Madang Retreat and Coastal Odyssey: Coast PNG Cultural and Village Tours - 5 Days

Located on the north coast of PNG, Madang is the capital of Madang Province. The city has a very wonderful charm about it and a way of making you feel very safe. Although much of the city was destroyed during World War Two, it was rebuilt and still managed to hold on to its originality and great atmosphere. 

While the province is well-known for its abundance of adventure it has to offer in the way of active volcanoes and highest peaks, the cultural experience in the surrounding area is exceptional. With PNG as a country being one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, Madang Province is a prime example of this diversity and is apparent amongst the locals and villagers in the surrounding areas. It is absolutely one of a kind. The province has over 120 different languages spoken and many of them are quite different from each other. PNG as a whole is said to have over 800 different languages that are spoken amongst many different tribes and locals - some of which do not have any living speakers. 

Over the next 5 days, this tour gives you the opportunity to dive right into the locals life and experience traditions and rituals that have been around for many many years. Homestays allow for a rare look into what life is really like for these villages and leave lasting impressions. 

Itinerary:

DAY 1:

Today as you arrive at the airport, you will be met and greeted and then transferred to Hobe Village. The drive to the village is approximately 35-minutes along the south coast of Madang. 

As you arrive at the village today you'll experience a very cultural and warm welcome that will include a traditional sing-sing. The village chief and other villagers will all be here today to welcome you to their home. Next, you will make your way to meet your village host at your homestay for the next two nights. This evening is a perfect opportunity to get to know your new hosts as well as the village and really get a feel for the lifestyle here. 

Dinner/Overnight - village homestay - Hobe Village

DAY 2: 

This morning you will enjoy a delicious breakfast with your hosts before beginning your village trek to Sein Village. As you make your way to Sein today, you will pass by other local villages which is another great opportunity to interact with the locals.

This mornings trek takes you to some higher points that offer incredible views of the tropical rainforest that surrounds you. Once you arrive at Sein Village, you will enjoy a forest walk as well as a mini-caving experience. The caving experience involves a small walk through the rainforest before reaching a cave that you will walk through. On the other side, you will have a chance to see beautiful falls that plunge into a refreshing pool. Feel free to jump in! 

You will then make your way back to Hobe Village for some local chats and evening fun. 

Dinner/overnight - village homestay - Hobe Village

DAY 3:

After breakfast this morning, you will be guided to experience more of Hobe Village and its botanical surroundings. The botanical garden here has some of PNG's rare species of orchid and traditional medicinal plants. While you are in the famous gardens, you will also take a mini-forest walk to the Japanese hide-out with the village chief. 

After the tour this morning, you will have to say goodbye to all of your new friends at Hobe Village before making your way North to the Balek Sulphur Creek. Here you are welcomed by turtoise and eels. The creek runs out from an enclosed cave with visible limestone. Locals use the water for medicinal and healing purposes. Fun fact: The location was also used to film the famous Robinson Crusoe movie by Pierce Bronsnan.

Next, you will head to the Nettai Butterfly at Bilbil Village to witness a butterfly farm. Nettai, is a Japanese word given to name the butterfly farm which means "Tropical". Here you have the chance to have a glimpse of the beautiful and rare species of tropical butterflies. 

From here, you will depart for Rempi where you will experience another great welcome. 

Dinner/overnight at a homestay in Rempi/Kuseng Village

DAY 4: 

This morning is an early one! You will wake up nice and early to enjoy the sunrise over the Bismark Sea. After sunrise, you will enjoy breakfast at your homestay before heading out for a traditional canoeing expedition within the lagoon and the surrounding coastline. 

After the lagoon expedition this morning you can enjoy your own leisure time to have a swim in the sea, snorkel, or take a long rope swing and dive into the sea! The area is a photographers haven and so you might also opt to enjoy the scenes today with your camera in hand. Today there is also an opportunity to observe how the locals dive to catch fish in the sea. Today you can be a local too, as you enjoy mingling with the local villagers and maybe even join in for a game of volleyball or soccer. 

** Snorkel gear and swimming attire are not provided so please bring your own if you choose to swim or snorkel. 

Dinner/overnight Kuseng Village

DAY 5:

This morning you have the option of waking up very early again to enjoy the sunrise over the sea or sleeping in until breakfast. Once you have finished breakfast, you will depart for Madang Airport for your flight. 

Included in tour cost:

- Transportation, driver (airport transfers)

- Tour escort/guide & interpreter

- 4 nights basic village accommodation

- Local dinner/breakfast

- Bottled water

- Cultural welcome and village activities

- Complimentary fruits and snacks while on tour

Not included in tour cost:

- Travel insurance

- Flights (domestic and international)

- Activities not mentioned in program

- Snorkel equipment and swimwear

- Personal items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, etc