Tours

Discover the wonders of East Sepik, Papua New Guinea’s cultural heartland. Journey along the mighty Sepik River, where every village tells a story through spirit houses, carvings, and ancient traditions. Explore Wewak’s coastal islands—Muschu, Kairiru, and the dramatic volcanic peaks of Bam and Kadovar—offering pristine beaches, history, and breathtaking views. Visit historic World War II sites at Cape Wom, Mission Hill, and Japanese tunnels, where the past still echoes. From the artistry of Chambri clay pot makers to the legendary carvings of Tambanum, East Sepik combines adventure, culture, history, and natural beauty, offering travelers an unforgettable experience of authentic Papua New Guinea.

Tour Option #1: Middle Sepik (Palimbe & Chambri Lakes)

Duration: 2 Nighs / 3 Days
Highlights:

• Day 1

  • Depart Wewak for Pagwi.

  • Meet your waiting canoe and travel along the Sepik River to Palimbe Village.

  • Explore the village and experience local culture.

  • Overnight stay in Palimbe Village.

  Day 2

  • Depart Palimbe Village for Kanganamun, Aibom, and the Chambri Lakes.

  • Explore the villages and cultural highlights of the Chambri area.

  • Return to Palimbe Village in the afternoon.

  • Overnight stay in Palimbe Village.

  Day 3

  • Depart Palimbe for Pagwi.

  • Continue the journey back to Wewak.

  • Overnight stay in Wewak.

  End of 2 Nights / 3 Days – Middle Sepik (Palimbe & Chambri Lakes) Nature & Culture Tour

Tour Option #2: Upper Sepik River

Duration: 2 Nights / 3 Days
Highlights:

• Day 1

  • Depart Wewak for Pagwi.

  • Meet your waiting canoe and travel upriver to Ambunti.

  • Continue on to Wagu Lakes.

  • Explore the area and overnight stay in Wagu Village.

  Day 2

  • Depart Wagu Village for Tongijamb, explore and return.

  • Trek to Mayo Village, meet your canoe, and visit the village.

  • Return to Ambunti in the afternoon.

  • Overnight stay at Ambunti Lodge.

  Day 3

  • Depart Ambunti by canoe to Pagwi.

  • Meet your waiting vehicle for the return journey to Wewak.

  • Overnight stay in Wewak.

  End of 2 Nights / 3 Days – Upper Sepik River Culture & Nature Tour

Tour Option #3: Middle Sepik Tour

Duration: 2 Nights / 3 Days
Highlights:

• Day 1 – Wewak → Pagwi → Palimbe

  • Depart Wewak by vehicle to Pagwi (gateway to the Sepik River).

  • Continue by motor canoe along the Sepik River to Palimbe Village.

  • Explore the village, traditional spirit houses, and cultural displays.

  • Overnight stay in Palimbe Village.

  Day 2 – Palimbe → Kanganamun → Aibom → Chambri Lakes → Yamok / Torembi

  • Depart Palimbe by canoe to visit Kanganamun (renowned for traditional art and carvings).

  • Continue to Aibom Village, famous for pottery-making.

  • Explore the Chambri Lakes.

  • Return by canoe, then walk to Yamok Village in the Torembi area.

  • Overnight stay at Leinga Village, Yamok.

  Day 3 – Yamok / Torembi → Pagwi → Wewak

  • Depart Leinga Village and canoe back to Pagwi.

  • Continue by road to Wewak.

  • Overnight in Wewak (end of tour).

Festivals & Events

Unique festivals each year. If you miss any this year, don't worry we can help you plan for next year.

Itinerary 1: Rivers & Spirit Houses (Middle Sepik)

Duration: 7 days (Group Tour)
Outline:

• Day 1: Fly from Port Moresby to Wewak, stay overnight at In Wewak Boutique Hotel Best of Papua New Guinea.

• Day 2: Travel over Prince Alexander Range to Pagwi, stopping at a roadside market for lunch Best of Papua New Guinea.

• Days 3–5: Canoe upriver through the Sepik—visit traditional villages, explore spirit houses (Haus Tambaran), observe carving and cultural activities Best of Papua New Guinea.

• Day 6: Continue deeper into Middle Sepik; engage with village life and bird-infused cultural settings.

• Day 7: Return to Wewak for overnight and onward departure.

Itinerary 2: Middle Sepik Tour (Sept 2025)

Duration: 7 days (23–29 Sept 2025)
Inclusions & Highlights:

• Domestic flights from Port Moresby to Wewak.

• Night in Wewak at In Wewak Boutique Hotel.

• Overland journey through scenic ranges to reach Pagwi.

• Village life immersion: help with sago making, cooking, teaching, or community tasks.

• Cultural rituals, stories, and overnight stays in local villages.

• Return to Wewak and departure.
  Price: From US $2,375 per person (includes domestic flights)

Itinerary 3: Sepik Crocodile Festival Tour

Duration: 7 days (e.g., 3–9 August 2025)
Includes:

• Flight to Wewak, hotel stay.

• Overland drive to Pagwi and canoe journey to Wagu Lagoon.

• Three nights at Wagu guesthouse: foam mattresses, linens, mosquito nets, and generator power Best of Papua New Guinea.

• Participate in the Sepik Crocodile & Arts Festival; photograph cultural performances.

• Dawn excursion to spot Less Bird of Paradise, and visits to Meno and Tongijamb villages.

• Middle Sepik visit to Palimbei and Kanganamun—home of the renowned "Crocodilemen" ritual of scarification.

• Canoe return to Pagwi and onward to Wewak

Site Visits

In East Sepik Province, most tourism is river- and culture-based, but there are also some notable island and coastal spots for tours. Here are the famous island, inlands, historic and cultural sites and nearby tour spots:

Island & Coastal Spots – East Sepik

1. Wewak Islands – Off the coast of Wewak, great for snorkeling, fishing, village visits, and beach relaxation.

2. Muschu Island – Historically significant (WWII Japanese base, battles), with pristine beaches and wartime relics.

3. Kairiru Island – Volcanic island near Wewak, famous for hot springs, missionary history, hiking, and black sand beaches.

4. Bam Island (Volcanic) – Part of the Schouten Islands; offers stunning views, seabird habitats, and remote adventure (access is restricted).

5. Kadovar Island (Active Volcano) – Spectacular live volcano, best viewed from the sea, showcasing PNG’s natural drama.

6. Blup Blup Island – Small volcanic island with lush forest, birdlife, and diving/snorkeling opportunities.

7. Ruprup Island – Remote and scenic Schouten Island, known for fishing, bird habitats, and cultural ties to mainland Sepik.

8. Seleo Island (off Aitape coast) – Rich in marine life, traditional fishing villages, and beautiful beaches.

9. Tumleo Island (near Aitape) – Cultural island with Catholic mission history, beaches, and welcoming village communities.

10. Wewak Coastline Beaches (Cape Moem, Kreer Beach) – Popular with locals and tourists for swimming, picnics, and coastal relaxation near Wewak town.

• River & Inland Highlights – East Sepik

  1. Sepik River Villages (Angoram, Pagwi, Kopar, Tambanum) – known for spirit houses, carvings, crocodile culture, and traditional ceremonies.

  2. Chambri Lakes – famous for clay pot making, birdlife, and unique lake culture.

  3. Tambanum Village – one of the largest carving villages on the Sepik River.

  4. Kanganaman Village – renowned for its massive Haus Tambaran (spirit house) and sacred art.

  5. Korogo Village – a cultural hub showcasing traditional masks and ancestral rituals.

  6. Angoram Town – gateway to Sepik River tours, with colonial history and local markets.

  7. Maprik District – rich in Abelam culture, yam ceremonies, and intricate traditional art.

  8. Yangoru-Saussia – highland area with traditional yam houses and panoramic views.

  9. Wosera-Gawi Villages – famous for ancestral spirit traditions, woven mats, and river life.

  10. Hunstein Range (Upper Sepik) – remote rainforest mountains with birdwatching and eco-tourism potential.

Historic & Cultural Sites – East Sepik

1. Haus Tambaran (Spirit Houses) – Sepik River Villages
   Sacred traditional structures decorated with carvings and paintings, central to Sepik culture and rituals.

2. Kanganaman & Tambanum Villages (Sepik River)
   Famous for traditional architecture, woodcarvings, and centuries-old art forms passed down through generations.

3. Chambri Lakes (Sepik River)
   Known for traditional clay pot making, cultural heritage, and strong links to ancient Sepik trade networks.

4. Mission Hill (Wewak)
   WWII memorial site with sweeping views, originally a Japanese command post, later taken by Allied forces.

5. Cape Wom Memorial Park (Wewak)
   Site of Japan’s formal surrender in 1945, officially ending WWII in Papua New Guinea.

6. Japanese Tunnels (Wewak & Maprik areas)
   Built by Japanese forces during WWII; remnants include bunkers, tunnels, and gun placements.

7. Kairiru Island Mission (near Wewak)
   Historic Catholic mission site with colonial-era church buildings and natural hot springs.

8. Muschu Island (off Wewak)
   WWII battleground where Japanese soldiers launched raids on Allied positions; today both a cultural and historic landmark.

9. Yangoru & Maprik Yam Houses (Abelam Culture)
   Traditional ceremonial houses decorated with vibrant paintings, central to yam harvest rituals.

10. Wosera Cultural Villages (Inland Sepik)
    Villages preserving ancient spirit traditions, ceremonial sites, and ancestral stories tied to everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of tours are offered?

We offer canoe journeys, village visits, festivals, and cruise dock excursions.

Are the tours safe?

Yes, we prioritize safety, ensuring you have a secure and enjoyable experience throughout your journey.

How can I book a tour?

You can book by contacting us directly through our website or by calling our customer service for assistance. info@sepikadventuretours.com or call +675 78307633

Do you provide local insights?

Absolutely, our tours include authentic experiences led by knowledgeable local guides.

Can I compare prices?

Yes, we can help you compare prices to find the best option for your adventure.

What is your cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy is flexible; please refer to our website or contact us for detailed information.