Papua New Guinea Expedition: Firedance Festival

Papua New Guinea Expedition: Firedance Festival

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9 Days From

$4490

$3816

Papua New Guinea Expedition: Firedance Festival

9 Days Starting and ending in Kokopo, Papua New Guinea

Visiting: Kokopo, Rabaul, Duke of York Islands, East New Britain, Firedance Festival

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

TESD

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 18

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion

From: $4490 $3816 (USD) Operator discount: -$674 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable cultural journey through Papua New Guinea with the Papua New Guinea Expedition: Firedance Festival. This immersive tour invites you to experience the vibrant traditions and rich history of this unique destination. Begin your adventure in Kokopo, exploring the historical sites of Rabaul, including military landmarks and local markets. Dive into the island life of the Duke of York Islands, where you'll enjoy cultural activities, snorkeling, and the warm hospitality of a local homestay. The highlight of your trip is the mesmerizing Firedance Festival, where you'll witness traditional Baining dancers perform around a blazing fire. Throughout the tour, you'll have the opportunity to engage with local communities, partake in traditional meals, and learn about the region's World War history. With private vehicle and boat transport, this expedition offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty.

Highlights

  • As a small group, be welcomed into a local village and watch traditional Baining dancers perform around a fire.

  • Jump into island life on the Duke of York Islands, marvel at an active volcano, and enjoy a beachside barbecue.

  • Experience a traditional sing-sing with the villagers on the Duke of York Islands.

  • Visit the War Museum in Rabaul and explore the Japanese tunnels in Kokopo to learn about World War history in the Pacific.

  • Explore historic sites around Kokopo, including the Bitapaka War Cemetery and the Blue Lagoon.

  • Participate in the Firedance Festival and enjoy a Melanesian welcome ceremony and traditional mumu lunch.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Rabaul - Kokopo

Location: Kokopo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: hotel

Welcome to Kokopo and Papua New Guinea – a land of dense jungle, bright coral reefs and wartime secrets. There aren’t any activities planned for today until an important welcome meeting at 6.30 pm where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. For those arriving today, you’ll be met at Tokua (Rabaul) Airport for an included transfer to your accommodation. If you do happen to arrive early, good for you! Why not get out and about and soak up the chilled-out vibe of East New Britain. Wherever you are, you’ll be sure to see the dominating Tarvurvur Volcano looming in the distance.

Day 2: Rabaul - Vunagum Village - Kokopo

Location: Rabaul

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

Set off on a historical tour of Rabaul town with your group. There’ll be some walking on uneven surfaces, so pack some good walking shoes. Today’s tour will include stops at military sites including Yamamoto’s bunker, the Japanese submarine base and the Japanese tunnels, as well as the Rabaul markets and the New Guinea Club, where you’ll gain some insight into life in Rabaul before PNG’s independence and the 1994 devastating volcanic eruption. We'll also spend some time in nearby Vunagum Village today. Learn how to make agir (a traditional coconut stew) from scratch for lunch, explore the peaceful village making new friends and maybe even enjoy a passionate performance from the local church choir. Return to your Kokopo and our hotel for the evening.

Included Activities:
-Rabaul - Historical tour

Day 3: Duke Of York Islands

Location: Duke of York Islands

Accommodation: Island Homestay

Accommodation Name: Island Homestay

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

The neighbouring islands all have their own personality, customs and cultures, and today you’ll cruise around a few to explore and experience the ‘real’ Papua New Guinea. Your destination today is the Duke of York Islands, but on the way, be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife too, as dolphins and even dugongs are known to play in these crystal-clear waters of the Pacific. A local village will host you while you visit Duke of York and there’ll be opportunities to learn about traditional weaving, cooking and fishing. Head on a tour of the island with your group leader, and then have plenty of time to relax into island time. All that you’ve got to worry about this afternoon is sitting back and enjoying the warm hospitality and magical singing voices of the Duke of York islanders at your overnight homestay.

Included Activities:
-Duke of York Islands - Cultural activities

Day 4: Duke Of York Islands

Location: Duke of York Islands

Accommodation: Island Homestay

Accommodation Name: Island Homestay

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Rise and shine early for some time out on the water for swimming and snorkelling around the Duke of York Islands. Your leader and boat skipper will find the best place based on tides and weather conditions. Look out for dolphins! Work up an appetite then head back to the village for breakfast and further immersion in local life. 


Included Activities:
-Duke of York Islands - Boat tour including snorkelling
-Duke of York Islands - Cultural activities

Day 5-7: Firedance Festival

Location: East New Britain

Accommodation: Homestay, Village Homestay

Accommodation Name: Village Homestay



Included Activities:
-Firedance Festival
-Melanesian welcome ceremony
-Traditional mumu lunch
-Firedance Festival
-Firedance Festival

Day 8: Kokopo

Location: Kokopo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Explore historic sites around Kokopo today including the Bitapaka War Cemetery – where soldiers from World War I and II have been laid to rest, local markets and the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a final night dinner with your group tonight.

Included Activities:
-Kokopo - Blue Lagoon
-Kokopo - Bitapaka War Cemetery

Day 9: Kokopo - Rabaul

Location: Rabaul

With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart at any time after breakfast. Please note that a transfer to Tokua (Rabaul) Airport is included today, so please ensure you inform us of your departure flight details.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (5 nights), Island Homestay (2 nights), Village Homestay (1 night)

  • Meals
    8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners

  • Rabaul - Historical tour

    Participate in a historical tour of Rabaul, exploring military sites and gaining insight into the region's past.

  • Duke of York Islands - Cultural activities

    Engage in cultural activities on the Duke of York Islands, learning about traditional customs and local life.

  • Duke of York Islands - Boat tour including snorkelling

    Enjoy a boat tour around the Duke of York Islands with opportunities for snorkelling.

  • Firedance Festival

    Experience the Firedance Festival, witnessing traditional Baining dancers perform around a fire.

  • Melanesian welcome ceremony

    Be part of a Melanesian welcome ceremony, immersing in local traditions and hospitality.

  • Traditional mumu lunch

    Savor a traditional mumu lunch, a unique culinary experience.

  • Kokopo - Blue Lagoon

    Visit the Blue Lagoon in Kokopo, a scenic and tranquil spot.

  • Kokopo - Bitapaka War Cemetery

    Explore the Bitapaka War Cemetery, honoring soldiers from World War I and II.

  • Arrival and departure transfers

    Enjoy included transfers from and to Tokua (Rabaul) Airport.

What's Not Included

Single supplementA single supplement is available for those who prefer not to share a room, excluding Island & Village Homestays.

Transport

Private vehicle , Boat

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Important Information

1. An arrival & departure transfer is included on this trip. Please provide us with your flight arrival & departure time for Rabaul (RBA) no later than 7 days before your trip commences. If we do not receive this information we will not be able to meet you at the airport. Late-night arrivals in particular will be difficult and daunting to make your way to our starting point on your own.2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes the Island & Village Homestays where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Mode of Transport

Transportation for the tour includes private vehicles and boats, providing a comfortable and scenic way to explore the diverse landscapes and islands of Papua New Guinea.

Accommodation

Accommodation throughout the tour may vary, with a mix of hotels and homestays. While efforts are made to ensure rooms are ready upon arrival, early check-ins may not always be possible. In such cases, luggage storage and shared day rooms are available until rooms are ready.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of cultural experiences can I expect during the tour?

    During the tour, you will have the opportunity to be welcomed into a local village and witness traditional Baining dancers perform around a fire, providing insight into one of Papua New Guinea's indigenous cultures. You will also experience a traditional sing-sing with the villagers on the Duke of York Islands and participate in cultural activities such as traditional weaving, cooking, and fishing.

  • What activities are included in the Duke of York Islands visit?

    On the Duke of York Islands, you will be hosted by a local village where you can learn about traditional weaving, cooking, and fishing. You will also have the chance to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, with opportunities to spot dolphins and dugongs.

  • What historical sites will be visited during the tour?

    The tour includes a historical tour of Rabaul, where you will visit military sites such as Yamamoto's bunker, the Japanese submarine base, and the Japanese tunnels. You will also explore the Bitapaka War Cemetery in Kokopo, where soldiers from World War I and II are laid to rest.

  • What is the Firedance Festival experience like?

    The Firedance Festival experience includes being welcomed into a local village to watch traditional Baining dancers perform around a fire. You will also participate in a Melanesian welcome ceremony and enjoy a traditional mumu lunch.

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    Accommodation during the tour may vary, with stays in hotels and homestays. On the Duke of York Islands, you will experience an island homestay, and during the Firedance Festival, you may stay in a village homestay. The style of accommodation is a guideline and may change based on availability.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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1 Select your preferred date

Wednesday - Thursday

Sep 24, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025
$4490 $3816 (USD)

Operator discount: -$674 (USD)

Thursday - Friday

Sep 24, 2026 - Oct 02, 2026
$4715 (USD)
Prices last published on 18-Jan-2025

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