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Overview

A memorable forest and coastal journey

There are very few places remaining in the world as ecologically and culturally diverse as Papua New Guinea. With its striking geological features, lush tropical rain forests, thousands of species of birds and plants, and over 850 indigenous languages, Papua New Guinea offers an experience unequalled anywhere else on the planet.

In the Western Highlands, go in search of colorful birds-of-paradise that are endemic to Papua New Guinea. Travel by private aircraft to reach the Sepik region, a region without roads, where we use motorboats to visit remote villages. View WWII shipwrecks while snorkeling or diving in the renowned crystal-clear waters of the Duke of York Islands and witness the spectacular Baining Fire Dance in Rabaul.

Dates

August 19–29, 2024

Duration

11 days

Price

From $17,495 per person

Trip size

23 participants

Minimum age

18 years
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Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Tim Duane

Wallace Stegner Center for Land, Resources and the Environment, University of Utah

An attorney, an author, a consultant, and a professor emeritus of environmental studies at UC-Santa Cruz, Tim has more than four decades of experience in the fields of natural resources, energy, climate, land use, water, and environmental policy, planning and law.

“Tim is highly personable, very knowledgeable in an accessible way, and has all the important information at his fingertips.”

—Victoria Waldock, MA ’06

A scholar’s perspective

Like many, Tim first learned of Papua New Guinea through the pages of National Geographic as a boy. The highland tribes were still portrayed then through an outdated framework, which he came to question as he learned more about modern anthropology. As Tim explains, “my understanding of Papua New Guinea cultures today has been informed by my studies in the interdisciplinary Human Biology program at Stanford, whereby I am looking at ethnography, anthropology, and the cultural dimensions of conservation through a more sophisticated lens.”

Itinerary

An astonishing journey through remarkably diverse lands

Visit with the Melpa people in the Western Highlands, sampling the coffee that grows there and learning about agricultural practices dating back 9,000 years. Fly by private aircraft to the Sepik region, traveling by motorboat to reach remote villages. In Rabaul, on the island of New Britian, delve into WWII history, see the Tavurvur Volcano, and snorkel or scuba dive in the crystal-clear waters of the Duke of York Islands.

  • Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

    Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel to check in. Later this afternoon, tour the National Museum and Art Gallery with its impressive collection of traditional art, historical artifacts, and cultural treasures from all corners of Papua New Guinea. Toast the start of our journey at a welcome dinner this evening.

    Accommodations:

    Hilton Hotel Port Moresby

    Included meal: Dinner
  • Port Moresby / Mount Hagen

    Transfer to the airport this morning for a scheduled flight to Mount Hagen, located in the Wahgi Valley of the Western Highlands, where some of the oldest evidence of agriculture in the world has been found. Check in to our lodge, perched high on Mount Kuta with unbelievable views of the Wahgi Valley, and enjoy our own mini cultural festival showcasing the bright colors of the Highlands culture.

    Accommodations:

    Rondon Ridge Lodge

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Mount Hagen

    Join an early morning forest walk in search of the various birds-of-paradise that are endemic to the Papua New Guinea Highlands. Following breakfast, venture to the local villages of Mount Hagen to meet the Melpa people, who maintain traditional farming methods that can be traced back 9,000 years and who were unknown to the outside world until the mid-1930's. Meet with residents who discuss ceremonies surrounding marriage and funerals, the rituals of tribal warfare, and some of their daily customs. Later, visit a coffee plantation to sample some of the finest coffee from the region.

    Accommodations:

    Rondon Ridge Lodge

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Mount Hagen / Sepik Region

    This morning, board light aircraft for our flight to the Sepik region and Karawari Lodge, located in one of the more remote areas of Papua New Guinea, where there are no roads. Following lunch, travel by barge to a nearby village to learn about the ancient tradition of harvesting and preparing the sago palm, a staple food of the Sepik people for generations. Later this afternoon, head out in search of the elusive twelve-wired bird-of-paradise, keeping an eye out for cockatoos, parrots, hornbills, cormorants, and other water birds.

    Accommodations:

    Karawari Lodge

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Sepik Region

    This morning, travel along the waterways of the Karawari River. Stop in small villages that line its shores to see traditional homes and marvel at displays of locally created sculptures and art. Witness ceremonial dances and learn about the education system during a visit to a local school.

    Accommodations:

    Karawari Lodge

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Sepik Region / Mount Hagen / Rabaul, New Britain

    Bid farewell to the Sepik region this morning as we board our light aircraft to return to Mount Hagen and connect with a charter flight to Rabaul, located on the northern tip of the island of New Britain. Tour the local Kokopo market this afternoon and then attend a lecture on the local cultures and the shell money called tabu, which is displayed in the hotel. Our dinner this evening is prepared by a local women's fellowship group.

    Accommodations:

    Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Duke of York Islands

    Today we take a boat ride to the Duke of York Islands, keeping an eye out for dolphins, dugongs (manatee), and the colorful fishing canoes that dot the seascape. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and behold the remarkable sight of a Japanese Zero airplane, serenely resting in a mere 15–25 feet of water, and a tank that was sunk whilst trying to make its way to the island during WWII. PADI-qualified travelers may opt to explore the vibrant shelf of Pigeon Island and go to the depths of the second deepest trench in the world on a dive through two remarkable wreck sites.

    Accommodations:

    Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Rabaul

    This morning, journey to the Tavurvur Volcano to take in awe-inspiring views and explore the terrain of this active stratovolcano. Then visit the Japanese tunnels and Yamamoto Bunker, the underground command center for the Japanese naval antiaircraft defenses during WWII. Continue to the harbor that played a significant role in both WWI and WWII. This evening, learn about the Bainings people and their intrinsic connection with the jungles. Hear about the Fire Dance and the incredible masks worn by the men in this sacred ceremony that celebrates life and death and initiates young men into adulthood.

    Accommodations:

    Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Rabaul

    Visit a local village this morning, stopping at the church to listen to the choir’s beautiful hymns. Then take part in preparing a traditional meal, using hot stones to cook a coconut stew with chicken and organic vegetables. Return to the hotel for some time at leisure before departing in the late afternoon to attend a Baining Fire Dance.

    Accommodations:

    Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Rabaul / Port Moresby

    Board a scheduled flight to return to Port Moresby and check in to our hotel. Then gather this evening for a farewell dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Hilton Hotel Port Moresby

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Port Moresby / Home

    Transfer to Port Moresby International Airport to board flights bound for home.

    Included meal: Breakfast

Trip details

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Pricing

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The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

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