Combine epic marine life with birds of paradise across montane forest and lowland rainforest, and unearth fascinating culture on this remarkable trip. Papua New Guinea holidays don’t get better than this!
New Guinea island, the world’s second largest, is split between two nations. Papua New Guinea occupies the eastern half, evoking thoughts of a distant land, a final frontier cloaked in tropical rainforest and literally teeming with life. Synonymous with flamboyant birds of paradise, perhaps the most engaging of the world’s bird families, they're amongst almost 900 avian species, including seven endemic bird families, found across this biodiverse country that offers so much more besides.
The journey begins in paradise on the shores of Kimbe Bay, north of the island of New Britain. A recognised marine biodiversity hotspot and part of the Coral Triangle, its colourful reefs are acclaimed, abundant with coral, fish, and numerous shark species. Resident pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphins delight year round and passing visitors include whale sharks, pilot whales and orca, also known as killer whales.
Next, the Western Highlands offer a complete contrast. The country’s cultural heartland is home to alpine grasslands and montane forest filled with exciting birds such as blue, superb, lesser and King-of-Saxony bird of paradise, as well as MacGregor’s bowerbird, black and brown sicklebill, Princess Stephanie’s and ribbon-tailed astrapia.
The adventure continues in the Sepik River region with walks, boat trips and local village tours. Twelve-wired and king bird of paradise, magnificent riflebird and flame bowerbird will be sought after before trying for Raggiana bird of paradise in Varirata National Park, accessed from your last port of call, Port Moresby.
Welcome to Papua New Guinea!
Following an early arrival into the country’s capital, Port Moresby, transfer to a local hotel to rest before an afternoon flight takes you to Hoskins. Located on the north coast of the island of New Britain, the final part of your journey involves an hour’s drive to your accommodation overlooking the shores of Kimbe Bay. You’re here, let the avian extravaganza commence.
Accommodation: Walindi Plantation Resort, 4-nights
Walindi Plantation Resort has been inviting guests through its doors for over 40 years, to experience the incredible marine life, pristine coral reefs, world class scuba diving and superb birding for which Kimbe Bay is renowned.
Wake to the sounds of the forest, and wander through the lush, tropical gardens, admiring the riot of colourful flora and the fauna it attracts before throwing yourself into the numerous activities on offer. Today has been kept deliberately free so perhaps take to the ocean for a kayak or snorkel, drifting over a myriad of coral species that harbour kaleidoscopic fish. Seek schooling barracuda, turtles, rays, grey reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks, or choose from a huge selection of dive sites should you wish to reach greater depths. You’re in the Coral Triangle, amongst an extravaganza of marine life, so take full advantage.
Alternatively, hang out with the locals on a village tour or stretch your legs on a Mount Gabuna volcano hike followed by a dip in a geothermally heated river. Discover World War II plane wrecks or indulge in a scenic helicopter flight for a bird's eye view over Kimbe Bay. It is, of course, perfectly acceptable to simply relax on the sundeck or beach, soaking up the remarkable views.
The Western Highlands is your next destination and connecting flights via Port Moresby to Mount Hagen see you arrive in the cultural heart of the country. Also home to the world’s largest population of birds of paradise, let the quest begin this afternoon with a guided nature walk along the many trails that criss-cross and radiate out from your accommodation. Be sure not to miss the orchid garden too.
Accommodation: Rondon Ridge, 4-nights
Leaving the cool montane forests behind, your adventure continues with a charter flight west, deep into the interior to the Sepik River. One of the world's greatest river systems, it flows 1,100 kilometres east to the Bismarck Sea, snaking through tropical rainforest where artisan tribes live along its banks coexisting in harmony with mind-blowing wildlife. This ecosystem is literally bursting with life, providing a haven for reptiles and amphibians, butterflies and moths, innumerable other insects and birds, birds, and even more birds.
Accommodation: Karawari Lodge, 3-nights
Retrace your steps today, initially flying back through Mount Hagen en route to the capital city, Port Moresby. A well-deserved afternoon off will ready you for your final excursion tomorrow.
Accommodation: Airways Hotel, 2-nights
After a free morning to relax, this afternoon you're transferred back to Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby, to check in for the international flight to Singapore and onward overnight flight to the UK.
Although Papua New Guinea is a year-round destination, travelling during the wet season is undoubtedly a challenge, so we recommend the dry season for a more comfortable experience. This dovetails nicely with the peak breeding season for birds of paradise, when their astonishing plumage is displayed to perfection between July and October. There can be few avian spectacles more phenomenal than being able to observe adult males perform while young males patiently attend, learning their future trade. A privilege indeed.
Should this itinerary whet your appetite to search for more birds of paradise species, consider visiting West Papua, part of the island nation of Indonesia. Raja Ampat is not only another marine biodiversity hotspot within the Coral Triangle, but from the Arfak Mountains, it's possible to try your luck with the truly stunning Wilson’s, colourific magnificent, and red bird of paradise. See Raja Ampat’s Birds of Paradise or Indonesia Wildlife Highlights for more details. Bowerbirds and riflebirds are also present, as they are in Australia too. Why not join our small group tour, Queensland Wildlife Photo Safari to be in with a chance of viewing Victoria’s riflebird, satin, and regent’s bowerbird? Exploring more of Australia is infinitely possible too, simply contact us.
Port Moresby, the capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea, stands on the shores of the Gulf of Papua. The city offers a choice of centrally located hotels for an overnight stay, or you may choose to head out to nearby Varirata National Park, one of the best places to see the Raggiana bird of paradise. Find Out More about {acc:title}
At 1,126 kilometres, the Sepik River is Papua New Guinea's equivalent to the Amazon and it is the people of the Sepik that makes this region an exciting and fascinating place to visit. Life revolves around the river, and locals are unique in their belief in the spirit world with its mythical stories and rituals. Find Out More about {acc:title}
The Mount Hagen area is the home of the Melpa people, a people with a strong culture, who still live largely traditional subsistence lifestyles. From the lowland rainforest to alpine grasslands, it is a land of colour and vibrancy and one of the best places to see Papua New Guinea’s birds of paradise. Find Out More about {acc:title}
This province covers a surface area of 4,300 square kilometres. Home to the world’s largest population of birds of paradise, the rainforest habitat houses an abundance of wildlife of all sorts. It is traversed by a number of well-maintained trails, making it one of the most pleasant locations for hiking in the highlands. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Kimbe, the capital of the West New Britain province, is situated on the north side of the island on the spectacular Kimbe Bay, which boasts over 60 percent of the coral species of the entire Indo-Pacific. Inland, plentiful endemic birds such as blue-eyed cockatoo, can be found. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Airways Hotel is Papua New Guinea's leading accommodation and one of the most unique airport hotels in the world. Nestled into the mountainside, each room opens onto a balcony with mountain or garden view, and facilities include a stunning pool, restaurants (poolside and fine dining), spa and tennis court. Find Out More about Airways Hotel
Karawari Lodge stands on a lone ridge above the Karawari River, overlooking an endless expanse of dense tropical lowland rainforest in one of Papua New Guinea's most remote and unspoilt areas. Accommodation is in ten cottages, inspired by traditional architecture and constructed using local materials. Find Out More about Karawari Lodge
Located a short drive from Mount Hagen, this hotel offers magnificent mountain views, and all 12 rooms have 180 degree views. The surrounding area is home to ten species of birds of paradise and numerous orchids, and walking trails from the lodge make it easy to get out and see the area’s unique ecology. Find Out More about Rondon Ridge Lodge
Situated on the shores of Kimbe Bay, Walindi Plantation Resort is known for its quality of diving and its excellent birdwatching. Excursions on the north coast of New Britain and in the island’s rainforests boast numerous endemic species, such as the New Britain boobook and Bismarck kingfisher. Find Out More about Walindi Plantation Resort
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