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Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea

Cairns to Rabaul12 nightsAll InclusiveFrom $13,940.00* PP

Discover Papua New Guinea’s frontier lands aboard Coral Adventurer, where over 700 languages flourish amongst 5 million people across this remarkably diverse nation. From the bubbling hot springs of Dei Dei to the master carvers of the mighty Sepik River, each destination reveals ancient cultures that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Navigate picturesque Tufi Fjords, pay tribute at significant WWII battlefields and connect with islanders maintaining traditional subsistence lifestyles. With our purpose-built ship’s agility, access remote places difficult to reach by any other means. Learn about the fascinating Kula Ring trading network and witness traditional dances beneath volcanic backdrops. Truly see these frontier lands rather than simply sailing past.

  • Walk to the mythical Dei Dei Hot Springs and snorkel the bubbling springs reef at Fergusson Island
  • Snorkel and dive the world-famous reefs of the picturesque Tufi fjords, transported ashore on outriggers
  • Pay tribute to Australian and Japanese soldiers who lost their lives during the battle of Buna
  • Visit the craft markets of Dregerhafen, famous for their traditional tami bowls and timber paddles
  • Cruise up the mighty Sepik River to meet Papua New Guinea’s most talented artists and carvers
  • Explore Kimbe Bay’s coral crucible, home to over 860 tropical fish species and 400 coral varieties


Itinerary

Cairns wharf departure port

Arrive at Trinity Wharf (berth to be advised) for boarding at 7:30am for a 9:00am departure. Cruise across the Coral Sea and spend the afternoon relaxing as you are welcomed onboard Coral Adventurer. Join our expedition staff as they introduce you to the journey and the many experiences you will enjoy. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.

Day at Sea - Lectures, Presentations

Spend today relaxing onboard, listen and learn from our Guest Lecturer presentations, or enjoy an engine room or bridge tour.

Samarai Island & Ebuma Island

Clear into Papua New Guinea at this historic former administrative capital, once the second largest settlement after Port Moresby. Choose to explore colonial Samarai and purchase pearls or snorkel at nearby Ebuma Island.

Dei-Dei-Hot-Springs-with-Coral-Expeditions

Walk to the mythical Dei Dei Hot Springs, where locals share spiritual tales and still cook food in palm frond baskets. Learn about the ancient Kula Ring trading network at Dobu Island and snorkel the bubbling springs reef.

Visit the famous ‘Islands of Love’ where Trobriand Islanders employ traditional magic to grow better produce. Witness cultural performances, browse local markets and swim off pristine beaches in this Polynesian-influenced community.

Explore the spectacular fjords of Cape Nelson, famous for tapa cloth production. Enjoy cultural demonstrations, nature walks, and world-class snorkelling and diving amongst uncharted reefs in this dramatic landscape.

Pay tribute at these significant WWII battlefields where fierce fighting occurred between Australian, American and Japanese forces. Visit the village-built War Museum and experience traditional welcomes honouring all sides.

Experience a high-spirited welcome at Gingala Village and browse the markets, famous for their traditional Tami bowls and timber paddles. Enjoy water activities in pristine lagoons surrounded by the stunning coastline of the Finschhafen district.

Discover Madang, the capital of Madang Province, named during the late German administration in the 1890s. Visit BilBil village for traditional clay pot demonstrations and the Coast Watchers monument, then spend the afternoon diving, relaxing at the waterside Madang Resort, or browsing the town’s vibrant markets.

Navigate Papua New Guinea’s longest river, renowned as one of the world’s most prolific art-producing regions. Visit Bien village to meet master carvers, enjoy traditional performances, and cruise by Xplorer to spot a diverse array of wildlife.

Sail towards New Britain while enjoying presentations about the remarkable coral reef systems ahead. Reflect on the incredible cultural connections you’ve made throughout Papua New Guinea’s diverse frontier regions.

reef-raja-ampat-spice-islands-coral-expeditions

Explore the ‘coral crucible’ with over 860 tropical fish species and 400 coral varieties. Join traditional sing-sings at the Catholic Mission before swimming, snorkelling and diving at the spectacular Witu Islands.

Disembark at 8:00am in this dramatic volcanic harbour town. For those wanting to explore more, consider adding on our Beyond Frontiers of Papua New Guinea voyage.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.



Fares & Availability

Bridge-Deck-Suite---Coral-Adventurer

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite

Private Balcony - 55.8m2

Available

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

Available
Explorer-Deck-Stateroom---Coral-Adventurer

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

Available

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

Available
Book this Departure
Bridge-Deck-Suite---Coral-Adventurer

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite

Private Balcony - 55.8m2

Available

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

Available
Explorer-Deck-Stateroom---Coral-Adventurer

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

Available

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

Available
Book this Departure

Prices are per person twin share, listed in Australian Dollars (AUD).  Booking Terms & Conditions >
For solo traveller rates see our Solo Traveller Program >


Additional Information

Inclusions:

  • All excursions with our Expedition Team
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
  • Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • All meals, chef-prepared on board
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • Post cruise transfers:  local Hotels and Airport only after disembarkation
  • 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • Expedition diary, along with a photo and video gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage
  • Basic complimentary Wi-Fi with options of 2GB, 10GB, 20GB Premium internet packages for purchase at own expense

Not Included:

  • Pre-cruise transfers
  • Pre- and post-cruise accommodation
  • Travel Insurance
  • SCUBA Diving (view Scuba diving rates)
  • Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
  • Alcoholic & non alcoholic specialty beverages outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Laundry service (available at a cost)
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Optional Extras (in some destinations)

 

OTHER INFORMATION

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Voyage Log: Cairns to Madang Oct 2019

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A Chat with Expedition Leader Jamie Anderson

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