Papua New Guinea - The Last Frontier (Island Sky)

Description

Few lands have such an exotic and mysterious allure as Papua New Guinea, it is in the truest sense the last frontier on earth. The world’s second largest island sits off the north coast of Australia and is home to more than 1000 indigenous tribes — each with their own traditions — as well as flamboyant birdlife, tropical forests rich with orchids, steep sided volcanoes, pristine coral wonderlands and golden beaches. It is a land of the unexpected and a place of stark contrasts. Our past travellers and field staff who have visited this mysterious land, where nothing is contrived and every experience is truly authentic, have enthused about the spectacular scenery and truly astounding array of native cultures which are known to only a few privileged travellers.

Travelling independently in Papua New Guinea can be difficult, with little infrastructure in place to accommodate for tourists and information about getting around often scarce. This is of course what makes the region alluring to the genuine traveller, but also why travelling with just over 100 passengers and our expert onboard team aboard the all-suite MS Island Sky is an ideal way to explore this fascinating part of the world. Afloat and ashore, our exploration will be filled with unforgettable images and we hope you will join us for this unparalleled opportunity to explore one of the most intriguing places on the map.

Trip Name

Papua New Guinea - The Last Frontier (Island Sky)

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 116 Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2010 / 2017 Sister ship to Hebridean Sky. Island Sky and Hebridean Sky are truly sisters. Built in the same Italian Shipyard, both boast spacious, well-appointed suites, stylish common areas, and redundant core technology that allows them to operate smoothly, even under the most challenging of conditions. Both ships are all-suite, all-inclusive small expedition vessels with touches of elegance throughout. The Island Sky is scheduled for additional upgrades in 2017, including the addition of tinted sliding glass doors to all cabins on the Promenade Deck. Services: World-Class Cuisine Complimentary Wine or Beer with Dinner Live Entertainment Complimentary Coffee/Tea station Voyage Photographer On-board MD and Facilities Dedicated Passenger Service Manager Pre-voyage hotel night Complimentary Expedition Jacket Facilities: Elevator serving all passenger decks Upgraded WIFI Internet Library with computers Panoramic Top Deck Observation Platform Bar/Lounge with Live Entertainment Lounge with Audiovisual Facilities DVD Movie Library Tinted sliding glass doors in all cabins on the Promenade Deck World-Class Cuisine: Great expeditions require great food! Our team of world-class chefs offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that change daily. They have boat-loads of creativity, so you are sure to experience a variety of remarkable cuisine throughout your voyage. Accommodations: All Suites Feature: Exterior views Your choice of queen-sized or two twin-sized beds Sitting area with sofa and side chair Flat Screen TV with DVD/CD player Telephone Independent temperature controls Mini-Bar Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries Hair dryer 220 square feet or more Sofa can be converted to bed for third person PLEASE NOTE - DECK PLANS CAN VARY.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 London to Brisbane, Australia.

Fly by scheduled indirect flight.

Day 2 - Days 2 to 4 Brisbane.

Arrive on Day 2 and transfer to our hotel for a three night stay. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. After a relaxing morning on the following day, enjoy a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary before taking in the views over Brisbane from Mount Kootha Lookout. We will meet this evening for dinner at the hotel. On our final day enjoy a full day tour exploring the area around Brisbane.

Day 3 - Day 5 Brisbane to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

After breakfast in the hotel we will make our way to the airport for our scheduled flight to Port Moresby. On arrival transfer to the MS Island Sky where we will be welcomed aboard by the ship’s crew. Sail this evening.

Day 4 - Day 6 Bonarua Island.

After a morning at sea, the peaks of the dramatic Stanley Owens Range come into view as we reach the island of Bonarua in Milne Bay. We will go ashore to view fishing and weaving demonstrations, and wander through the enchanting village, sampling local delicacies. The warm inviting waters of the Coral Sea offer a first opportunity to explore the underwater world.

Day 5 - Day 7 Fergusson & Dobu Islands, D’Entrecasteaux Islands.

Our Papua New Guinea adventure continues in the D’Entrecasteaux Islands. We will use our Zodiacs to land on Fergusson Island, the largest of the chain, in a small fishing village. From here we will walk to the local hot springs and bubbling mud pools surrounded by lush vegetation and birders can keep a lookout for parrots and cockatoos. A welcome dance will be accompanied by local foods cooked in the hot pools. This afternoon we will cruise through the spectacular Dobu passage and use our Zodiacs to explore and snorkel or alternatively land to meet the villagers and visit the local church.

Day 6 - Day 8 Tufi.

Arrive at first light in the fjordland of Papua New Guinea. These fjords are over 90 metres deep and rise vertically to 150 metres from the water. The faces of the fjord are covered with moss and orchids and waterfalls fall into the sea. We will use our Zodiacs or local boats to explore the fjords and visit the local villages. In the markets we will see the local pottery, jewellery and tapa cloth typical of this region. Due to the protection of the fjords the coral reefs are rich in colour and variety and have good visibility. In the afternoon we will find a suitable spot with our Zodiacs to snorkel amongst the gobie, mandarin fish, pigmy seahorses, sponge and shelf corals.

Day 7 - Day 9 Tami Islands.

Arrive this morning on the Tami Islands, four tiny atolls situated seven miles off the Huon Peninsula with around 400 inhabitants. We will be welcomed by the islanders and have a chance to see the distinctive wooden bowls, figure carvings and masks of the region. Using our Zodiacs we will take the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal clear waters.

Day 8 - Day 10 Madang.

Relax on board this morning and arrive over lunchtime at Madang, perched on a peninsula surrounded by picturesque islands and sprinkled with parks, ponds and water-lily filled waterways. Madang’s warm, wet climate and fertile soil produce luxuriant growth and any of the huge casuarina trees that tower over the Madang streets support huge colonies of flying foxes. The trees may have escaped World War II relatively unscathed but Madang itself was not so lucky. The town was rebuilt after it was virtually destroyed during the Japanese occupation and subsequent fighting. An afternoon tour will include the Coastwatcher’s Memorial Lighthouse and vibrant market. Return to the MS Island Sky as we sail this evening.

Day 9 - Day 11 Sepik River.

At dawn we anchor at the mouth of the Sepik River which at 1100 kilometres is the longest river in Papua New Guinea. The river is central to life for the communities that live here being used for trade in dugout canoes, fishing and cooking. We will use our Zodiacs to explore the river system surrounded by lush forest and birdsong. At a local village we will receive a traditional welcome of song and dance before exploring the village. See the men’s house, the place where important decisions regarding the village are made and initiation ceremonies take place, learn about the process of sago palms and see pieces of tribal art and crafts.

Day 10 - Day 12 Alim Island.

The Admiralty Islands are an archipelago of 18 islands in the Bismarck Sea. We plan to use our Zodiacs to explore Alim Island, an uninhabited island and paradise for birds. Here we can find up to 2000 pairs of breeding red footed boobies, kingfishers and brown noddies. We hope to offer a Zodiac cruise and opportunity to snorkel or swim here.

Day 11 - Day 13 Tingwon Island.

Completely encircled by an oblong reef, we land on a sandy beach this afternoon and meet the small community of charming Tingwon where we enjoy their hospitality and colourful dances. We will look for a suitable place to snorkel.

Day 12 - Day 14 Rabaul.

Sail into the spectacular setting of Rabaul’s Simpson Harbour. Six cone-shaped volcanoes ring Rabaul’s dramatic flooded-caldera harbour. Here we enjoy a tour exploring the city’s turbulent past shaped by World War II events and volcanic eruptions. Later we will enjoy a performance of the famous Baining Fire Dancers.

Day 13 - Day 15 Rabaul to Cairns, Australia.

After breakfast we will transfer to Rabaul airport for our scheduled indirect flight to Cairns. Arrive later this evening and check into our hotel for two night stay. Alternatively, depart after breakfast on a post cruise extension to the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.

Day 14 - Day 16 Cairns.

After breakfast at the hotel there will be a choice of full day excursions. Explore the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Local boats will take us to the outer reef where we can enjoy snorkelling, swimming or use of the glass bottom boat in the clear waters. Alternatively discover the Daintree Forest and Mossman Gorge. The forest is known as the oldest living rainforest and home to the Kuku Yalanji people. Take a coastal walk in the company of an aboriginal clan member before exploring Mossman Gorge where you can enjoy a rainforest walk and dip in the clear cool waters.

Day 15 - Day 17 Cairns to London.

After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.

Day 16 - Day 18 London.

Arrive today.

Day 17 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Visit Bonarua Island.
Enjoy Fergusson & Dobu Islands, D’Entrecasteaux Islands.
Discover Tufi & Tami Islands.
Travel to Alim Island & Tingwon Island.