New Guinea. Cultures & Wildlife. Aboard Oceanic Discoverer

Transcription

1 Papua New Guinea Cultures & Wildlife Aboard Oceanic Discoverer

2 As astonishing as the photos in National Geographic And an exhilarating life adventure: A Lindblad-National Geographic Papua New Guinea Expedition Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have joined forces to further inspire the world through expedition travel. Our collaboration in exploration, research, technology and conservation will provide extraordinary travel experiences and disseminate geographic knowledge around the globe.

3 Dear Traveler, Papua New Guinea is tailor-made for expedition travel. Its islands are remote, beautiful, and it is home to some of the most intriguing cultures and wildlife on the planet. Many parts of the country were unknown to the outside world as recently as the 1930s. Lindblad Expeditions has been exploring Papua New Guinea since the 1980s most recently aboard National Geographic Endeavour in We have a long and rich history of exploration here, and we ve put that experience to work in creating and staffing a voyage that promises to be extraordinary. And of course the National Geographic Society has been here for far longer, documenting local ways of life and exotic birds of paradise as far back as the 1950s. The scope of our voyage is remarkable; the itinerary reads like a catalog of the remote and the exotic. You ll explore the lush and tranquil islands of the Solomon Sea, surrounded by tropical waters and beautiful coral reefs; and inhabited by friendly people who seem to be living out a popular notion of paradise. Voyage up the mighty Sepik River, winding its way past isolated villages clustered around enormous Spirit Houses raised on stilts. And if you choose to join us on the four-day Tari Highlands extension, you ll visit the villages of the Huli tribe wigmen, so named for the incredible wigs they wear made of human hair and adorned with colorful flowers. Our ship, the 68-guest Oceanic Discoverer, is exactly what we were looking for when we began planning to offer expeditions among these islands again purpose-built to explore these waters. She s highly comfortable, with fine accommodations and food; and her enthusiastic crew will make you feel welcome. The ship is fully equipped for undersea exploration, with snorkeling equipment, a glass-bottom boat, and, for certified divers, a dive instructor and diving equipment. As always, an outstanding expedition team of fun and informative traveling companions will be on hand to weave a narrative of these islands and give deeper meaning to what you see. Veteran expedition leader Larry Prussin will be flanked by an anthropologist and naturalists who are experts on the region. On the October 29, 2012 departure, legendary undersea photographer and National Geographic photographer, David Doubilet, will be along. And, National Geographic documentary photographer Chris Rainer will be on board the November 10, 2013 departure. Papua New Guinea has long been the dream of ardent travelers. If you are among them, I hope you ll join us in exploring these wild, tropical islands, like no place else on Earth. All the best, Sven-Olof Lindblad Cover photo: Children of the Trobriand Islands come out to greet our guests. These are the same islanders anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski wrote about in the early 1900s. Ship s registry: Australia

4 ITINERARY DAYS 1-5 Exploring Papua New Guinea: Cultures and Wildlife 16 Days/14 Nights Aboard Oceanic Discoverer Departures: 2012: Oct. 18, 29* 2013: Oct. 30; Nov. 10* *These departures sail from Port Moresby to Cairns. (See page 7 for an Itinerary-at-a-Glance.) PRICES FROM: $14,790 to $19,990 (See page 10 for complete pricing.) Remote wilderness & traditional villages accessible only by expedition ship Papua New Guinea is a small country comprised of the eastern part of the island of New Guinea and hundreds of smaller islands. The 68-guest Oceanic Discoverer provides the ideal way to explore some of these difficult-to-reach places some so remote that outsiders only visit once or twice each year and interacting with welcoming people who preserve their traditional ways. Large enough to cover great distances in comfort, and with a shallow enough draft to sail part way up the Sepik River, Oceanic Discoverer is purpose-built to explore here. DAY 1: DEPART Day 2: En route Cross the International Date Line. Day 3: Cairns, Australia Arrive in Cairns, where you spend two nights at the fine Shangri-La Hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and explore on your own. This evening we gather for welcome drinks and dinner. (D) Cairns, Australia Rabaul Sepik River Madang Rabaul Witu Islands Crown Island Garove Island papua new guinea Port Moresby Tuam/Tami Islands Lababia/Kamiali Tufi Trobriand Islands Fergusson/ Dobu Islands Alotau EXPEDITION ( )

5 Day 4: Cairns We spend the morning exploring, taking the renowned Kuranda Scenic Railway to the lively town of Kuranda, known for its markets and galleries. We then return to Cairns, where the rest of the day is at leisure. (B) Day 5: Rabaul, Papua New Guinea A morning private charter flight brings us to 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. We then embark Oceanic Discoverer, our home for the next ten nights, and sail past Tavurvur for a close-up look at the ash clouds and pyrotechnics. (B,L,D) Right: An intricate bark painting depicting Ruban, a figure of knowledge in Melanesia. Below: The 68-guest Oceanic Discoverer along the shores of Papua New Guinea.

6 ITINERARY DAYS 6-9 Discover welcoming people who still live by their ancestral traditions Regions of Papua New Guinea went unseen by outsiders as late as the 1930s. Living long in isolation, each of the 700 Papuan and Melanesian tribes developed its own language accounting for a quarter of all the languages in the world. Observe their singsings, customs, and art. Explore the villages famously documented by anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski, and experience your own mutually rewarding encounters in seeing their remarkable woodcarvings, masks, and weaponry and perhaps collect some yourself. Day 6: Garove Island (Witu Islands) 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) Day 7: Crown Island Tiny, volcanic Crown Island offers a fine walk up a trail, where we can look for giant lizards, birdlife and

7 Left: Villagers living along the Sepik River continue to practice the traditional fishing methods of their ancestors. Right: A Spirit House in the stilted Palimbe Village on the Sepik River, used for tribal initiations and rituals. 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 boat are excellent. (B,L,D) Day 8: The Sepik River 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. We will sail up the serpentine course of the river, and will visit a community where we have a chance to meet local residents, learn about their lives and to take photos and purchase artwork. We ll also bird watch along some of the channels of the river. (B,L,D) Day 9: Madang 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) The final goal... is to grasp the native s point of view, his relation to life, to realise his vision of his world. Bronislaw Malinowski 5

8 ITINERARY DAYS Explore verdant jungle landscapes, pristine beaches & sea gardens Stroll the beaches, swim, and snorkel in a place like no other. Discover incredibly rich flora and some of the world s finest coral reefs. Float in clear tropical waters among fish and coral in vivid colors. Certified divers are invited to join an onboard dive instructor for deeper exploration, at additional cost. Or stay dry and take in the undersea world from our glass-bottom boat, with a naturalist on hand to identify unusual marine life and answer questions. In the jungle, look for rare birds, as well as mammals, butterflies, and other strange and wonderful creatures. Day 10: Tuam & Tami Islands Tuam Island s friendly residents make their living by conducting trade between the outer islands and the New Guinea mainland. They ll guide us to their village and we ll have a chance to take in singsings and see the handicrafts. Tami Island, where we ll spend the afternoon, consists of coral atolls that offer outstanding snorkeling and glass-bottom boat excursions a setting that very much lives up to its location in the South Pacific. We ll look at the reefs and colorful fish that inhabit them. (B,L,D) Day 11: Lababia & Kamiali The village of Lababia is the gateway to the forests and wildlife of the Kamiali Wildlife Management Area. The adventurous can tackle the renowned, steep David Suzuki Trail in search of birds that include cockatoos, parrots, hornbills and, if we re lucky, perhaps even a bird of paradise. There will also be opportunities to swim and visit the village. (B,L,D) Day 12: Tufi Remote Tufi consists of a spectacular network of fjords flanked by towering basalt cliffs. We ll have a variety of activities here, including excellent snorkeling and viewing by glass-bottom boat, a visit to a village to learn about its culture, and an excursion by ship to a picturesque waterfall. (B,L,D) Day 13: Trobriand Islands The cultures of the Trobriands have been studied extensively, most famously by the anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski, who developed methods of study used to this day. We ll learn about the complex traditional exchange system called the Kula exchange, and, on Kitava Island, will visit a yam house; yam exchanges are key to the lives of the islanders. We ll also visit a school and a village. (B,L,D) Day 14: Fergusson and Dobu Islands The volcanic islands of Fergusson and Dobu form part of the D Entrecasteaux group, named after the French explorer who visited them in On Fergusson, we visit the impressive Dei Dei Hot Springs, where the landowner shares the mythical and spiritual tales of these hot water and mud springs. We are greeted by a flotilla of canoes as we approach the anchorage at tiny Dobu, and after we land the local primary school children welcome us with a EXPEDITION ( )

9 Top: Enjoy ample time for relaxation in the idyllic places we explore. Right: Large lettuce coral formations; Eclectus parrot. traditional dance performance. This evening, we gather for farewell cocktails and dinner aboard ship. (B,L,D) Day 15: Disembark/Port Moresby In the morning, we disembark Oceanic Discoverer and fly from Alotau to Papua New Guinea s capital, Port Moresby, where we stay at the fine Airways Hotel. This afternoon, we explore the town, seeing the National Museum, the outside of the Parliament building, built in the style of a spirit house, and a nearby village built on stilts. (B,L,D) Day 16: Port Moresby/USA Transfer to the airport for connecting flights home, or else begin the extension to Ambua Lodge in Papua New Guinea s highlands. (B) ITINERARY-AT-A-GLANCE Sailing from Port Moresby to Cairns Day 1: Depart Day 2: En Route Day 3: Port Moresby, Papua, New Guinea (D) Day 4: Alotau/Embark (B,L,D) Day 5: Trobriand Islands (B,L,D) Day 6: Fergusson And Dobu Islands (B,L,D) Day 7: Tufi (B,L,D) Day 8: Lababia & Kamiali (B,L,D) Day 9: Tuam & Tami Islands (B,L,D) Day 10: Madang (B,L,D) Day 11: Sepik River (B,L,D) Day 12: Crown Island (B,L,D) Day 13: Garove Island (Witu Islands) (B,L,D) Day 14: Rabaul/Disembark/Cairns, Australia (B,L) Day 15: Cairns, Australia (B,D) Day 16: Cairns/U.S. (B) 7

10 optional extension Optional Post-Voyage Extension Tari Highlands and Ambua Lodge 4 Days Extension Cost Per Person 2012 $2,550 double occupancy, $3,170 sole occupancy.* Please call for 2013 costs.* *To be added to the cost of your expedition. Add an exploration of Papua New Guinea s highlands to your coastal and river expedition. You ll walk trails carved in their renowned rain forest, enjoy the refreshing climate, and visit the villages of the friendly wigmen of the Huli tribe, who decorate their faces and bodies in the most fantastical ways. Ambua Lodge, with its thatched huts and breathtaking panoramic jungle views, is more than comfortable as our base of operations for three nights. We ll also explore the forest in search of rare wildlife, including, with luck, birds of paradise. Join us and you ll have seen the many faces of this exotic slice of the Pacific. Day 16-18: Ambua Lodge Transfer to the airport for the flight to Tari, and continue to Ambua Lodge, set on a slope nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, with exceptional views of the highland countryside. Among our excursions we will have visits to Huli homesteads and learn about their unique way of life. The men wear elaborate wigs made from their own hair, and decorate themselves with yellow face paint derived from a variety of daisy, with bones, shells, bird of paradise feathers and other found objects. Pigs are very important to their culture, and they also grow crops. The nearby Tari Gap is known for its orchids and other plants and for its birds, and we ll go out in search of them. More than 215 bird species have been recorded in the area, including rare birds of paradise, which we may be lucky enough to see. (B,L,D daily) Day 19: Port Moresby Transfer to the town of Tari for the flight to Port Moresby, then check in to the Airways Hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and prepare for the journey home. (B,L,D) Day 20: Port Moresby/Home Take connecting flights home from Port Moresby. (B) EXPEDITION ( ) Ambua Lodge.

11 Above: Raggiana bird of paradise; Huli Wigman. Below: At Ambua Lodge, individual rondavels with 180 windows offer sweeping views of the verdant highlands. 9

12 Oceanic Discoverer Built to roam the South Pacific Oceanic Discoverer is built for these waters. She is maneuverable and versatile, built to handle voyaging up mighty rivers of Papua New Guinea. Oceanic Discoverer carries a landing craft called the Xplorer. When we want to go farther and see even more, we ll launch this covered, motorized tender to reach otherwise inaccessible locations. Xplorer accommodates all 68 guests at once, so there s no time wasted waiting aboard or ashore. And with naturalists aboard, you ll benefit from their combined expertise. Prices are per person, double occupancy unless indicated as solo. Category 1: Main Deck #C01-03 Conveniently positioned near the dining room & 2012 $14, $14,990 reception, these cabins feature lower beds, a writing desk, sofa and two portholes low enough to offer views. Category 1 solo: Promenade Deck #B01 This cabin features a lower double bed, $17,690 $18,730 a writing desk and a window. Category 2: Main Deck #C04-09 Conveniently positioned near the dining room & $15,690 $15,990 reception, these cabins feature lower beds, a writing desk, large sofa and two windows. Category 2 solo: Main Deck Please call for Cabin # Conveniently positioned near $18,590 $19,990 the dining room & reception, this cabin features lower beds, a writing desk, large sofa and two windows. Category 3: Promenade Deck #B03-22 These cabins feature lower beds, a $16,790 $16,990 writing desk, sofa and a window. Category 4: Bridge Deck #A02-06 These cabins feature lower beds, a writing desk, $17,790 $17,990 sofa and a window. Advance Payment: 2012 $1,800; 2013 $1,850 Sample Airfare: Please call for sample airfares. Round-trip U.S./Cairns, Australia & Port Moresby or Rabaul/USA. Internal airfare Cairns/Rabaul and Alotau/Port Moresby $815 per person, subject to change EXPEDITION ( )

13 Capacity: 68 guests in 35 outside cabins. Registry: Australia. Overall length: 207 feet. Public Areas: There is a lounge with well-stocked library, full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations; Sun Deck with chairs and a hot tub; and an outdoor area at the stern of the Bridge Deck with tables and chairs. The open bridge provides guests an opportunity to meet the officers and captain and learn about navigation. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and lunch is typically a buffet. The menu features wholesome foods with local ingredients. Cabins: All face outside with windows (two portholes in C01-03), private facilities and climate controls. Expedition Equipment: Most excursions and landings are conveniently done aboard the Xplorer, a covered expedition boat that accommodates all guests at once. In Papua New Guinea, Oceanic Discoverer carries a glass-bottom boat and diving equipment for certified divers. Special Features: There is Internet access aboard ship and laundry service, both at additional cost. Cabins and public spaces are attractively designed and furnished, with ample space for storage. SUN DECK BRIDGE DECK HOT TUB A05 A06 A03 B21 B19 B17 B15 B13 B11 B09 B07 B05 B03 B01 B22 B20 B18 B16 B14 PROMENADE DECK XPLORER BOARDING MAIN DECK LOUNGE DINING ROOM A04 A02 B12 B10 B08 B06 B04 C09 C07 C05 C03 C08 C06 C04 C02 C01 Top Staff & Local Experts Expedition Leader, Larry Prussin A naturalist for more than 35 years, Larry has led expeditions the world over for Lindblad-National Geographic, including voyages to Papua New Guinea. Anthropologist, Robert Tonkinson Past President of the Australian Anthropological Society and expert on many native and aboriginal cultures, Bob has been exploring Papua New Guinea since the late 1960s. National Geographic Photographer David Doubilet Oct. 29, 2012 departure only. Explore the undersea with one of the world s premier underwater photographers. David has published nearly 70 stories in National Geographic Magazine and has won scores of awards for his work. National Geographic Photographer Chris Rainier Nov. 10, 2013 departure only. Chris is considered one of the leading documentary photographers working today. His life mission is to document the disappearing cultures and tribes remaining on the planet. 11

14 What s Included We include just about everything you have the opportunity to do as a part of your expedition aboard Oceanic Discoverer and ashore. The only things not included are those of a personal nature alcohol, internet usage, tips to the crew, and other special arrangements. Aboard ship All meals and non-alcoholic beverages Cappuccinos & lattes Hors d oeuvres & snacks during lounge recap Hot tub on the Sun Deck Fully stocked library Special access permits, port taxes The guidance and company of our expedition staff Ashore Meals on land, as indicated in itinerary Sightseeing & entrance fees Transfers to and from group flights The expertise of our expedition staff Activities All excursions Lectures & presentations in the lounge Be part of our expedition community Use your smartphone to visit our Facebook page. Expedition travel inspires great conversations before, during and after every adventure. Join in! Here s how: Check our daily blog for interesting posts, updates, plus video clips and Photos of the Week: expeditions.com/blog Like us on Facebook: stay close to the wild world, see amazing animal photos & videos; hear what our travelers have to say, get inspired and chime in: facebook.com/lindbladexpeditions Preview an expedition before you go: our YouTube video channel brings the adventure to life youtube.com/lindbladexpeditions on Twitter, and follow our founder, Sven for his interesting perspective Join us online EXPLORATIONS BLOG EXPEDITION ( )

15 Reservation Information Costs Include: All accommodations aboard ship or in hotel per itinerary (or similar), all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, tips (except to ship s crew), taxes and service charges, and services of our expedition staff. Not Included: Air transportation, extensions, scuba diving, passport, visa, immigration fees, meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, , voyage DVD, laundry. Gratuities to ship s crew at your discretion. Airfare: For all programs, airfare is an additional cost unless otherwise indicated. Sample airfares are subject to change. We will gladly assist in making your air arrangements. There will be a $50 per person service fee if you elect for Lindblad Expeditions to handle your air arrangements. Note: Complete pre-journey information, including suggestions on what to bring and recommended reading, will be sent prior to departure. TERMS & CONDITIONS Reservations: To reserve your place, an advance payment for the program as outlined is required at the time of reservation and is payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or check. The per person amount due is noted on page 10 within this brochure. Final Payment: Due 90 days prior to departure. Travel Protection Plan: Travel protection and medical insurance are available at extra cost. Ask about our comprehensive guest travel protection plan for a worry-free expedition. Smoking Policy: Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas. Responsibility and Other Terms & Conditions: Certain other provisions concerning, among other things, limitations of Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society s liability for loss of property, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be provided to all guests on the ship s ticket sent prior to departure, and are also available on our web site at or upon request. By registering for a trip, the guest agrees to all such terms and conditions. Note: Itineraries and prices listed in this brochure are as of publication date, and are subject to change. Under normal conditions the total expedition cost is guaranteed at the time of booking. However, the price that you pay is determined far in advance of initial departure on the basis of then-existing projections of fuel and other costs. In the event that we determine that current costs create an unsustainable financial model, including but not limited to increases in the price of fuel, currency fluctuations affecting our costs, increases in government taxes or levies, or increased security costs, we reserve the right to pass on those costs to cover such unexpected costs. We will always provide a transparent accounting of the reason for such an increase. CANCELLATION POLICY For Expeditions 8 Nights or Less Number of Days Prior Per Person to Expedition Start Cancellation Fee 90 or more days $150* days Advance payment cost days 50% of trip cost 29 0 days No refund For Expeditions 9 Nights or More Number of Days Prior Per Person to Expedition Start Cancellation Fee 120 or more days $150* days Advance payment cost days 25% of trip cost days 50% of trip cost 29 0 days No refund This policy applies to expeditions. We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan. Cancellation policy may differ for extensions. Please call for details. *You will be issued a $150 Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate. Note: A variation of this policy applies to a party of eight people or more. Ask for details. Lindblad Expeditions, as an Active Member of the United States Tour Operators Association ( USTOA ), is required to post $1 Million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program, the advance payments of Lindblad Expeditions customers in the unlikely event of Lindblad Expeditions bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business. Complete details of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program may be obtained by writing to USTOA at 275 Madison Avenue, Suite 2014, NY, NY 10016, or by to information@ustoa.com or by visiting their website at Take Advantage of our Special Offers: BRINGING A GROUP: For your party of eight people or more, each guest receives 5% off the expedition cost. BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS: Save 10% on consecutive journeys aboard one expedition ship. (Excludes extensions and airfare.) BRINGING THE KIDS: Take $500 off the double occupancy rate for each person under 18. COMBINING OFFERS: You can combine up to 2 applicable savings offers. We are proud to be a Founding Member of Adventure Collection a family of the world s most trusted and experienced active travel companies. Each member company of Adventure Collection is dedicated to enriching the lives of its guests and to giving back to the areas in which it travels. For more information visit Lindblad Expeditions. Lindblad Expeditions and the Eye are the trademarks of Lindblad Expeditions. All rights reserved. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC and the Yellow Border are the trademarks of the National Geographic Society. All rights reserved. Photo Credits: Gary Bell, Corbis, Andrew Halsall, Ralph Hammelbacher, Imagestate Media Partners Limited-Impact Photos/Alamy, Nick Rains, Trevor Smithers/Alamy, Stuart Westmorland For Reservations: Contact your travel agent or Lindblad Expeditions EXPEDITION ( ) Reservation Hours: Monday Friday 9am 8pm ET Saturday & Sunday 10am 5pm ET Lindblad Expeditions, Inc. 96 Morton Street, New York, NY Phone: Fax: e.mail: explore@expeditions.com For additional information and online reservations, visit us on the Web:

16 TM 96 Morton Street New York, NY prsrt std U.S. Postage paid lindblad Expeditions Account Number: Expedition Code: C Printed on 20% recycled content paper with soy-based inks. We recommend that you pass this along for others to enjoy or recycle. PNG EXPEDITION Selected Honors and Awards» Travel + Leisure World s Best Award for Small-Ship Cruise Lines, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008» Travel + Leisure World s Best for Families Award for Small-Ship Cruise Lines, 2011, 2010, 2009» Cruise Critic Editor s Pick Awards Best for Adventure, 2010» Best Adventure Cruise by Forbes.com, 2009» Climate Champion Award to Sven Lindblad by Clean Air-Cool Planet, 2009» Condé Nast Traveler Gold List, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005» Conservation Achievement Award for Corporate Achievement from National Wildlife Federation, 2008» Tourism for Tomorrow Global Tourism Business Award, 2007» Seafood Champion Award, 2007» Condé Nast Traveler Ecotourism Award, 2002 Go to for an extended list. Spear fishermen paddling out on a calm morning in the Trobriands.