Day 8. The Islands of Love – 07 OCT 2026
The barely developed Trobriand Archipelago is a world in itself. The islanders are related to the Polynesians and have a cult of the yam root. The welcoming ceremony differs significantly from the welcoming rituals in other regions of Papua New Guinea. From afar you can see the flower-decorated canoes accompanying you singing to the beach on the small island of Kuiawa. Here the sing-sing is particularly colorful! As you stroll through the village, you will experience the everyday life of the residents and see the typical yam houses. Look out for handicrafts offered by the islanders. Or simply unwind on the palm-lined beach. (BLD)
Day 9. In the Kingdom of the Bird of Paradise – 08 OCT 2026
Early in the morning your ship reaches the fantastic world of the Tufi Fjords in the southeast of Papua New Guinea. The reception itself is a special experience, as you board outrigger boats decorated with flowers. Local rowers will take you ashore across the deep green fjord. The most spectacular sing-sing of the entire trip awaits you here, a festival of colors and shapes. Bird of paradise feathers rise and fall to the rhythm of the drums. Flower wreaths and tapa cloths made from the bark of the mulberry tree decorate colorfully painted bodies. Here you can experience how to light a fire or heal with traditional medicine, weave mats, get a tattoo or prepare sago. In the afternoon you have the choice: either you snorkel in the deep green water of the Tufi Fjords or you go on a hike to a viewing point high above the fjords and enjoy the fantastic panorama. On the way you will pass carefully landscaped fruit and vegetable gardens and experience the rearing of the dazzling insects on a small butterfly farm. (BLD)
Day 10. On the Trail of German Colonists – 09 OCT 2026
In 1884, the German explorer Otto Finsch discovered a natural harbor on the east coast of New Guinea. The following year, Finschhafen, now Dregerhafen, an outpost of the German New Guinea Company, was built there. The house of the Lutheran Missionary Society still exists today from the German colonial period. After the vocal welcoming ceremony, walk with the villagers to the market, famous for carved paddles and ritual wooden bowls, and visit the village school. In the afternoon you swim and snorkel in the turquoise blue lagoon. (BLD)
Day 11. In the Bismarck Archipelago – 10 OCT 2026
Today you anchor off the island of Umboi. The first Christian missionary attempts in Papua New Guinea took place here in the 1850s. The Lutheran mission station Lab Lab bears witness to this. Maybe the missionaries will have time for a little chat and tell you about everyday life in the Bismarck Archipelago. Despite all attempts at Christianization, archaic customs and myths persist on Umboi Island. The islanders believe in the mythical creature Ropen – a flying demon that glows in the darkness. (BLD)
Day 12. Mountains of Fire in the Sea – 11 OCT 2026
The stratovolcano on Karkar Island is one of the most active volcanoes in the South Pacific and still has religious significance for the local population today. When you land, the entire population is waiting for you on the palm beach. Several sing-sings and the local mambo band will give you an unforgettable reception. Karkar’s soils are extremely fertile. In small groups you will explore a plantation of coconuts, cocoa and tropical fruits. The plantation is managed by a German woman: Barbara emigrated from Nuremberg for love over twenty years ago and still lives here today – an exciting encounter. In the afternoon you explore the island’s beautiful coral reefs by snorkeling. As you cross towards the mainland, look out for the volcanic islands on the horizon. It is quite possible that you will witness an eruption on board, particularly impressive at night. (BLD)
Day 13. On the Sepik River – 12 OCT 2026
It’s worth getting up early today. At sunrise, your small expedition ship enters the mouth of the mighty Sepik River. If the river becomes too shallow, switch to dinghies. On the journey through dense mangrove forests, past ornate palm huts, the local outrigger boats will accompany you. In the village of Bien you go ashore and walk to school – surrounded by villagers. Here the assembled group of children welcomes you with cheerful singing. The market next door offers a wide selection of the artistic wooden masks that the Sepik region is famous for. Back on board, you sail out of the Sepik Delta and out into the Pacific. Be sure to stay on deck as Kadovar Island’s fire-breathing volcano will soon rise out of the sea. You can watch the eruptions with the naked eye from on board – a magnificent natural spectacle. (BLD)
Day 14. Excursion to the Mountains – 13 OCT 2026
In the morning you reach the port of Madang, which was founded in 1891 in the German colonial period as Friedrich-Wilhelmshafen. After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to your expedition ship and its friendly crew. On a short tour you will visit the museum, the lighthouse and the market. Then we travel in minibuses on bumpy roads into the green hinterland. In the pottery village of Bil Bil you will be welcomed one last time with a traditional sing-sing. The villagers will then give you an insight into how artistic clay bowls are made. In the afternoon you will fly back to Cairns. (B)
Day 15. Bye, bye, Down Under! – 14 OCT 2026
After breakfast, you have some free time before heading to the airport for your flight back home. (B)
(B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner
