PAPUA NEW GUINEA TOURS, CULTURAL FESTIVALS & SING-SINGS
Festivals, Sing-Sings and Cultural Tours – Rates in US Dollars
KOKOPO NATIONAL MASK FESTIVAL – 8 - 13 July 2026 from $795 USD per person
Five nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at the Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kinavai Ceremony, Bainings Fire Dance, full day Rabaul WW2 Tour, Kokopo agriculture and food tour or Mt Tarvurvur volcano hike, Duke of York Islands tour, Dolphin swim, airport transfers.
Double occupancy rates: Bayside Garden room $795 per person sharing. Poolside Premier room $980.
Twin occupancy rates: Bayside Garden room $865 per person sharing. Poolside Premier room $1050.
Single occupancy rates: Bayside Garden room $1295 per person sharing. Poolside Premier room $1495.
Extensions for the end of the Warwagira music festival are possible. Rates in USD. Return Port Moresby flights between $420 and $600. More information on the Kokopo National Mask Festival here.
SEPIK CROCODILE FESTIVAL 3 to 9 August, 2026 $2695 USD with domestic flights - Fully escorted trip
Start with a flight from Port Moresby with your guide to the Sepik and a night in Wewak at the very comfortable In Wewak Boutique Hotel. The next day, with your local guide, you will be driven across the Hunstein range to the mighty Sepik to board your motorised dugout canoe at Pagwi and cruise upstream to Wagu Lagoon, passing villages along the way. Your accommodation for three nights is in Wagu guesthouse, in the Upper Sepik, on foam mattresses with clean linen and mosquito nets. The guesthouse has a solar system and a generator for battery charging and light at night. On the 5th we will visit spirit houses at Meno and Tongijamb, on 6th, we will attend the Sepik Crocodile Festival, and photograph the varied and fascinating tribal groups from the region. We will also go and look for the Lesser Bird of Paradise on a dawn trip. Wagu Lagoon is an excellent place for bird photography too. On the 7th, we will go into to the Middle Sepik to visit the villages of Palimbei and Kanganamun, the most well-known of the Iatmul language group tribes, who practice the art of extreme scarification, known as the Crocodilemen, where you will spend the night. We will return to Pagwi around lunchtime on the 8th, and then return to Wewak to overnight at In Wewak Boutique Hotel.
There is a single room supplement for the two nights in Wewak of $170
HAGEN HIGHLANDS TRIBES TOUR 10 - 17 August 2026 $3100 per person sharing with domestic flights. Single supplement $420.
On the 10th, we fly to Goroka in the morning, visit the market, the museum, and a coffee roasters before spending the night at Klerht Cove Motel, a pleasant guesthouse wonderfully hosted by the local doctor and surgeon, Dr Boone and his family. The following day, we visit two different trines, the Nupaha and the Akameku, in their respective villages, for private sing-sings, followed by a night back at Klerht Cove. On the 12th, we head west to the Asaro Valley, home to the famous Mudmen, where we will spend the day learning about their culture, traditions, and way of life, before spending the night in their guesthouse. On the 13th, we continue westwards along the Highlands Highway through Simbu and Jiwaka provinces, to Mt Hagen for four nights’ full board accommodation at Shine Inn, with the Paiya mini-show on the 14th with 12 iconic tribes, and the splendid Mt Hagen Festival on 15th and 16th. Includes all meals, transfers, guiding, show passes, and domestic flights.
MOUNT HAGEN FOUR-NIGHT SING-SING TOUR HIGHLANDER HOTEL 13 - 17 August 2026 $2600 with domestic flights
Four nights’ full board accommodation at The Highlander Hotel, the bet hotel in town, Paiya mini-show on the 14th with 12 iconic tribes, airport transfers on the 13th and 17th, transfers to the show grounds and back on the 16th and 17th, and birdwatching. Includes show pass and return flights from Port Moresby flights. Itinerary here
BASIC MOUNT HAGEN FOUR-NIGHT SING-SING TOUR SHINE INN 13 - 17 August 2026 $1950 with domestic flights
Four nights’ full board accommodation at Shine Inn, Paiya mini-show on the 14th with 12 iconic tribes, airport transfers on the 13th and 17th, transfers to the show grounds and back on the 15th and 16th. Includes show pass and return flights from Port Moresby flights. Itinerary here
THE DISCOVERER TOUR 13 to 21 AUGUST
The Discoverer is an unescorted (local guides will be at each location) 9-day/8-night program, providing a unique opportunity to discover the culture and ecosystems of the world's second largest island New Guinea. Papua New Guinea is a veritable smorgasbord of colour, culture and excitement. The highlight of the Discoverer program is attendance at the famous Mount Hagen Cultural Show, a world-famous cultural gathering of many of the opulently decorated cultural groups of this incredibly diverse land.
Cost including all domestic flights: US$8664 per person (twin share).
US$9659 single except twin share at the Highlander Hotel. More details here
THE PANORAMA TOUR 14 to 26 AUGUST
The Panorama Show is a fully escorted 13 day/12-night program that provides a stunning view of Papua New Guinea. The journey begins with the spectacular Mt Hagen Cultural show, providing an incredible vista of cultures from all over Papua New Guinea. In a land of nearly 800 languages, there is no better place to see so many gathered in one place
Cost including all domestic flights: US$ 13,886 per person (twin share).
US$ 15,206 single except twin share on the Sepik Spirit and Rondon Ridge. More details here
THE VISTA TOUR 6 to 18 AUGUST
The Vista Show, a fully escorted 13-day/12-night program, provides a wide perspective on Papua New Guinea, from a journey through the Sepik Region to shaking hands with a Huli Wigman. The tour culminates with the Mount Hagen Cultural Show. The Hagen Show brings together sing-sing groups from throughout Papua New Guinea, with the variety of cultures and groups represented in turn reflecting the diversity of Papua New Guinea's landscapes. From lowland tropical rainforests to alpine forests and grasslands, Papua New Guinea possesses a huge variety of rugged landscapes, exotic ecosystems and pre-technological cultures.
Cost including all domestic flights: US$13,562 per person (twin share).
US$14,907 single except twin share on the Sepik Spirit and Highlander Hotel. More details here
SHORT GOROKA SHOW PACKAGES
17 - 21 September 2026 - from $1300 flights included
Thursday: fly in from Port Moresby
Friday: full-day Asaro Mudmen village visit and Asaro Sing-Sing (the best Asaro visit around) and Chimbu Masalai Skeleton Men
Saturday: VIP passes for Goroka Show
Sunday: VIP Passes for the Goroka Show
Monday: Fly back to Port Moresby
Option 1: Using single room accommodation with shared toilet and shower facilities, right next to the showgrounds $1300, no meals included. Full Itinerary here
Option 2: Using our favourite guesthouse, Klehrt Cove, with ensuite bathrooms and on-site dining, based on two sharing $1500 with breakfasts and dinners included, $1950 single occupancy. Full itinerary here
Bird of Paradise Hotel accommodation options
Four nights' accommodation, includes airport transfers, does not include meals. These can be paid for on site, as there are various options available that are cheaper than the full board package.
Itinerary and images here
Double or Twin Room: Two sharing $2100 per person. Single occupancy: $2900
Full itinerary here
HIGHLANDS TRIBES ESCORTED TOUR including the Goroka Festival
8 nights 14 - 22 September 2026: $3694 including flights, single supplement: $530.
Escorted by Best of PNG's founder, Christopher Bartlett, we fly to Mount Hagen to meet the Huli Wigmen, the Melpa, and the Hagen Wigmen. We have a morning birding walk, and an afternoon birdwatching from the comfort of a lodge, looking for Birds of Paradise and other endemic species. We then travel through the provinces of Jiwaka and Chimbu, stopping to see a Chimbu coffee roaster, en route to Goroka. You will love our unique Asaro Mudmen Sing-Sing on the Friday, and then it's time for the Goroka two-day festival with four nights' accommodation in a comfortable guest house close to the show grounds. We end with anither cultural day in the Eastern Highlands, visiting two more trines for private sing-sings, and spent the last night at the Asaro Mudmen village in a rustic lodge. Includes meals except lunches in Goroka, internal flights, show entry, activities, transfers, Sing Sings, guiding. interactive itinerary here.
Five nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at the Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kinavai Ceremony, Bainings Fire Dance, full day Rabaul WW2 Tour, Kokopo agriculture and food tour or Mt Tarvurvur volcano hike, Duke of York Islands tour, Dolphin swim, airport transfers.
Double occupancy rates: Bayside Garden room $795 per person sharing. Poolside Premier room $980.
Twin occupancy rates: Bayside Garden room $865 per person sharing. Poolside Premier room $1050.
Single occupancy rates: Bayside Garden room $1295 per person sharing. Poolside Premier room $1495.
Extensions for the end of the Warwagira music festival are possible. Rates in USD. Return Port Moresby flights between $420 and $600. More information on the Kokopo National Mask Festival here.
SEPIK CROCODILE FESTIVAL 3 to 9 August, 2026 $2695 USD with domestic flights - Fully escorted trip
Start with a flight from Port Moresby with your guide to the Sepik and a night in Wewak at the very comfortable In Wewak Boutique Hotel. The next day, with your local guide, you will be driven across the Hunstein range to the mighty Sepik to board your motorised dugout canoe at Pagwi and cruise upstream to Wagu Lagoon, passing villages along the way. Your accommodation for three nights is in Wagu guesthouse, in the Upper Sepik, on foam mattresses with clean linen and mosquito nets. The guesthouse has a solar system and a generator for battery charging and light at night. On the 5th we will visit spirit houses at Meno and Tongijamb, on 6th, we will attend the Sepik Crocodile Festival, and photograph the varied and fascinating tribal groups from the region. We will also go and look for the Lesser Bird of Paradise on a dawn trip. Wagu Lagoon is an excellent place for bird photography too. On the 7th, we will go into to the Middle Sepik to visit the villages of Palimbei and Kanganamun, the most well-known of the Iatmul language group tribes, who practice the art of extreme scarification, known as the Crocodilemen, where you will spend the night. We will return to Pagwi around lunchtime on the 8th, and then return to Wewak to overnight at In Wewak Boutique Hotel.
There is a single room supplement for the two nights in Wewak of $170
HAGEN HIGHLANDS TRIBES TOUR 10 - 17 August 2026 $3100 per person sharing with domestic flights. Single supplement $420.
On the 10th, we fly to Goroka in the morning, visit the market, the museum, and a coffee roasters before spending the night at Klerht Cove Motel, a pleasant guesthouse wonderfully hosted by the local doctor and surgeon, Dr Boone and his family. The following day, we visit two different trines, the Nupaha and the Akameku, in their respective villages, for private sing-sings, followed by a night back at Klerht Cove. On the 12th, we head west to the Asaro Valley, home to the famous Mudmen, where we will spend the day learning about their culture, traditions, and way of life, before spending the night in their guesthouse. On the 13th, we continue westwards along the Highlands Highway through Simbu and Jiwaka provinces, to Mt Hagen for four nights’ full board accommodation at Shine Inn, with the Paiya mini-show on the 14th with 12 iconic tribes, and the splendid Mt Hagen Festival on 15th and 16th. Includes all meals, transfers, guiding, show passes, and domestic flights.
MOUNT HAGEN FOUR-NIGHT SING-SING TOUR HIGHLANDER HOTEL 13 - 17 August 2026 $2600 with domestic flights
Four nights’ full board accommodation at The Highlander Hotel, the bet hotel in town, Paiya mini-show on the 14th with 12 iconic tribes, airport transfers on the 13th and 17th, transfers to the show grounds and back on the 16th and 17th, and birdwatching. Includes show pass and return flights from Port Moresby flights. Itinerary here
BASIC MOUNT HAGEN FOUR-NIGHT SING-SING TOUR SHINE INN 13 - 17 August 2026 $1950 with domestic flights
Four nights’ full board accommodation at Shine Inn, Paiya mini-show on the 14th with 12 iconic tribes, airport transfers on the 13th and 17th, transfers to the show grounds and back on the 15th and 16th. Includes show pass and return flights from Port Moresby flights. Itinerary here
THE DISCOVERER TOUR 13 to 21 AUGUST
The Discoverer is an unescorted (local guides will be at each location) 9-day/8-night program, providing a unique opportunity to discover the culture and ecosystems of the world's second largest island New Guinea. Papua New Guinea is a veritable smorgasbord of colour, culture and excitement. The highlight of the Discoverer program is attendance at the famous Mount Hagen Cultural Show, a world-famous cultural gathering of many of the opulently decorated cultural groups of this incredibly diverse land.
Cost including all domestic flights: US$8664 per person (twin share).
US$9659 single except twin share at the Highlander Hotel. More details here
THE PANORAMA TOUR 14 to 26 AUGUST
The Panorama Show is a fully escorted 13 day/12-night program that provides a stunning view of Papua New Guinea. The journey begins with the spectacular Mt Hagen Cultural show, providing an incredible vista of cultures from all over Papua New Guinea. In a land of nearly 800 languages, there is no better place to see so many gathered in one place
Cost including all domestic flights: US$ 13,886 per person (twin share).
US$ 15,206 single except twin share on the Sepik Spirit and Rondon Ridge. More details here
THE VISTA TOUR 6 to 18 AUGUST
The Vista Show, a fully escorted 13-day/12-night program, provides a wide perspective on Papua New Guinea, from a journey through the Sepik Region to shaking hands with a Huli Wigman. The tour culminates with the Mount Hagen Cultural Show. The Hagen Show brings together sing-sing groups from throughout Papua New Guinea, with the variety of cultures and groups represented in turn reflecting the diversity of Papua New Guinea's landscapes. From lowland tropical rainforests to alpine forests and grasslands, Papua New Guinea possesses a huge variety of rugged landscapes, exotic ecosystems and pre-technological cultures.
Cost including all domestic flights: US$13,562 per person (twin share).
US$14,907 single except twin share on the Sepik Spirit and Highlander Hotel. More details here
SHORT GOROKA SHOW PACKAGES
17 - 21 September 2026 - from $1300 flights included
Thursday: fly in from Port Moresby
Friday: full-day Asaro Mudmen village visit and Asaro Sing-Sing (the best Asaro visit around) and Chimbu Masalai Skeleton Men
Saturday: VIP passes for Goroka Show
Sunday: VIP Passes for the Goroka Show
Monday: Fly back to Port Moresby
Option 1: Using single room accommodation with shared toilet and shower facilities, right next to the showgrounds $1300, no meals included. Full Itinerary here
Option 2: Using our favourite guesthouse, Klehrt Cove, with ensuite bathrooms and on-site dining, based on two sharing $1500 with breakfasts and dinners included, $1950 single occupancy. Full itinerary here
Bird of Paradise Hotel accommodation options
Four nights' accommodation, includes airport transfers, does not include meals. These can be paid for on site, as there are various options available that are cheaper than the full board package.
Itinerary and images here
Double or Twin Room: Two sharing $2100 per person. Single occupancy: $2900
Full itinerary here
HIGHLANDS TRIBES ESCORTED TOUR including the Goroka Festival
8 nights 14 - 22 September 2026: $3694 including flights, single supplement: $530.
Escorted by Best of PNG's founder, Christopher Bartlett, we fly to Mount Hagen to meet the Huli Wigmen, the Melpa, and the Hagen Wigmen. We have a morning birding walk, and an afternoon birdwatching from the comfort of a lodge, looking for Birds of Paradise and other endemic species. We then travel through the provinces of Jiwaka and Chimbu, stopping to see a Chimbu coffee roaster, en route to Goroka. You will love our unique Asaro Mudmen Sing-Sing on the Friday, and then it's time for the Goroka two-day festival with four nights' accommodation in a comfortable guest house close to the show grounds. We end with anither cultural day in the Eastern Highlands, visiting two more trines for private sing-sings, and spent the last night at the Asaro Mudmen village in a rustic lodge. Includes meals except lunches in Goroka, internal flights, show entry, activities, transfers, Sing Sings, guiding. interactive itinerary here.
SEPIK ADVENTURE TOUR - Rivers and Spirit Houses of the Middle Sepik
A set date group tour from 22 - 28 September 2026, from $2695 per person including domestic flights.
Designed to fit in with the Highlands Tribes Tour that ends on 22nd September, the Sepik Adventure Tour flies you up to Wewak for a night at In Wewak Boutique hotel where you will meet your guide. The following morning you, are driven through the Prince Alexander range to Pagwi, stopping for lunch at a roadside market along the way.
The Sepik River stretches from Telefomin in Sandaun Province to its outlet into the Bismarck Sea at Kopar village. There are many villages and hamlets in this culturally and environmentally rich area. The largest local animal is the wild pig - which is tamed and kept in the villages for use at cultural gatherings and compensation ceremonies. There are many other natural animal inhabitants, such as snakes, lizards, bandicoots, and above all birds. Many of the village songs and dances centre on indigenous animals and birds - the largest of which is the angry-looking flightless cassowary, a relative of the emu and the second heaviest bird on the planet.
The Middle Sepik is the last remaining area where the crocodile skin cutting initiation is still practiced. The villages in this region are more accessible and not so far apart in terms of travel time than on the more remote Upper Sepik. These villages have stood firm against the invasion of Christianity. They still retain their Haus Tambarans and practice their traditional customs including the initiation and scarification of young “crocodile men”. Also, the villages are home to famous artists and their sought-after birds’ head carvings.
On one day, we will have a “village day” where you can participate in village life. This can be local cooking, vegetable gardening, seeing sago being made and having a go yourself, helping with house maintenance, giving a lesson at the village school, running a sports activity with the kids, or anything that you have skills for. Discover the Sepik Adventure Tour details here.
A set date group tour from 22 - 28 September 2026, from $2695 per person including domestic flights.
Designed to fit in with the Highlands Tribes Tour that ends on 22nd September, the Sepik Adventure Tour flies you up to Wewak for a night at In Wewak Boutique hotel where you will meet your guide. The following morning you, are driven through the Prince Alexander range to Pagwi, stopping for lunch at a roadside market along the way.
The Sepik River stretches from Telefomin in Sandaun Province to its outlet into the Bismarck Sea at Kopar village. There are many villages and hamlets in this culturally and environmentally rich area. The largest local animal is the wild pig - which is tamed and kept in the villages for use at cultural gatherings and compensation ceremonies. There are many other natural animal inhabitants, such as snakes, lizards, bandicoots, and above all birds. Many of the village songs and dances centre on indigenous animals and birds - the largest of which is the angry-looking flightless cassowary, a relative of the emu and the second heaviest bird on the planet.
The Middle Sepik is the last remaining area where the crocodile skin cutting initiation is still practiced. The villages in this region are more accessible and not so far apart in terms of travel time than on the more remote Upper Sepik. These villages have stood firm against the invasion of Christianity. They still retain their Haus Tambarans and practice their traditional customs including the initiation and scarification of young “crocodile men”. Also, the villages are home to famous artists and their sought-after birds’ head carvings.
On one day, we will have a “village day” where you can participate in village life. This can be local cooking, vegetable gardening, seeing sago being made and having a go yourself, helping with house maintenance, giving a lesson at the village school, running a sports activity with the kids, or anything that you have skills for. Discover the Sepik Adventure Tour details here.
September 29 to October 2, 2026
East New Britain Bainings Fire Dance and Duke of York Islands
Details TBC
East New Britain Bainings Fire Dance and Duke of York Islands
Details TBC
SEPIK RIVER MINI-EXPEDITIONS
From $1270 per person in a group of four
Any time of year, for a four-night trip. Flights to Wewak from Port Moresby and back $370 to $450.
One night at In Wewak Boutique Hotel, three days and two nights visiting the Middle Sepik, one night at In Wewak Boutique Hotel. Full board. Highlights: A motorised dug-out canoe trip in the Middle Sepik, visiting Palimbei and Kanganaman villages and their “Crocodilemen” Experience diverse landscapes, enter spirit houses, meet ancient tribes and local artisans. Upper Sepik trips also possible.
Five, six, and seven night trips also available, see here.
From $1270 per person in a group of four
Any time of year, for a four-night trip. Flights to Wewak from Port Moresby and back $370 to $450.
One night at In Wewak Boutique Hotel, three days and two nights visiting the Middle Sepik, one night at In Wewak Boutique Hotel. Full board. Highlights: A motorised dug-out canoe trip in the Middle Sepik, visiting Palimbei and Kanganaman villages and their “Crocodilemen” Experience diverse landscapes, enter spirit houses, meet ancient tribes and local artisans. Upper Sepik trips also possible.
Five, six, and seven night trips also available, see here.