News Archive
2012
2011
Retrace the footsteps of the explorers to the lost paradise of Papua New Guinea
Tuesday August 2, 2011
For those seeking a truly memorable experience, right on Australia's doorstep yet far removed from the familiar tourist hotspots of the South Pacific, look no further than Australia';s closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea; a tropical paradise forgotten by time and overlooked by tourism.
During March and October 2012, the two luxurious 100 guest expedition ships Orion and Orion II explore the islands of Papua New Guinea, with six 11 night voyages from which to choose. Accompany the specialist expedition team and visit isolated villages, encounter primitive tribal cultures, see superb indigenous artwork and carvings, unique flora and fauna, and enjoy world-class snorkelling in the famed Coral Triangle.
Outside the main towns many villagers have only been exposed to the western world through the workings of missionaries and occasional traders and so Orion's visits are of great a source of interest to the locals as they are to Orion's guests.
Until relatively recently this was still perceived as an isolated world of headhunters, a land of mythology, sorcery and witchcraft. The last haunts of cannibals. Yet step ashore with Orion's expedition team and you will be greeted with a broad smile and a warm welcome from gentle villagers – an eye opening introduction to a way of life far removed from our Western world.
This land of 800 languages with its remarkable cultural diversity will take your breath away. Whether it is the mysterious art of the Sepik or the feathered head dresses of a Tufi tribesman, the historic battle grounds of World War II, volcanic tropical fjords or pristine white sand beaches, Orion's expeditions to Papua New Guinea will provide experiences that will stay with you for life.
11-night Papua New Guinea Cultural Highlights: CAIRNS (optional direct charter flight to RABAUL (overnight onboard), Sepik River & Watam Village, Madang, Tami Islands, Tufi, Kitava (The Trobriands), Samarai and Kwato Islands, Alotau (Milne Bay), CAIRNS. (Or vice versa commencing in Cairns and ending in Rabaul followed by an optional return charter flight to Cairns.)
Note: Orion II's eleven night Cultural Highlights voyage commences in Cairns.