Sepik River Secrets

Embarkation | Madang, Papua New Guinea

Madang township was once known as the “prettiest town in the South Pacific”. Its peninsula setting is a showplace of parks, waterways, luxuriant shade trees and sparkling tropical islands. The diverse geographical nature of Madang province is reflected in the 170 different languages that are spoken. This diversity is showcased in the Madang festival with its colourful displays of “sing sings” performed by numerous cultural groups from across the Madang Province.

PASPALEY PEARL will be alongside in Madang.

The Sepik River. East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

The Sepik is one of the world’s great river systems. Meandering 1100 km from the Owen Stanley ranges to the North Coast of New Guinea where it enters the Bismarck Sea. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is surrounded by dense and often difficult-to-navigate terrain. The lack of accessible roads in the region has meant the river has served as a central avenue for trade, communication, and daily activities for millennia.

Culturally, the Sepik region is known for its traditional art, with indigenous tribes creating intricate carvings and masks that hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. The river and its surroundings have inspired the artistic expressions of the local communities, reflecting their connection to the natural environment.

Watam Village, Broken Water Bay. East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

Watam village is situated at the northwestern end of Broken Water Bay, making it the easternmost village in the East Sepik Province. The Watam people, along with the people of Kopar village at the mouth of the Sepik River, trace their origins to the lower sections of the Ramu River, located further east. While the Watam people have adopted Catholicism, many aspects of their traditional rituals and beliefs continue to coexist within the religious framework. As a result, Watam village provides a fascinating example of the intersection between traditional practices, migration history, and the influence of external factors on the cultural landscape of Papua New Guinea.

Hansa Bay. Madang Province, Papua New Guinea

During World War II, Hansa Bay was a major Japanese naval base and transit station between the Wewak region and south eastern bases. Today, there are several WWII wrecks scattered along the coastline and in shallow waters. The traditional villages of Awar and Nubia seldom receive visitors from the outside world. Their culture and traditions remain strong, despite the influence of missionaries.

Crown Island. Madang Province, Papua New Guinea

Crown Island is located between the Vitiaz Strait and the southern Bismarck Sea off the north coast of the Papua New Guinea mainland, about 25 kilometres from Long Island. William Dampier charted the passage now named Dampier Strait to the east in 1700, also naming several islands including Crown Island. This eroded ancient volcanic island is home to a collection of lush valleys, steep ridges, lowlands and sand beaches surrounded by coral reefs. The islands inhabitants have only recently relocated from the nearby Long and Umboi Islands.

Witu Islands. West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea

The Witu, or Vitu Islands are volcanic ocean peaks fringed by coral reefs, located in the Bismarck Sea off the north coast of New Britain Island. They were once the chief copra centre of Papua New Guinea, today cocoa is now the main crop harvested. The largest island, Garove or Big Witu has a 5 kilometre wide volcanic caldera where the southern rim has collapsed, creating a spectacular entrance. The main village of Garove is nestled inside this scenic natural harbour.

Cape Gloucester. West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea

Lying on the northern peninsula at the west end of the island of New Britain is the seldom visited location of Cape Gloucester. The Peninsula is densely vegetated with thick rainforest, and the extinct Mount Talawe volcano creates a spectacular backdrop to the south. On the eastern flank of Talawe lie the four overlapping volcanic cones of the active Langila Volcano. Langila is one of the most active volcanoes in the Bismark archipelago. Several uninhabited picture postcard islands lie just offshore, providing the ideal location for swimming and snorkelling in the warm tropical waters of the Bismarck Sea.

Disembarkation | Madang, Papua New Guinea 

Madang township was once known as the “prettiest town in the South Pacific”. Its peninsula setting is a showplace of parks, waterways, luxuriant shade trees and sparkling tropical islands. The diverse geographical nature of Madang province is reflected in the 170 different languages that are spoken. This diversity is showcased in the Madang festival with its colourful displays of “sing sings” performed by numerous cultural groups from across the Madang Province.

PASPALEY PEARL will be alongside in Madang and disembarkation will commence after breakfast.