey will take us through the fertile Asaro Valley, passing lush plantations of coffee, bananas, taro, cassava, sugarcane, and other crops on well-organized farms until we reach Geremaika.

There, we will witness the world-famous Asaro Mudmen performance, featuring menacing white-mud masks. We will also collaborate with villagers to prepare and cook a traditional "mumu" earth oven meal, which we will share with them.

After lunch, we will experience another remarkable performance, the Moko Moko—a ritual once performed by the Asaro tribe after victorious tribal battles.

Lodging: Pacific Gardens Hotel (BLD)

We will take a mid-morning domestic flight from Goroka to Port Moresby, arriving by noon. Upon arrival, we will visit the Papua New Guinea National Museum, home to an extensive collection of tribal artwork from across the country.

Lodging: Hilton Hotel (BLD)

NOTE: END OF (A) BASE HIGHLANDS TOUR & START OF (B) EXTENDED TOUR TO NEW BRITAIN

(A) BASE HIGHLANDS TOUR

Return flight departs at 14:40. For those who wish, you can spend the morning visiting the nearby Vision City Mall, the only Western-style shopping center in all of PNG. We will then be transferred to the airport in time for the international flight to Singapore, which is scheduled to arrive in SINGAPORE at 18:15. Upon arrival, you will transfer to the connecting flight to our final destination.

(B) EXTENDED TO NEW BRITAIN (5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS)

Morning: After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kokopo, the capital of East New Britain province. We will arrive in the afternoon and be transferred to our hotel for lunch.

Afternoon: Experience the captivating Baining Fire Dance (location to be confirmed).

Lodging: Kokopo Beach Bungalow (BLD)

Enjoy a full-day tour around the stunning Gazelle Peninsula, which forms the beautiful volcanic Blanche Bay. Our first stop will be the Kokopo Market, followed by a visit to the Kokopo Museum, home to numerous WWII artifacts. We will then head to the Volcano Observatory Hill for sweeping views of the area.

A key highlight will be Rabaul, the picturesque old German colonial city that was buried under ash after the 1994 eruption of Mount Tavurvur. We’ll also visit the Hot Springs by the sea, located at the base of Mount Tavurvur, and the old New Guinea Club, a historic building where time seems to stand still, preserving its original furniture, tribal relics, and WWII memorabilia.

This area was once the Headquarters of the Japanese in the Pacific during WWII. We’ll visit Admiral Yamamoto’s bunker, a Japanese boat cave, and the underground Japanese hospital. As we explore, we’ll encounter WWII remnants such as guns, tanks, airplanes, and shipwrecks scattered throughout the region.

Lodging: Kokopo Beach Bungalow (BLD)

Exploring the stunning and unique island and sea environment that lies between New Britain and New Ireland. We’ll begin early in the morning with a memorable dolphin experience in Blanche Bay—don’t forget to bring your underwater photography equipment!

After breakfast, we will embark on a boat trip to the Duke of York Archipelago, a collection of pristine white-sand coral islands. These islands are home to the Tolai tribe, known for their unique children with blonde, curly hair and dark skin. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on Pigeon Island and take time to snorkel in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the coral reefs.

Note: If the sea is rough, the itinerary may be adjusted.

Lodging: Kokopo Beach Bungalow (BLD)

We’ll spend the morning relaxing at our beachfront resort before being transferred to the airport for our 12:40 pm scenic flight to Port Moresby, arriving two hours later. Upon arrival, we will check in at our hotel and enjoy a restful afternoon. If the opportunity arises, we may visit a local handicraft shop, depending on availability.

Lodging: Hilton Hotel (BLD)

Our return flight departs at 14:40. For those who wish, you can spend the morning visiting the nearby Vision City Mall, the only Western-style shopping center in all of PNG. We will be transferred to the airport in time for our international flight to Singapore, arriving at 18:15. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our connecting flight to our final destination.