Tumbuna SingSing - May 13-May 24, 2008
11 Nights • Scheduled to be escorted by Greg Stathakis

This is an excursion for those who don't usually take group "tours," but would like to have a genuine experience with a caring, experienced Papua New Guinea expert. The trip also includes the Tumbuna Show, a cultural festival, providing sensory overload for even the most experienced traveler.

• Tue, May 13 - We know how to make the most of your Papua New Guinea experience and will guide you through the National Museum, Parliament and other places which are often bypassed by other visitors. There's a lot more to see in Port Moresby (safely) than is generally acknowledged. Airways Hotel, considered the best in town. (D)

• Wed, May 14 - Flight to Mt. Hagen and connect for charter flight to Karawari. Visit a nearby village to witness how the staple food of this area is cultivated and prepared. Photographic opportunities and insights about river culture abound. Karawari Lodge (BLD).

• Thu, Fri, Sat- May 15, 16, 17 - Boat or air transfer to the area Papua New Guinea is justly famous for – The Sepik River area where spirit houses, a wide array of arts and crafts, and a life style little changed by modern times await our visit. Your escort has decades of personal experience in this area for us to gain special rapport and insights with these Sepik and Blackwater River villages. Experience a sense of timelessness as you learn about this fascinating culture. Savor memorable travel impressions with villages “at the end of the world.” You’ll want to linger a while, but there’s more excitement ahead. Three nights based from the all inclusive air-conditioned, floating hotel, the "Sepik Spirit." (BLD).

• Sun, mon, tue- may 18, 19, 20 - Charter flight to Ambua Lodge where at 7,000 ft, the air is brisk and conducive to travel. This may be the most exciting part of the country, as fewer outsiders have traveled to this colorful, unspoiled area. Famous for Huli Wig Men, the Tari area will provide especially memorable photos and recollections. Mingle with tribes who are among the most un-Westernized anywhere. See the strange and exciting juxtaposition of ancient, traditional ways as they're grafted to the 21st Century. Join the escort on easy nature walks which take us amidst spectacular scenery, with rain forest, waterfalls, mountain vistas, and perhaps elusive Birds of Paradise in the wild, all in a truly Shangri La setting. There’s much to anticipate and enjoy in the days here, as you learn about the culture from your escort’s decades of familiarity with this remote area. Our group will be privy to the background of the culture, as few other travel purveyors have the skill to provide for interaction with the local culture. We know which excursions,
tribes people are favorites with clients and deliver an unusually authentic experience. All meals, excursions, and transfers included at Ambua Lodge.

• wed, may 21- Charter flight from Ambua Lodge to Mt. Hagen and an afternoon visit to an area of cultural interest. The anticipation builds for what has been called one of the 12 travel wonders of the world. There are other festivals in PNG to excite the senses, but the Tumbuna Show is one of the most traditional, intimate, and dependable for a memorable experience. Highlander Hotel. (BLD)

• Thu, May 22 - A great, full day at the Tumbuna Sing Sing Festival. This thrilling medley of Pow Wow and dance competition will exhaust your camera batteries and drain your energy and film supply. See how carefully the feather headdresses are prepared; watch as tribes gather and don their body adornments. The sights and sounds excite
even the most jaded travelers. To know more what makes our Show excursions so successful, inquire about references from previous trips. These events are definitely the one of the most colorful spectacles in Papua New Guinea. See enclosed notes to appreciate the differences between the various cultural festivals. Highlander Hotel. (BLD)

• fri, may 23 - Flight from Tari to Port Moresby and if possible another overview of the country's capital.Farewell talk at dinner, reviewing our adventures, sights and sounds. Airways Hotel (BLD)

• sat, may 24 - Join those who say this travel experience is one of the most memorable in a lifetime of journeys. Connect to international flight to Cairns, Australia and onward.(B)


Land Cost: $6000 per person (twin share) all inclusive of meals, accomodation, touring. This trip is guaranteed to operate with a minimum of eight clients; if there are fewer than eight, the trip will be locally hosted, with local guides instead of a tour escort from overseas. Since 1980 we have always had at least eight clients on this adventure.

Additional cost for domestic flights and charters (subject to change): $1,450.00 dependent upon flights arriving and departing on Air Niugini tickets. Please consult with us before purchasing international tickets, as if a ticket is issued as a Qantas flight, there is an additional $180 cost on the domestic airfares, which are based upon special Air Niugini group tickets.


 
WHAT IS INCLUDED: Accommodation based upon twin/share,tours, transfers, and all meals as specified B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner and government taxes. Does not include entry visa fees, domestic flights, any other meals than those specified above, items of a personal nature such as beverages, phone/fax bills, laundry services and any aviation fee payable on international departure. There are no hidden charges or optional excursions. Single rooms except at the Highlander Hotel and on the Sepik Spirit may be available. Please inquire. Guaranteed share rooms are usually available. Enjoy the experience fine tuned from our decades of PNG trip management.
INTERNATIONAL AIR TO AND FROM PAPUA NEW GUINEA IS ADDITIONAL:
Use frequent flyer miles or purchase air tickets through the airline or agent of your choice. Last year many clients appreciated the cost and good service of several air travel consolidators. They advise on pre and post trips in the South Pacific, on trip/cancellation insurance, and can save you money and hassle in your travel plans. Please, please honor your investment in a PNG excursion by obtaining trip/cancellation insurance and by having a minimum of two or three nights in Australia, New Zealand or Singapore on a stopover to recover from jet lag.
RESERVATIONS:
Space is limited to 16 clients and prompt reservations are strongly advised. $1,000 per person deposit payable to Trans Niugini Tours and a signed booking form are required before reservations are confirmed. Final payment must be received no later than March 1, 2007.
CANCELLATIONS:
Cancellations entail a $500 per person fee. After April 1, 2006 when the final payment is due, the entire land cost is forfeited. Kindly note, there are no refunds of unused arrangements, such as hotels, sightseeing, meals, transfers, etc. Please note the restrictions to these Highlands Show itineraries are different from other itineraries, due to special requirements during these popular events.
INSURANCE:
It is very strongly recommended clients purchase all-inclusive travel insurance for luggage, medical expenses, and trip cancellation. This will help ensure a more carefree vacation, as unexpected and last minute cancellations are surprisingly frequent. In recent years there have been many more unexpected cancellations. No deviations from the strict cancellation policies are allowed.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION:
Clients must have a passport valid through their return date to the U.S. In addition to a P.N.G. visa, an Australian visa is also required. Detailed pre-trip information will be sent with receipt of trip deposit.
HEALTH INFORMATION:
No vaccinations are currently required, but anti-malarial medication is highly recommended. Advice must come from your doctor only. Clients with dietary, allergic, sight, hearing, weight and other health factors must make written note of that with their reservation. Many clients over 70, even 80, have enjoyed this trip, but all over 70 must have doctor's certification they are fit to travel to such a destination. We regret special meal requests cannot be guaranteed.
 
           

 

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408 E. Islay Street • Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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info@pngtravel.com mj.murray@pngtravel.com