Frontier Lands of New Guinea

Throughout this expedition, the expedition team may make changes to the itinerary in order to maximize the experience. Visiting these remote communities is subject to approval of the local landowners. Below are the key destinations the ship aims to visit.

Dobu Island & Dei Dei Hot Springs (Fergusson Island)

Join the expedition team for a walk to Dei Dei hot springs. Hear the mythical and spiritual tales of the Dei Dei Hot Springs, learn about the history of the Kula Ring and the role of Dobu Island in the north and south Kula trade routes. Meet the local primary school children, who will welcome all with a traditional song, and spend some time snorkeling in the Bubbling Springs Reef.

Trobriand Islands

Historically known as the Islands of Love, the Trobriand Islands offer a glimpse of traditional cultures largely unspoiled by outside influence. Be greeted at the small island of Kuiawa with an enthusiastic Trobriand’s welcome.

Tufi Fjord

Today enjoy a true highlight. Discover the scenic beauty of the Tufi Fjords. Featuring 25 individual canyons with sheer basalt cliffs, these are the only fjords in Papua New Guinea and offer a wealth of sightseeing opportunities. Aboard the Xplorer tender vessel, travel to the entrance of one of Tufi’s most scenic fjords and be met by local villagers in traditional dress aboard outrigger canoes. Have the opportunity to board one of the outriggers as the locals paddle up the creek under the rainforest canopy. Here, spirits and sorcery remain integral to village life, and one can learn about bush medicines, fire making, mat weaving and traditional tattooing. Deep in the rainforest, have the chance to witness the tribesmen perform a traditional sing song in their ceremonial dress. Later, discover white-sand beaches, or snorkel or dive over spectacular fringing reefs.

Buna & Sanananda

Land at Buna beach, home to some of the toughest fighting in the WWII Pacific campaign. Enjoy a welcome from the local residents, and then be guided through the jungle to visit the areas where Allied forces clashed with Japanese forces. In Sanananda, see the local monuments and pay tribute to fallen Australian soldiers at the war museum, located at the far end of the Kokoda Track. There’s also the opportunity to visit the lush gardens surrounding the village.

Morobe Harbor

Arrive at Morobe Harbor early in the morning and cruise in the Xplorer tender vessel to view the stunning forest from the Mou River. Receive a warm Oro Province welcome and enjoy exploring the village with local guides. At high tide, possibly cruise farther into a picturesque hidden bay.

Kamiali (Lababia Village) & Fly Islands

In the morning, during a relaxing visit to the village, enjoy singing and dancing performances and join a local guide around the village. Board an outrigger canoe to explore farther up the river with a guide and experience snorkeling and diving at the Biangatu Island reef in the Fly Islands.

Dregerhafen

At the beautiful anchorage of Dregerhafen, enjoy a high-spirited Papua New Guinea welcome and explore the market which is famous for Tami bowls and timber paddles. There are many WWII artifacts in this area. After lunch, enjoy snorkeling, diving and kayaking in the blue waters of the lagoon.

Sepik Mouth, Bien Village & Kadovar Volcano

Arrive at the mouth of the famed Sepik River and be greeted with stunning views of the landscape and this mammoth river which cuts a swathe through lush forest. The first stop on the Sepik River is at the village of Bien, where local villagers greet all on their canoes and follow with dance performances. There is an opportunity to purchase highly sought-after hand-crafted artifacts, masks and carvings at the Sepik market.

Spend today relaxing on board, listen and learn from the guest lecturer presentations, or enjoy an engine room or bridge tour.

Arrive in Cairns to disembark the ship at 8:00am.

Throughout this expedition, the expedition team may make changes to the itinerary in order to maximize the experience. Visiting these remote communities is subject to approval of the local landowners. Below are the key destinations the ship aims to visit.

Ataliklikun Bay

Take a nature walk and a tour of a local plantation to see copra production. In the evening witness the mesmerizing Baining Fire Dance.

Duke of York Islands

The Duke of York Islands consist of 13 rarely visited islands. These low-lying islands feature tranquil waterways reflecting lush rainforest landscapes, but are known for tectonic activity, and are threatened by rising sea levels. There is a robust bird population found in this remote region, with many species endemic to New Britain. This is a great snorkeling location.

Rabaul

Rabaul was the main stronghold of the Japanese during the war with 110,000 Japanese troops based there by 1943. The Japanese army dug many miles of tunnels as shelters from Allied air attacks and built army barracks and support structures. Rabaul is perched on the edge of a magnificent natural harbor ringed by six cone-shaped volcanoes. Rabaul used to be the provincial capital and most important town in the province before it was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1994, after which time the capital was moved to Kokopo. Have the opportunity for a tour of Rabaul ghost town and Kokopo—including the War Museum.

Jacquinot Bay

Jacquinot Bay has fascinating WWII history, including a significant Allied amphibious landing, and was a base for Australian operators during the war.  Explore the large bay on the eastern Coast of New Britain Island. See the waterfalls and take a cruise of the Sivoli River, known for its crystal clear water.

Kuiawa (Manuwata) Islands – Trobriand Islands

Historically known as the Islands of Love, the Trobriand Islands offer a glimpse of traditional cultures largely unspoiled by outside influence. Go ashore at the small island of Kuiawa to be greeted by enthusiastic traditional dances performed by colorfully costumed locals. Browse the market featuring local craftwork and relax on the pristine island beach.

Woodlark (Muyua) Island

“Woodlark Island is a biological jewel—home to at least 42 species that occur nowhere else on Earth,” said William Laurance, a professor at James Cook University in Australia. Woodlark, also known as Muyua, has never been linked to the mainland. Like on other islands necklacing New Guinea and isolated in the rough waters of the Pacific Ring of Fire, Woodlark’s flora and fauna have been left to explore the farthest branch tips of the tree of life. The 40+ endemic species are found on an island just a little larger than New York City, and include the woodlark cuscus (Phalanger lullulae), an extravagantly colored tree-dwelling marsupial that’s listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List. Rich in resources, including gold, the island is threatened by plans for commercial logging and mining. Over the past decade, Woodlark Islanders have defended their forests from resource exploitation from outsiders.

Laughlan Islands – Bodaluna (Budi Budi) Island

In this remote corner of the world, Laughlan Islanders specialize in canoe building. The friendly villagers of Bodaluna share their lifestyle of subsistence gardening, fishing and Kula ring trading. Later, snorkel or dive on the outer reef, where there may be turtles, wrasse and spinner dolphins in the warm, clear waters.

Louisiade Archipelago East & West

The Louisiade Archipelago rainforests are home to a number of endemic species of frogs, lizards and birds. Deboyne Lagoon is a must-see for history buffs. Acting as a Japanese seaplane base for five days during WWII, one can find a nearly intact Zero fighter plane in the shallow waters of Deboyne Lagoon. This is also an excellent place to snorkel, dive or kayak and the locals who greet all at the beach are friendly and welcoming. The Calvados Islands, a chain of atolls in the archipelago, is described as ‘Jurassic Like’ due to their steep limestone karsts. Panasia Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Papua New Guinea.

Dobu Island & Dei Dei Springs (Fergusson Island)

Join the expedition staff on a walk to Dei Dei Hot Springs on Fergusson Island, where the people share their mythical and spiritual tales of these hot water and mud springs located at the base of an extinct volcano. Locals still use the hot springs to cook food in palm frond baskets. Learn of the history of the Kula Ring at Dobu Island and meet the local primary school children, who welcome all with a traditional song, and spend some time snorkeling in the Bubbling Springs Reef.

Samarai or Ebuma Island

Located off the south-eastern tip of New Guinea in the China Strait, choose to explore the colonial settlement of Samarai, with a chance to purchase pearls from a local pearl farmer, or go for a snorkel at nearby Ebuma Island.

The voyage ends in Cairns. Disembark the ship at 9:00am and bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew. Post-cruise transfer to Cairns’ central business district hotels or the airport is included.

Guest lecturers will hold several presentations today, on the itinerary, safety procedures, Indonesian culture and protocols. This evening, mingle with the captain, crew and fellow guests at the captain’s welcome drinks event.

Throughout this expedition, the expedition team may make changes to the itinerary in order to maximize the experience. Visiting these remote communities is subject to approval of the local landowners. Below are the key destinations the ship aims to visit.

Sewa Bay & Samarai, Papua New Guinea

Clear into Papua New Guinea at Samarai, then cruise into beautiful Sewa Bay and be welcomed ashore to the local Pwanapwana Primary school. The locals will show their traditional war dances and share a morning tea of pineapple, coconut milk and sugar bananas.

Dobu & Dei Dei Springs (Fergusson Island), Papua New Guinea

Join the expedition staff on a walk to Dei Dei Hot Springs, where the people share their mythical and spiritual tales of these hot water and mud springs. Learn of the history of the Kula Ring at Dobu Island and meet the local primary school children, who will welcome with a traditional dance performance. There will also be an opportunity to snorkel the incredible Bubbling Springs Reef.

Kuiawa, Papua New Guinea

Historically known as the Islands of Love, the Trobriand Islands offer a glimpse of traditional cultures largely unspoiled by outside influence. In the morning, go ashore at the small island of Kuiawa to be greeted by enthusiastic traditional dances performed by colorfully costumed locals. Make some purchases at the market and relax on the pristine island beach in the afternoon.

Tufi Fjord, Papua New Guinea

Today enjoy a true highlight. Discover the scenic beauty of the Tufi Fjords. Featuring 25 individual canyons with sheer basalt cliffs, these are the only fjords in Papua New Guinea and offer a wealth of sightseeing opportunities. Aboard the Xplorer tender vessel, travel to the entrance of one of Tufi’s most scenic fjords and be met by local villagers in traditional dress aboard outrigger canoes. Have the opportunity to board one of the outriggers as the locals paddle up the creek under the rainforest canopy. Here, spirits and sorcery remain integral to village life, and one can learn about bush medicines, fire making, mat weaving and traditional tattooing. Deep in the rainforest, have the chance to witness the tribesmen perform a traditional sing song in their ceremonial dress. Later, discover white-sand beaches, or snorkel or dive over spectacular fringing reefs.

Buna & Sanananda, Papua New Guinea

Land at Buna beach, home to some of the toughest fighting in the WWII Pacific campaign. Enjoy a welcome from the local residents and then be guided through the jungle by them to visit the areas where Allied forces clashed with Japanese forces. In Sanananda, see the local monuments and pay tribute to fallen Australian soldiers at the war museum, located at the far end of the Kokoda Track. Also enjoy the opportunity to visit the lush gardens surrounding the village.

Fly Islands & Morobe, Papua New Guinea

Awaken early and travel ashore for a morning of water activities at Fly Island. Biangatu Reef is teeming with fish life and colorful coral. Enjoy snorkeling, diving (added cost) or kayaking. Enter Morobe Harbor and cruise in the Xplorer to view the stunning forest from the Mou River. Receive an Oro Province welcome and enjoy exploring the village with local guides. At high tide, hope to travel into a stunning hidden bay to another village.

Dregerhafen, Papua New Guinea

At the beautiful anchorage of Dregerhafen, enjoy a high-spirited traditional welcome in Gingala village, and explore the market which is famous for Tami bowls and timber paddles before the chance to mingle with the locals and stroll through the village. After lunch enjoy snorkeling, diving, glass-bottom boat tours and kayaking in the blue waters of the lagoon.

Madang, Papua New Guinea

Explore Madang and its surrounds, which sits on a peninsula surrounded by a number of picturesque islands and is famed for its waterfront setting and colonial history. Discover the surrounding area on a Madang tour–which includes a visit to the Madang Haus Museum, the Coastwatchers Lighthouse and Bil Bil Village where pottery is made. Certified divers have the opportunity to check out some great dive sites in the area with experienced local operators (added cost).

Sepik River, Papua New Guinea

At first light, the ship enters the mighty Sepik River. The destination is the remote village of Bien or Kopar, where the locals are known for their arts and crafts. A true Sepik welcome awaits while stepping ashore! Take the opportunity to purchase the unique hand carvings of this region. While departing from the Sepik River, sail past the active volcano at Kadovar Island and enjoy sunset drinks.

Wewak, Papua New Guinea

Early in the morning, arrive into the port town of Wewak. There is much WWII history here. Go on a tour with local guides including Wewak Hill Lookout, ANZAC Memorial, Mission Hill, and also see the local craft markets.

Jayapura, Indonesia

Visit Asei Village at Sentani Lake and be greeted by enthusiastic costumed dancers. View and perhaps purchase art painted on bark for which Lake Sentani is famous. This is the clearance stop as the ship leaves Papua New Guinea and departs for Indonesia.

Nirumoar, Indonesia

Today, enjoy an expedition stop at Nirumoar. At this unusual location, discover a shipwreck on the beach and enjoy snorkeling and beachcombing, before relaxing on the white-sand beach.

Mamberamo River, Indonesia

The Mamberamo River is the largest river in Papua and is regarded as the Amazon of the East.  It is considered one of the largest rivers in Indonesia by volume. Along the huge river valley live many tribes who have little connection to the outside world. There is an amazing biodiversity here in flora and fauna. Today go ashore at Teba Village, at the mouth of the river. This village is built on the muddy riverbank and presents a unique insight into the way of life of this remote region. Stroll through the village with local guides and make new friends with the enthusiastic locals. Later, explore the river on an Xplorer tender vessel cruise. This is an expedition destination.

Kwatisore, Indonesia

This afternoon visit the Papuan village of Kwatisore, where the locals will perform a bird of paradise dance and other traditional performances. Consider participating and dancing with the local people. Market stalls will be set up with interesting items to purchase, such as carved paddles. They are skilled musicians here and will entertain all with their string band.

Cenderwasih Bay & Kwatisore, Indonesia

Today, experience one of the highlights of this cruise—swimming with the whale sharks.  The gentle giants will be swimming around the fishing bagans and everyone will have the chance to enter the water in small groups to swim with these amazing animals. Visit Kwatisore to shop for local arts and crafts, be entertained by the string band and the bird-of-paradise dance.

Roon Island, Indonesia

Just below the surface resides a Japanese plane wreck with big black corals, gorgonians, big lionfish, glassfish, shrimps and many more. Snorkelers on the surface can still clearly see the wreck when the weather cooperates and the water is still, or they may dive down for a closer look. Afterwards, hope to explore a nearby village to meet the locals.

Pulau Ayau & Pulau Kanobe, Indonesia

Today, discover the beautiful and incredibly remote Ayau Atoll. Go ashore at Pulau Ayau to visit Miosbekwan Village with the possibility of a swim with friendly dolphins in the clear turquoise waters of the lagoon. This pristine location offers an extraordinary experience of culture and nature in one of the most isolated parts of the world.

Wayag Islands, Indonesia

The jewel in the crown of Raja Ampat, picturesque gumdrop karsts are the backdrop for this paradise on earth. Here, the underwater world is rightly famous– spend time discovering it with snorkeling, SCUBA diving (added cost) and kayaking opportunities. For the fit, a walk up to Mt Pindito is available. This steep uphill walk rewards with remarkable views over the islands.

Aljui Bay, Indonesia

Kofiau Islands are covered by lush trees and wild plants, they offer a fantastic wealth of nature and beautiful scenery. The tropical rainforest is home to the endemic rare kofiau paradise kingfisher, kofiau monarch and kofiau green-tree python. Here, enjoy white and soft sandy beaches, and crystal-clear water with stunning corals. Be welcomed to the local villages and meet the people in their daily lives. Witness traditional foods being prepared and attend the celebration of Buka Sasi. In the afternoon, enjoy snorkeling, diving or birdwatching.

Misool, Indonesia

At Misool, explore the stone gardens with its misty beauty. As a hidden and deserted paradise, Misool is unspoiled with waters of aquamarine lined by towering karst cliffs of various shapes and forms. Misool waters have approximately 200 saltwater lagoons stretching like a green carpet and bustling with unique and beautiful corals. Here, swim, snorkel and explore around the islands by kayak.

Arguni, Indonesia

Arguni is a small island off the west coast of West Papua province of Indonesia. The island covers less than two square miles. The local language Arguni is spoken by about 150 people. On the south side of the island are pearl farm buoys and cages floating in the warm clear water. Mangrove swamps, many interesting limestone islets and formations, Papuan rock art (notably hand and foot stencils), burial caves and villages (some on stilts) line the shore. While Arguni is in the Fakfak Regency, it still has a traditional king (a functionless title), Raja Hanaf Pauspaus of Arguni, one of many kings of Indonesia.

Upon arrival, be greeted by villagers displaying many cultural attractions, including traditional dances, local music and traditional handcrafts. Enjoy fresh coconut and browse around the village to observe daily life and interact with the local people. Following this, journey by Zodiac to visit the famous ancient blood paintings at Roefroefoea. The paintings feature many hands of humans and also animal depictions, with the red color of the paintings resembling the color of blood.

Banda Islands, Indonesia

As the ship arrives at the entrance to Banda Neira, the Zonegat Channel, traditional long canoes known as Kora Kora emerge, rowed thunderously by men in traditional costume. These traditional war canoes provide an impressive escort into the caldera for the first look at Banda Neira. This island visit features Rumah Budaya, Old Dutch Church Hatta House, Perigi Rante, a Nutmeg plantation and the highlight visit of the beautiful Fort Belgica for traditional dancing and sampling local treats during sunset drinks.

History has coined these islands as the fabled Spice Islands and is not without sound reason. Today these islands may be almost unheard of, but they’ve played an important role in the European history from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Combining raw natural beauty, a warm local heart, and a palpable and fascinating history, this remote cluster of ten islands were home to some of the most prized and fought-over commodities in the past–nutmeg, cloves and mace. Underwater, impressive undersea drop-offs are vibrantly plastered with multicolored coral gardens. The central islands–Pulau Neira and Pulau Banda Besar–curl in picturesque crescents around the pocket-sized volcano Gunung Api.

Today, snorkel over the coral reef that has emerged on the lava flow from Gunung Api’s historic eruption. Others may go ashore in Banda for a tea party in the charming local surrounds.

Sebakor Bay, Indonesia

Discover the beautiful remote coast of Sebakor Bay. The aquarium-like waters are home to exceptional marine life and coral reefs, and snorkelers and divers will have the opportunity to explore. There will be time to kayak, or simply relax and look for Papuan birdlife along the shoreline. Later, enjoy the chance to swim under the Mommon Waterfall, where cool freshwater flows out of the lush jungle and falls into the ocean.

Triton Bay, Indonesia

Triton Bay lies on the south coast of the West Papua province of Indonesia, surrounded by tropical rainforests and rising on one side to a roughly 3,475-foot peak. The waters of the bay nurture abundant marine life woth 471 types of coral and 959 types of coral fish. In these waters, Bryde’s whales and whale sharks also find their home. Nearby this region is where Alfred Russel Wallace, contemporary and equal of Charles Darwin, wrote of his explorations in The Malay Archipelago around 1858. With visitors rare to this region, it is indescribably special.

Triton Bay is known for displaying an impressive level of soft coral coverage similar to places like Misool Island. Epaulette sharks can be seen walking over the reefs as giant groupers lurk in sheltered spots, while schools of jacks and fusiliers dart en masse. Squadrons of bump head parrotfish charge around chomping the coral into fine sand, watched by ever-present turtles. Triton Bay’s black coral forests are awesome in scale and never fail to impress. In one area, the high limestone cliffs display extensive pre-historic drawings and carvings–colored orange, white and black–which are truly breathtaking. Explore the underwater world and look for whale sharks, which gather here.

Aru Islands, Indonesia

The Aru Islands consist of some 95 low-lying islands covered with forest and with swampy coastal surrounds located in the Maluku province of eastern Indonesia in the Arafura Sea. Flora of the area ranges from dense green forests of tree ferns to grassy plains while the fauna has Australian affinities with marsupials being the dominant animals in the area. Here, cruise along the mangroves to catch sight of the illusive and beautiful birds of paradise that call nearby Lorang Village home.

Agats, Indonesia

Experience a memorable welcome by an armada of about 40 or more war canoes, rowed powerfully towards the ship by the Asmat warriors in traditional costume. Disembarking by Xplorer tender vessel, be accompanied by the Asmat tribe’s warrior war canoes to Syuru village for a welcome dance set and performance by the Asmat women. After the ceremony, be invited deep into the “Men’s House” to experience wonderful items of traditional wooden arts and sculpture, which are offered for sale. This afternoon, visit Agats Township and the Museums there, with time to purchase artifacts and souvenirs.

Relax and spend time reflecting on this epic voyage around New Guinea, complete with encounters with many remote tribes and a wide array of cultural and natural wonders. While preparing to return to the modern world, enjoy the hospitality on board with captain’s farewell drinks.

The ship will arrive into Darwin at 8:00am to clear customs and disembark at 10:00am.