Legends of Papua New Guinea

Transcription

1 BOOK BEFORE 31 DECEMBER 2013 AND SAVE 800 PER couple Legends of Papua New Guinea An expedition cruise from Papua New Guinea to Micronesia aboard the MS Caledonian Sky with a pre-cruise visit to the Highlands 29 th March to 16 th April 2014

2 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 100 other passengers aboard the MS Caledonian Sky, one of the finest and best equipped expedition ships in the world, is an ideal way to explore this fascinating part of the world in comfort. Gaferut Ifalik PAPUA NEW GUINEA Ambua Lodge Port Moresby Guam FEDERAL STATE OF MICRONESIA Satawal Mussau Island Rondon Ridge Tingwon Island Rabaul Trobriand Islands D Entrecasteaux Islands Bonarua P apua New Guinea is a land of striking natural beauty and a hybrid of diverse and unique cultures, with more than 1000 tribal groups, each with different traditions. The region possesses exotic wildlife, turquoise seas, tropical rainforest and steep sided volcanoes with breathtaking islands scattered to its east and north. On this journey of contrasts we will witness an astonishing array of cultural ceremonies, and explore the beautiful D Entrecasteaux Islands and the Trobriand Islands offering exceptional underwater experiences. We continue to the little visited islands of the Federated States of Micronesia which are divided into four unique states; Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap. Jutting out of the sea are lush grand land masses, haloed by pristine white sands and brightly coloured coral formations, their cultures and identities remain distinctive from one another and on our exploration of the area we will learn of these fascinating differences formed by a turbulent history. Before our expedition aboard the MS Caledonian Sky begins, we have included a three night stay at your choice of lodge in either the Southern or Western Highlands where you will have the opportunity to discover local tribes and learn more of their traditions. You will visit villages where the locals are dependent on subsistence farming and understand the diversity between the cultures. During your stay in one of the wilderness lodges you will witness cultural shows which are a way for the proud local people to showcase their traditional customs. There will also be nature walks and time at leisure at the lodges to appreciate the beautiful surroundings. We hope you will join us for this unparalleled opportunity to explore one of the most intriguing places on the map. Choose your lodge experience for days 4 to 7 of the itinerary from choice of lodges below: Ambua Lodge, Southern Highlands Province Ambua Lodge is an award winning, eco-friendly lodge nestled amongst the Doma Peaks near Tari, almost 7000 feet above sea level. A favoured destination amongst birders, Ambua s rain forests have been the star of many a wildlife documentary. An incredible 217 species have been recorded here and Ambua is home to 13 different species of Bird of Paradise. Whilst at the lodge you will be in the company of knowledgeable local birding guides who cater for all interest levels. Ambua is surrounded by pristine, mid-montane jungle, a mass of interlocking tree tops and well kept nature trails venture out into this wilderness, crossing traditional vine bridges, tracing clear mountain streams to secluded waterfalls. During your stay at Ambua Lodge, you will be accommodated either in one of the round houses which are set amongst landscaped gardens and built almost exclusively from natural materials or in the main lodge building. All rooms feature unparalleled views of the valley below. Ambua Lodge has 24-hour, ecofriendly electricity, provided by its own hydroelectric power plant that generates clean, natural energy from a nearby mountain stream. The main lodge building houses the bar, dining and lounge areas and a cozy central fireplace. Tari is home to one of the most immediately recognisable tribes in Papua New Guinea, the Huli Wigmen. Proud, flamboyant people known for their ornate ceremonial wigs with dances and songs fashioned on that of the mating rituals of the Birds of Paradise - an encounter with the Huli s is bound to be memorable. During your stay there will be excursions to nearby Huli villages where you will learn about and observes everyday life of the Huli tribe, as well as the peculiarities of their traditions and beliefs. Accompanied at all times by experienced and knowledgeable Huli guides from the local area, your experience will be all the more educational and rewarding. Rondon Ridge, Western Highlands Province Located 7100 feet above sea level and near the town of Mount Hagen, on the outer fringes of the Kubor Range, lies Rondon Ridge which boasts panoramic views of the Wahgi Valley below. Over 180 species of birds have been recorded in the rainforests around Rondon Ridge including ten species of Birds of Paradise. The surrounding area is pristine rainforest and home to numerous orchid species. The lodge has hours of walking trails providing ample opportunity to explore the unique ecology of this area and during your time at the lodge there will be nature and birding walks accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable nature guides. Comprehensive bird and orchid lists are available from the lodge. Guests are accommodated in twelve tastefully appointed rooms with warmed king beds for those fresh highlands nights, with modern ensuite bathrooms. Rondon Ridge has 24-hour, eco-friendly electricity, provided by its own hydroelectric power plant that generates clean, natural energy from a nearby mountain stream. While staying at Rondon Ridge Lodge, there will be excursions which will take you on a journey through the traditions and customs of the local Melpa People. First contact with the Melpa was made in the mid-1930s when the Leahy brothers were prospecting for gold. The Melpa are said by anthropologists, to be predisposed to capitalism because of their complex traditional society in which big men earn status by accruing wealth and then giving it all away in a ceremonial exchange called Moka.

3 Rainbow Lorikeet Micronesia Emerald Tree Monitor The Trobriand Islands Local boy fishing The Itinerary Day 1 London to Singapore. Fly by scheduled flight. Day 2 Singapore. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the Shangri-La Singapore (or similar) for an overnight stay. Day 3 Singapore to Port Moresby. After breakfast, spend the morning at leisure before checking out of the hotel. We will enjoy a tour of Singapore this afternoon which will include, the National Orchid Garden, Chinatown the Sultan Mosque and lunch before transferring to the airport for our scheduled overnight flight to Port Moresby. Day 4 Port Moresby to Tari. Arrive this morning in the capital of Papua New Guinea for our connecting flight to either Tari in the Southern Highlands Province for a three night stay at Ambua Lodge or to Mount Hagen for Rondon Ridge Lodge. Spend the rest of the day at leisure before dinner this evening at your lodge. Days 5 & 6 Tari Valley or Mount Hagen. We have two full days to explore the Highlands and learn of the unique culture and traditions of the tribes in the region. We will visit villages with our knowledgable local guides and learn more about the fascinating birdlife of the Highlands. Day 7 Tari or Mount Hagen to Port Moresby. Check out of your chosen lodge and transfer to the airport for your flight to Port Moresby. On arrival this afternoon, enjoy a local lunch before your transfer to the MS Caledonian Sky for embarkation. Sail this evening. Day 8 Bonarua. As we follow the coast of Papua New Guinea, the peaks of the dramatic Stanley Owens Range come into view. After a leisurely morning at sea we arrive at the island of Bonarua (officially: Badila Bedda Bedda Bonarua Island) in Milne Bay. We will go ashore to view fishing and weaving demonstrations, and wander through the enchanting village, sampling local delicacies. Birders have the chance to trek into the thicket for their first sightings, and the warm inviting waters of the Coral Sea offer a perfect introduction to the undersea wonders on our first snorkel of many to come. Day 9 D Entrecasteaux Islands. Awake this morning 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. This afternoon we will cruise through the spectacular Dobu passage and use our Zodiacs to explore and snorkel on the local reefs. Day 10 Kitava, Trobriand Islands. We sail overnight to the Trobriand islands first discovered by French vessel, Esperence, in 1793 and named after the first lieutenant. They are also known as the Islands of Love after the study by anthropolist Bronislaw Malinowski. The islanders have made great efforts to preserve their culture and when we land on the island of Kitava where we will receive a traditional welcome. We will also have the opportunity to visit the local village to learn about their unique culture and customs and vist the Trobriand Yam House. Relax this afternoon or attend a lecture as we continue our journey north. Day 11 Rabaul. We arrive at lunchtime in the spectacular setting of Rabaul s Simpson harbour. Six cone-shaped volcanoes ring Rabaul s dramatic flooded-caldera harbour. One of these, Mt Tavurvur is still active last erupting in 1994 and covering Rabaul in volcanic ash. Rabaul also had a significant role in the Second World War as a Japanese stronghold. We will see some of the 700km of tunnels built by the Japanese during the occupation, they were used as a hiding place for barges from enemy aircraft and some of these can still be seen in the tunnels. We also visit Admiral Yamamoto s bunker from where he led the South Pacific campaign. Day 12 Tingwon Island. Today we take advantage of our small ship. Completely encircled by an oblong reef, few passenger vessels are able to visit this small group of islands. Land on a sandy beach this afternoon and meet the 350 inhabitants of charming Tingwon a picture-perfect village and enjoy their hospitality and dances. After our visit snorkel or dive along the islets surrounding reef. Day 13 Mussau Island, Tsoi. Villagers warmly welcome you ashore with a cultural performance and dances accompanied by a superb local choir. Sample traditional foods, then take a walk around the island s perimeter to find

4 Melpa Tribesman Papua New Guinea has it all, striking natural beauty, diverse and unique cultures, exotic wildlife, turquoise seas, tropical rainforest and steep sided volcanoes with breathtaking islands scattered to its east and north. Clownfish orchids, butterflies, skinks, and birds along the way. On Tsoi Lik search for megapodes nesting along the sandy beach. After lunch our lecture series continues as we cruise toward Micronesia. Day 14 At sea. A day to relax onboard as we sail to Micronesia. choose to revisit the island with our naturalists or take the opportunity to snorkel in the warm waters. Day 17 Gaferut. Birds and turtles have discovered Gaferut s charms, but few others visit this migratory resting place. Birdwatchers keep a lookout for noddies, terns and boobies. Just a few steps offshore, great snorkelling awaits. Day 18 Guam to London. Disembark this morning in Guam and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. Day 19 London. Arrive this morning. Day 15 Satawal, Ferderal State of Micronesia. This afternoon we make our first stop in Micronesia at Satawal Island. This tiny island measures only 2 kilometres by 0.8 kilomtres and can only be accessed by a small ship such as the MS Caledonian Sky. Some of the best traditional navigators in the Pacific live here, still navigating by the stars and ocean swells. The local population of 500 will welcome us as we have the morning to snorkel on the fringing reef or explore the thickly wooded interior with coconut and breadfruit trees. Day 16 Ifalik. Today we have the day to explore the four coral atolls that make up Ifalik. We will again be welcomed by the local villagers and can spend the morning walking on the island, admire the island handicrafts and see the traditional thatched roofed houses set under the trees. In the afternoon we can Prices per person Based on double occupancy BOOK BEFORE 31 DECEMBER 2013 AND SAVE 400 PER PERSON Deck Suite Category Brochure Price Early Booking Standard Forward Standard Caledonian Superior Promenade Premium Bridge Deluxe Balcony Promenade Premium Balcony Promenade Owner s Corner Suite with balcony Standard Forward for sole use Standard for sole use Caledonia Superio for sole use Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, overnight hotel accommodation in Singapore on bed and breakfast basis, three nights accommodation at either Ambua Lodge or Rondon Ridge including dinner on day 4, breakfast, lunch and dinner on days 5 & 6 and breakfast on day 7, 11 nights aboard the MS Caledonian Sky on a full board basis with house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard, expedition team, shore excursions, gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes. Not Included: Travel Insurance, visas. NB. Ports subject to change. All special offers are subject to availability.

5 MS Caledonian Sky Formerly known as Hebridean Spirit, this 114-passenger vessel began her new life with Noble Caledonia in May 2012 following an extensive refurbishment. Built in the same ship yard as the MS Island Sky, the MS Caledonian Sky shares the same attributes as her sister vessel, joining her as one of the finest small ships in the world. Your Suite Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub. Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Your Space The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panorama Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request. consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Standard Suite Dining onboard With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the cuisine will be of a Restaurant

6 Premium Balcony Suite Sun deck Panorama lounge Your Day to Day Life Onboard Onboard the MS Caledonian Sky, you will not find endless entertainment, round the clock buffets and the people management which is so much a part of today s big ship style. Instead the atmosphere on board is warm and peaceful and more akin to a private yacht or country hotel in which you can learn more about the wonders of nature, culture and ancient civilisations in the company of like-minded people. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, guest speakers and informative port briefings from our expedition leader, all contribute to make any voyage aboard the MS Caledonian Sky a memorable and joyful experience. Dress on board is casual and relaxed and there will be no black tie evenings. Exploring Ashore One of the joys of expedition cruising aboard a small vessel is the flexibility it allows. Although we set sail with a set itinerary it is the unscheduled events that often become the highlight of the journey and with our fleet of Zodiac landing craft, we can explore inlets, fjords, bird sanctuaries, land in otherwise inaccessible places and be footloose in a way that would be totally impractical for larger groups of passengers. Your Comfort, Safety & Security Our vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship s motion. During your voyage you will have the opportunity to visit the Captain and Officers on the Bridge to check the vessel s progress by charts and learn more about your journey. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Deck Plan Panorama Deck Bridge Deck Promenade Deck Hairdresser Gym WC Caledonian Deck Buffet Pantry Hotel Manager s Office Panorama Lounge Chief Engineer Captain Reception Deck Doctor This cruise visits out of the way destinations. You will be accompanied by an expedition team and some landings ashore will be made by Zodiac landing craft. Cruises such as this will appeal to the more adventurous and those who enjoy the natural world. Standard Suites (Forward) Standard Suites Superior Suites Premium Suites Deluxe Balcony Suites Premium Balcony Suites Owner s Corner Suites with Balcony 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0) info@noble-caledonia.co.uk noble-caledonia.co.uk All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Huli wigman NC_001_181013_S