Papua New Guinea Expedition: Firedance Festival

Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Travel deep into Papua New Guinea to experience local cultures, natural splendour and island life on a nine-day adventure culminating in the spectacular Firedance Festival.

Highlights

Gain insight into one of Papua New Guinea’s indigenous cultures as you’re welcomed into a local village and watch as traditional Baining dancers circle a growing fire and perform dancing rituals.
Spend time before and after the performance learning more about these traditional customs, sharing meals, stories and laughs with local community members.
Jump into island life in Rabaul – marvel at an active volcano, learn how to make agir (a traditional coconut stew) and experience a traditional sing-sing with the villagers.
Discover how the World Wars played out in the Pacific by visiting the War Museum in Rabaul and heading underground for a tour of the Japanese tunnels in Kokopo.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Boat

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Rabaul - Kokopo, Papua New Guinea

Finishes

Kokopo - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Festivals and Events

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Rabaul - Kokopo

Welcome to Kokopo and Papua New Guinea! This is a land of dense jungle, bright coral reefs and wartime secrets. Your adventure begins with a 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, 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.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Rabaul - Vunagum Village - Kokopo

Set off on a historical tour of Rabaul town with your group. There’ll be some walking on uneven surfaces, so pack some good 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. You'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 and maybe even watch a passionate performance from the local church choir. Return to your Kokopo for the evening.

Included Activities:

Rabaul - Historical tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Duke of York Islands

The neighbouring islands all have their own personality, customs and cultures, and today you’ll cruise around a few to explore and experience this for yourself. 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

Accommodation:

Island Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Duke of York Islands

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. 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

Accommodation:

Island Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5-7: Firedance Festival

This morning, head into the highlands of the Gazelle Peninsula. It’s here that the Firedance Festival takes place, and tonight, you’ll enjoy another village homestay. You’ll be welcomed the village with a traditional Melanesian welcome ceremony – a common practice to show the village residents that your group is welcome. After, enjoy a traditional mumu lunch – where root vegetables are wrapped in leaves and cooked under hot stones. Settle into the local feel of the village, then later, the festivities will start. The traditional fire dancing ceremonies are a cultural spectacle for locals and visitors alike, and your expert local guides will be able to explain to you the historical importance of the dance, as well as the costumes and performance. As it goes into the night, villagers add bundles of firewood to the bonfire, and the fire-dancers will perform until their feet put out the last flames. Enjoy a barbecue dinner as you cherish this cultural moment. Over the next 2 days, you will enjoy further performances from local cultural groups that take place across multiple villages. On the final morning, experience a closing party during which the village will farewell their guests. After saying goodbye to your hosts, you’ll make your way back to Kokopo.

Included Activities:

Firedance Festival
Melanesian welcome ceremony
Traditional mumu lunch
Firedance Festival
Firedance Festival

Accommodation:

Village Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Hotel (Number of Nights: 2)

Day 8: Kokopo

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

Included Activities:

Kokopo - Blue Lagoon
Kokopo - Bitapaka War Cemetery

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Kokopo - 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.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $8,090

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Travel deep into Papua New Guinea to experience local cultures, natural splendour and island life on a nine-day adventure culminating in the spectacular Firedance Festival.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 24 Sep 2025

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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