DEEP INTO A FRONTIER LAND WITH AUSTRALIA S PIONEERING CRUISE LINE Papua New Guinea FRONTIER LANDS OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA > 12 NIGHTS > CORAL DISCOVERER > NOVEMBER 2018 THE SEPIK RIVER > 7 NIGHTS > CORAL EXPEDITIONS I > FEBRUARY 2018
frontier lands of papua New Guinea CORAL DISCOVERER > DEPART 5 NOVEMBER 2018 itinerary DAY DESTINATION 1 FLY CAIRNS - MADANG 2 SEPIK RIVER & SEPIK VILLAGE 3 MANAM VOLCANO & TOLOKIWA 4 DREGERHAFEN & TUAM ISLAND 5 LABABIA & FLY ISLANDS 6 MOROBE HARBOUR 7 BUNA & SANANANDA 8 MACLAREN HARBOUR & TUFI FJORD 9 TROBIANDS 10 DEI DEI SPRINGS & DOBU ISLAND 11 ALOTAU 12 AT SEA 13 CAIRNS Discover one of the world s last frontiers Immerse yourself in the wild and rugged scenery of Papua New Guinea, with its mysterious stories that take you away from the complexities of modern times. Whilst travelling in comfort on board Coral Discoverer, visit remote villages rich in culture and meet with the people who have maintained their traditional way of life for generations. Papua New Guinea is home to the largest area of intact rainforest outside of the Amazon and guests will discover magnificent scenery ranging from colourful coral atolls to volcanic mountains, pristine wilderness areas and mighty rivers. The country s secret forests nurture over 3,000 varieties of unusual orchids, 700 species of birds including the brilliantly coloured birds of paradise. This is the land of the unexpected, a place of stark contrasts where fearsome frowns quickly become welcoming smiles. Itinerary 12 nights madang to cairns DAY 1: CAIRNS > MADANG Catch our early morning charter flight to Madang to set sail at 1100hrs. Spend the afternoon relaxing as you are welcomed on board Coral Discoverer. Join our expedition staff as they introduce you to the journey and the many experiences you will enjoy. DAY 2: SEPIK RIVER & SEPIK VILLAGE The ship will arrive at the Sepik at first light, and an early morning rise will reward you with stunning views. Our first stop will be at the village of Bien, and locals will greet you with canoes and dancing performances. The famous Sepik market, famous for its masks and carvings, will be open. DAY 3: MANAM VOLCANO & TOLOKIWA The Manam volcano, known locally as Manam Motu, is one of Papua New Guinea s most active volcanos. As the ship sits close to the leeward side of the island, enjoy a drink while the sun sets. You may see smoke rising from the volcano. A visit to Tolokiwa offers the chance to snorkel, dive, or spot some of Tolokiwa s incredible bird life. DAY 4: DREGERHAFEN & TUAM ISLAND At the beautiful anchorage of Dregerhafen, you will enjoy a high-spirited PNG welcome, and explore the market which is famous for Tami bowls and timber paddles. There are many WWII artefacts in this area. Enjoy more traditional dancing at Tuam Island, as well as snorkeling off the beach. DAY 5: LABABIA & FLY ISLANDS In the morning, during a relaxing visit to the village, you can enjoy singing and dancing performances or join a local guide around the village. Board an outrigger to explore up the local river. Experience snorkeling or diving at the Biangatu Island reef in the Fly Islands. DAY 6: MOROBE HARBOUR Enter Morobe Harbour early in the morning and cruise in the Xplorer to view the stunning forest from the Mou River. Receive a Oro Province welcome and enjoy exploring the village with local guides. At high tide you may be able to travel into a stunning bay to another village. DAY 7: BUNA & SANANANDA We land at Buna beach, home to some of the toughest fighting in the Pacific campaign. We will visit the areas where Allied forces clashed with Japanese forces. In Sanananda, see the local monuments and war museum. This museum is located at the far end of the Kokoda Track.
DAY 8: MACLAREN HARBOUR & TUFI FJORD Arrive in MacLaren Harbour and enter the Tufi Fjord where local outriggers will be waiting to paddle you up the creek under the rainforest canopy. Watch and learn the local way of life, while the village elders perform a traditional sing sing wearing their feather head-dresses. Enjoy snorkelling or diving on the reef, or kayak the steep edges of nearby fjords. DAY 9: TROBRIANDS Historically known as the islands of love, the Trobriands offer a glimpse of traditional cultures largely unspoiled by outside influence. Be greeted at the small island of Kuiawa with a Trobriand welcome. DAY 10: DEI DEI SPRINGS & DOBU ISLAND Hear the mythical and spiritual tales of the Dei Dei hot water and mud springs. Learn the history of the Kula Ring and the role of Dobu Island in the north and south Kula trade routes. Snorkel the bubbling springs reef. DAY 11: ALOTAU Wake up to the scenery of the China Strait as we approach Alotau. Our experienced guest lecturers will interpret the traditional welcome dances prior to leading us on a tour of historic Alotau and a cruise of Milne Bay. DAY 12: AT SEA cruise across the Coral Sea, enjoy presentations by our guest lecturers including an expedition recap. This evening join your fellow travellers for the Captain s farewell drinks DAY 13: CAIRNS Disembark in Cairns at 8am. coral Discoverer Launched in 2005 and refurbished in 2016, Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard for small ship cruising in Australia. The 1800-tonne Coral Discoverer is the grand vision of Coral Expeditions. Her shallow draught and manoeuverability allow her to go where larger vessels cannot. Her tender vessel, Xplorer, can seat all 72 passengers for excursions to beaches and rivers. Coral Discoverer is equipped with latest technology active stabilisers to ensure comfortable cruising in open waters and is fitted with modern safety and navigation equipment and wireless internet facilities. Coral Discoverer was built with one aim in mind: to create the ultimate small ship cruising experience. Australian flagged, and staffed by an Australian and New Zealand crew, your experience aboard Coral Discoverer will be unique. facilities on board > Sun Deck with cover and sun lounges > Three cocktail bars, including the Explorer Bar on the Sun Deck > Spacious, modern dining room > Forward lounge > Reference library > Gift shop > Open bridge > Gym area > Wireless internet available* for laptops, mobile devices or via onboard guest computer > Limited laundry facilities available > Scuba diving (selected itineraries) *Additional costs apply, service quality may vary on location and weather
itinerary scouting expeditions on the sepik river DAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 DESTINATION MADANG - SEPIK MOUTH MURIK LAKES - MENDAM KAMBARAMBA - TAMBANUM KAMINDIMBIT CHAMBRI LAKES KANGANAMAN / PELAMBEI BOISA MADANG CORAL EXPEDITIONS I > FOUR DEPARTURES FEBRUARY 2018 explore a wild & unspoiled land The Sepik is one of the world s great river systems. Meandering 1,100 km through Papua New Guinea, this mighty river has nurtured tribes and cultures for millennia. With dense terrain making this part of the world largely inaccessible by road, the river provides access to villages and towns along its course. In response to increased demand to see more of Papua New Guinea, Coral Expeditions has planned a short series of four landmark expeditions. Positioning the Coral Expeditions I at the Sepik for a short month-long window, we will take advantage of her shallow draught and manoeuverability to travel as far as the middle Sepik, where few have ventured before. Allowing the rhythm of the river to determine our schedule, we will visit local tribes who have had little contact with modernity, pass through some of the oldest and densest rainforests in the world, and look out for local species including the famed Bird of Paradise. Learn about the Sepik people and their customs, their spiritual practice and reverence for the crocodile. Visit their Haus Tambarans and experience how they live close to, and at the mercy of, nature. A cruise through this ancient land is a voyage of discovery and amazement. Itinerary 7 nights madang to madang Each itinerary may vary, subject to local conditions and availability DAY 1: MADANG / SEPIK MOUTH Board at 3:00pm for a 4:00pm departure. Leaving Madang, we sail through the Laggon, past many corallaced islands to Sek Harbour and then out to the Bismarck Sea. As you pass the volcanic island of Manam, you may see the crater spewing hot ash and lava. DAY 2: MURIK LAKES / MENDAM / BIEN Leaving the ship by tender, we follow the barak (canal) through rainforest to the Murik Lakes and the village of Mendam were you will be introduced to the Sepik people. A traditional drama may be performed by the youths, and unique carvings are available at the market. In the afternoon, visit Bien where the school will welcome you with a sing sing and a chance to purchase billum bags and a range of handicraft before continuing by tender to Taway. DAY 3: KAMBARAMBA / TAMBANUM After overnighting in Angoram, the main trading township on the river, we visit Kambaramba, a village built entirely on stilts over the river. Arriving at Tambanum, the largest village on the Sepik, you will have the chance to have your face painted in the traditional way - an unforgettable experience.
DAY 4: TAMBANUM / KAMINDIMBIT An early morning departure takes you past the Catholic Mission Station and upriver through the Iatmul Region. At Kamindimbit you will witness traditional village demonstrations, a sing sing, and a chance to visit the local markets. In the evening it may be possible to see the sacred flutes played aboard as they cannot be played within earshot of the women in the village. DAY 5: CHAMBRI LAKES Today you will be taken by tender through a beautiful canal that winds its way to the lake. Chambri Lake, with many islands and backdropped by the Hunstein Mountains, is home to vibrant birdlife and pukpuks (crocodiles). In Chambri you will visit Aibom, famous for its pottery. DAY 6: KANGANAMAN & PELAMBEI Kanganaman is home to the largest Haus Tambaran (spirit house) on the Sepik River. These buildings play an important role in the life of the Iatmul people, being used by the men to administer village and cultural affairs, including initiations. The carvings, hooks, garamut drums, and sacred flutes are a significant part of life in this region. You will see a demonstration of the garamut drums played by the elders in the village. DAY 7: KAMINDIMBIT / KOPAR / BOISA / TIMBUNKE As we cruise back down the river, several stops will be made at villages as time permits. Leaving the river, we sail to Boisa and enjoy the crystal clear waters. Visit the village before the voyage overnight back to Madang. DAY 8: MADANG Arriving in Madang, disembark as you say farewell to a magnificent and ancient country. coral expeditions I Coral Expeditions I is a twin-hulled boutique catamaran designed for maximum stability and guest comfort. Accommodating just 44 guests, Coral Expeditions I offers an intimate expedition atmosphere. The rooms are bathed in natural light, with a fresh and modern decor creating a breezy feel. The ship s forward lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery in airconditioned comfort, while the Sun Deck and bar at the rear is another popular place to relax and take in the panoramic views. Coral Expeditions I is fully equipped for the ultimate cruising expedition in coastal waters, and is the ideal size to access remote and hard-to-reach places such as the mysterious reaches of the middle Sepik. facilities on board > Sun Deck with outdoor bar > Two fully stocked cocktail bars > Spacious, modern dining room > Forward lounge > Reference library > Gift shop > Open bridge > Wireless internet available* for laptops, mobile devices or via onboard guest computer > Limited laundry facilities available *Additional costs apply, service quality may vary on location and weather
INCLUSIONS Accomodation in selected room grade for the number of nights as listed in the chosen itinerary Expert Expedition Team, including guest lecturers Guided excursions on the Xplorer, Zodiac tender vessels, and kayaks where conditions allow. Meals prepared fresh on board Showcase wines, selected beers and soft drinks with lunch and dinner service 24 hour coffee and selection of teas Port taxes and government charges imposed by government authorities WHAT S NOT INCLUDED Pre and post flights and accommodation Charter flights. Available at a cost for Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea only > 5 November 2018. No charter flights are available for the Sepik River cruises. Post-cruise transfers Entry visas/travel permits Travel insurance Items of a personal nature, including but not limited to phone and internet charges, bar charges (outside of included drinks package), laundry charges and souvenir purchases. Scuba diving (available on PNG itinerary for additional cost) DEPARTURE DATES FOR THE SEPIK RIVER CORAL EXPEDITIONS I Embark Port Disembark Port 06 Feb 2018 Madang 13 Feb 2018 Madang 13 Feb 2018 Madang 20 Feb 2018 Madang 20 Feb 2018 Madang 27 Feb 2018 Madang 27 Feb 2018 Madang 06 Mar 2018 Madang FARES CORAL EXPEDITIONS I TWIN SHARE SOLE USE Deluxe Stateroom $5,890 n/a Upper Deck Stateroom $5,590 n/a Stateroom $5,290 $7,935 Cabin $4,990 $7,485 DEPARTURE DATES FOR PAPUA NEW GUINEA CORAL DISCOVERER Embark Port Disembark Port 05 Nov 2018 Madang 17 Nov 2018 Cairns FARES CORAL DISCOVERER TWIN SHARE SOLE USE Bridge Deck Balcony $13,250 n/a Promenade Deck (Cat A) $11,950 n/a Promenade Deck (Cat B) $11,650 $17,475 Main Deck (Cat A) $10,950 n/a Main Deck (Cat B) $10,650 n/a All prices are listed in Australian Dollars (AUD). Limited sole use per departure. Charter flights are optional extra for Papua New Guinea. EXPEDITIONS TO > Great Barrier Reef > Tasmania > The Kimberley > Cape York & Arnhem Land > Papua New Guinea Spice Islands & Raja Ampat Contact us today or speak with your travel agent. Online Email www.coralexpeditions.com reservations@coralexpeditions.com Freecall within Australia 1800 079 545 Outside Australia +61 7 4040 9999 Head office PO Box 2093 Cairns 4870 QLD Australia ABN 51 010 809 417 Issued August 2017