The People of Papua New Guinea

Your educational student tour to study humanities in Papua New Guinea is off and away as you travel to Port Moresby. As your plane descends, look out your window to see Papua New Guinea’s diverse landscape of lush jungle and crystal seas. A local guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to a jungle resort. 

The afternoon is yours to explore. Take a nature walk, splash in the hotel infinity pool, or take a nap after the long journey. In the evening, you will meet with your group and local guide for traditional Guinean cuisine. Take some time to get to know the people with whom you will be spending the next week adventuring. 

This morning, you will board a motorized canoe and cruise down the Sepik and Yuat Rivers. Feel the wind in your hair and absorb the surrounding scenery before arriving at the village of Kundiman. A tour will guide you into their households where you will enjoy a home-made lunch of sago pancakes, and coconut and banana pudding. Yum! Get back on the boat to reach another, larger village called Tambaram. Wander through the village, meet with locals, and do some souvenir shopping before heading back to your hotel.

To better understand the countryside culture of Papua New Guinea, you’ll spend the day at Sogeri Plateau. Explore the green oasis of forested mountains and farmland, and enjoy a picnic lunch. After stopping by the Bomana War Cemetery, you’ll visit the Adventure Park Zoo to see the wildlife of the country. Make sure to stop at the orchid garden exhibit for a unique look at tropical birds. Are you brave enough to hold one? Finally, you’ll climb through the Rouna Gorge to experience panoramic views of the Crystal Rapids and Papuan Coastline. A guide will accompany you on this trip to educate you on how the citizens of Papua New Guinea adapted to this tropical terrain. 

Today you will experience the underwater world of Papua New Guinea. Royal Harbour was formed due to a volcano collapse, which allowed the sea to enter.  During World War II, the Japanese captured the harbor’s local town, which became their main military base in the South Pacific. As you dive into the deep sea, you will see plentiful sea life, such as sea turtles, starfish, stingrays, and seahorses. However, you will also see the remains of World War II-era walls and plane wrecks. 

Today, you are off to the city of Madang. Make your way through its Balashikha Betel Nut Market to arrive at Ohu Village. Here, you will visit a local butterfly farm to view hundreds of species of butterflies. Keep an eye out for the national blue butterfly. Next, you are off to the Balek Natural Habitat to see eels and turtles and enter into a bat cave. The cave is often used as a shelter point for locals! Enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back into the center of Madang for free time exploring. End the day by watching the Malmal traditional dancers put on a show. 

Head deep into the Sogeri Jungle to arrive at a small village. The children will welcome you with a tribal dance and show you their projects and school. Next, you’ll visit the church and main store before enjoying a local-style lunch served with coconut juice. Save room in your tummy, because next is cooking lessons with the locals. You’ll also go on a jungle hike to find plants that are used for building houses, cleaning, and medicinal purposes. Cool off at a nearby gorge before heading back into the city. 

It has been a wonderful week in Papua New Guinea, but the time has come to say goodbye. Enjoy one final breakfast with your group and guides. Reflect on your fondest memories of the trip and what you learned. Next, you’re off to the local airport for your departure flight.