- Dauer: 6 Days (approx.)
- Produkt-Code: PEL1QA
6-Day East New Britain Shell Money Festival Experience
Prepare for an enchanting 6-day adventure to the charming East New Britain! Discover the different tribes of Papua New Guinea, getting a glimpse of its rich and vibrant cultural heritage.
In this tour, you will get to experience the fascinating Shell Money Festival, watch the captivating traditional performances as well as enjoy the picturesque quaint local villages and interact with the local community. So, get ready to capture all the authentic scenes and unfiltered moments throughout your journey.
Don’t miss the chance to embark on an incredible cultural trip to East New Britain and experience the rich cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in East New Britain
Arrive at Rabaul Airport. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. Take time to freshen up before heading out to explore the city at your own leisure.
Day 2 - Kokopo
Spend the day exploring the Kokopo! Begin the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then check out the bustling local markets as well as the renowned cultural landmarks in the city, getting a glimpse of Papua New Guinea’s rich culture and unique traditions.
Day 3 - Shell Money Festival
Experience the bustling yet dynamic atmosphere of the Shell Money Festival! Watch the captivating traditional performances such as the Kinawai performances by Tubuans as well as the traditional Tolai performances. You can also observe the process of threading and coiling of Tabu and even check out the fascinating cultural exhibitions, showcasing Papua New Guinea’s rich and vibrant cultural heritage.
Day 4 - Kokopo - Matupit Island
Start the day with a leisurely trip to the scenic island of Matupit! Visit the Tolai tribe and interact with the local community, giving you a glimpse of their culture, history, and traditions. You will also discover other tribes across the island and get to capture their most authentic and unfiltered moments. Then, enjoy a scenic drive to the base of Tavurvur Volcano before heading back to your hotel accommodation.
Day 5 - Kokopo
Enjoy a relaxing morning as you get ready to spend your last day exploring at your own leisure. You may opt to stroll around the city, take a day trip to nearby tourist destinations, shop around for some unique handicrafts and souvenirs, or take in the beauty of East New Britain as you bask under the sun.
Day 6 - Departure from East New Britain
Check out from the hotel after breakfast, then transfer to Rabaul Airport for your flight back home.
Inclusions
Airport Pick Up and Drop Off
5 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (5)
Lunch (4)
Dinner (4)
English-Speaking Local Guide
Transportation as Per Itinerary
Activities and Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary
Exclusions
Local and International Flights
Drinks and Meals Not Mentioned
Optional Activities Not Mentioned
Visas
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Gratuities (Optional)
Additional Information
This experience involves a moderate amount of walking; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
This experience requires good weather conditions. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
If there is insufficient time for all attractions/activities//destinations on the itinerary, the tour guide will adjust the length of time spent at other attractions/destinations.
Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.
Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on road conditions.
Please note that on days in which no activities are planned, you are free to explore at your leisure; all activities and purchases will be at your own ex
- Day 1: I am warmly greeted by David Kima, who recounts the story and conservation movement of Hogave. We arrive in the middle of the local village mourning of a recently deceased member, a very rare and local experience, totally unplanned. After 3 hours of very rocky road driving, I arrive at the Hogave Conservation Centre welcomed by two villagers who performed a traditional wind instrument that very few locals can play, and incredibly, I become only the second (or third) tourist ever to stay here.
- Day 2: I trek through a truly "virgin" rain forest, one of very few remaining in the world (Congo, Amazon, and PNG), guided by three locals bushwhacking the way with machetes, climb a very wild and steep mountain side equivalent of 200 floors (according to my iPhone) to become the first tourist to reach the top of Mt. Michael. (The way down in the pouring rain was our least favorite moment.) As someone who has summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, I can truthfully say this was a much more challenging level of difficulty - There the most I've climbed in one day was 134 floors, 3-4 hours max, with a different day dedicated to a descent, but in Michael, it was 200 floor, up and down in one day, for 10-12 hours, with far steeper and unpaved paths without camps. This hike/trek is only for the fittest of the fit!
- Day 3: I become the first tourist to visit and stay overnight at Hogave Village, an isolated and remote hour-and-a-half walk from HCC, and join the villagers in peeling potatoes and taro, preparing, and eating mumu. I stay overnight with David (another David) and his family.
- Day 4: I join the villagers gathered to enjoy a traditional hunting performance
- Day 5: I get cellular reception for the first time since I arrive in PNG and get to upload and share my first batch of photos with my friends. https://www.facebook.com/grace.forker.7/media_set?set=a.837672754956.1073741876.3501655&type=3
- Day 1: I ride a local bus (!) with my guide Pauline Puipui to Ratavul where I visit to stay with her family. I visit the local beach, listen to the stories of Pauline's parents, and join them for dinner which is mumu with the biggest giant claims I've ever seen in my life! I stay overnight at an authentic hut and bed made of woven coconut leaves.
- Day 2: I try weaving coconut leaves, scraping coconuts, etc. in preparing mumu that we enjoy with the family and neighbors, then string together local currency of shells. https://www.facebook.com/grace.forker.7/media_set?set=a.836154502546.1073741875.3501655&type=3
- Day 3: I am amazed by the first day of Mask Festival with the early morning Kinavai and nighttime Baining Fire Dance. https://www.facebook.com/grace.forker.7/media_set?set=a.837870833006.1073741880.3501655&type=3 In between during the day, I snorkel and sail with dolphins on the way to/from Duke of York Islands where I explore and picnic at the beach. https://www.facebook.com/grace.forker.7/media_set?set=a.836148634306.1073741874.3501655&type=3
- Days 4-5: More amazing moments at the Festival
- Day 6: I climb to the top Mt Tavurvur volcano and explore Rabaul, including the Japanese bunker and barge tunnels, and Rabaul Museum/Rabaul Hotel. What a history! https://www.facebook.com/grace.forker.7/media_set?set=a.837875388876.1073741881.3501655&type=3
-Grace Forker, Comprehensive Multi-Destination PNG Expedition
