Iconic Melanesia: New Guinea, Sepik River & the Solomon Islands

Depart on your overnight flight to Bali. Check into the Grand Hyatt Bali (or similar). Meet your fellow travelers this evening at our welcome reception. (Day 2: D)

This morning we check out of the hotel and head off to explore this paradise, where life and art are interwoven. Following lunch depart on our charter flight to Sorong, West Papua and embark the National Geographic Orion. (B,L,D)

Settle into the comforts on board as we sail towards Cendrawasih Bay, one of the largest marine parks in Indonesia. Far off the beaten path, this region remains unspoiled and rarely visited. We’ll explore the atolls and small islands, winding through mangroves and snorkeling in healthy coral reefs. We’ll be on the lookout for the several species of sharks who inhabit these waters, including the endemic epaulet shark. With luck on our side, we may encounter the elusive dugong or a whale shark cruising thought the deep trenches. (B,L,D)

Located on the northern coast of New Guinea, Jaypura is the capital of Papua. We’ll head to Lake Sentani were we’ll visit the houses on stilts in the small fishing villages that dot the shoreline. The locals will share stories and traditions of life on the water. Admire the breathtaking views on as we go in search of the myriad of birds found in the hills above that circle the city. (B,L,D)

The communities along the Sepik River are renowned for their traditional dress and body decoration, for maintaining many of their traditional ways, and for the art which they produce. Sail up the serpentine course of the river and visit communities where we will meet local residents, learn about their daily lives and culture. This river is also home to a wide array of wildlife – over 100 fish species, saltwater crocodile, birds of paradise and dwarf cassowary to name just a few. We’ll be on the lookout as we cruise the winding channels. (B,L,D) 

The picturesque town of Madang lies on a peninsula backed by mountain ranges. We’ll visit lovely Haya Village, set in the hills, and take in a “singsing.” Afterward, those who wish can walk the steep trails of the surrounding rain forest in search of wildlife. This afternoon, explore the markets and shops of Madang on your own, and be sure to look for flying foxes in the trees! (B,L,D)

Tiny, volcanic Crown Island offers a fine walk up a trail, where we can look for giant lizards, birdlife and butterflies. The island’s beaches are important turtle nesting grounds. We spend the afternoon exploring the pristine nearby reefs, where the snorkeling and viewing from the glass-bottom Zodiac are excellent. (B,L,D)

The fringing reef surrounding Garove Island offers fine swimming, snorkeling and views from our glass-bottom boat, and we will spend the morning there. As we approach Garove in the afternoon, we may be greeted by colorfully dressed local residents in outrigger canoes. The headdresses are particularly elaborate. After we land we will be treated to a “singsing” by our enthusiastic hosts and will have a chance to tour the church and recently built community house. (B,L,D)

Arrive this morning in Rabaul, the capital of the island of New Britain, where the town was buried in ash by the massive eruption of Mt. Tavurvur in 1994—a landmark event. We’ll have a guided exploration of Rabaul, with views of the ash-covered town and see the remains of a Japanese ship hidden in a cave during World War II. After sunset we’ll witness the traditional fire dance of the Baining people—performed by young men as an initiation into adulthood. Later, sail past Tavurvur for a close-up look at the ash clouds and pyrotechnics. (B,L,D)

Settled as early as 25,000 BC by skull-worshipping tribes, today the friendly Solomons remain some of the least visited, most dive-worthy South Pacific islands. This region was a strategic WWII battleground and we visit Kennedy Island, named after President John F. Kennedy who swam ashore here after the Japanese sank his PT-109 patrol boat. We meet the wood carvers of Marovo, reported to be the best in the Pacific, and explore isolated Marovo Lagoon, a proposed UNESCO site and an exceptional spot for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and diving. (B,L,D)

Our expedition concludes in Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic WWII battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942-43. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara where some of the fiercest battles took place. Then transfer to the airport for our flight to Brisbane, where we will overnight at a local hotel. (B,L)

Depart this morning for your flight home, arriving the same day. (B)