The Papua New Guinea Firedance Festival 10-day Adventure
What your day looks like
Based in the East New Britain province, the Baining Fire Dance Festival is a mesmerizing cultural spectacle that awakens all the senses. Over the course of two days, this immersive event showcases the rich tapestry of unique cultures and subcultures that define the incredible diversity of the region. Unlike typical festivals in Papua New Guinea that take place in urban showgrounds, this journey takes you directly into local villages. This setting provides an unmatched, authentic experience, allowing you to connect deeply with the communities and witness traditions in their truest form. The festival features over 50 breathtaking masked performances, each one as exclusive and captivating as the next. To elevate your experience beyond just a visual spectacle, the tour incorporates the expert cultural insights of Dr. Jacob Simet. By translating the distinct narratives of each cultural group, Dr. Simet provides the context needed to truly see, hear, feel, and understand the profound history and meaning behind every single dance. Minimum quantity of passengers to run tour is 6 and the maximum is 20.
The experience, in brief
- Witness the spectacular Baining Fire Dance Festival
- Experience authentic village performances and cultural traditions
- Discover over 50 unique masked dances with expert cultural insights
Your day, step by step
Alotau
Welcome to Papua New Guinea! Arrive in Port Moresby: Located in the southwestern Pacific, this remarkable country encompasses the eastern half of New Guinea along with its surrounding islands. Famed for its immense cultural and biological diversity, Papua New Guinea offers a truly unique travel experience with pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs that continue to draw nature lovers and adventure seekers from around the world. After clearing customs and immigration, you will be met in the arrivals hall by the South Sea Horizons team, who will assist you with your transfer and check-in to the Hilton Hotel. Once you have checked into your room and freshened up following your flight, we will commence our afternoon tour of Port Moresby.
Alotau
Local Flavor at Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery. Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery: We will begin with a tour of the National Museum & Art Gallery. Home to significant historical artefacts and art pieces, you will have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of Papua New Guinea.
Alotau
City/Town Tour at Port Moresby. Port Moresby City Tour: We will then take a guided drive around Port Moresby city, where you will be able to gain an understanding of a young yet vibrant Pacific capital city. We will return to the Hilton late afternoon, where we will enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Alotau
Accommodation: Hilton Hotel, Port Moresby Room Type: King Guest Room Meals: Dinner
Rabaul
Port Moresby to Rabaul: Following breakfast at the hotel, it will be time to check out and head to Port Moresby Domestic Airport for our flight to Rabaul. The flight takes approximately 1.5 hours. After you have received your boarding pass, head on through security to the Executive Lounge where you will have a range of complimentary food and beverage available, as well as free WiFi. Upon arrival in Rabaul, you will be privately transferred to Rapopo Plantation Resort for check-in and lunch. Take the time to unwind before we begin our afternoon tour of Kokopo town.
Kokopo
City/Town Tour. Kokopo Town Tour: Following lunch, you will be privately transferred for a tour of Kokopo town. Kokopo town was once the fastest growing city in the Pacific, following the eruption of Mt. Tavurur in 1994. Many people from Rabaul moved to Kokopo following the eruption, and it has fast become one of Papua New Guinea’s largest regional cities. During this tour, you will visit the Kokopo Markets which are considered the best markets in all of Papua New Guinea, so be sure to take some cash with you as there are plenty of arts and crafts in addition to fresh produce. We will return to the resort late afternoon before the group and South Sea Horizons team sit down to a welcome dinner, which will be complemented by a local string band.
Alotau
Accommodation: Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo Room Type: Premier Poolside Room Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rabaul
City/Town Tour. Rabaul Historical Tour: After breakfast at the resort, we will head off for an historical tour of Rabaul. The drive from Kokopo to Rabaul takes between 45-minutes to 1-hour and there are some great, scenic locations we will stop at to grab the perfect photograph. On this tour, you will discover and learn about the historical significance Rabaul has had over the years, throughout both world wars and two major volcanic eruptions. Explore Admiral Yamamoto’s bunker, the Japanese underground tunnels and submarine base, the Niugini Club, visit the Rabaul Volcanic Observatory and take in the views of the town once referred to as the Pearl of the Pacific. Lunch will be at the Rabaul Hotel, which offers a great variety of local, Western and Asian cuisine. We will make our way back to Kokopo mid-afternoon, where you will have the chance to relax at your leisure.
Rabaul
Leisure. Resort time: Take a dip in the ocean or resort pool, or treat yourself to a massage at the resort’s on-site spa. Dinner will be served at the resort this evening.
Alotau
Accommodation: Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo Room Type: Premier Poolside Room Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rabaul
Boating at Duke of York Islands. Kokopo to Duke of York Islands: Following breakfast at the resort, you will be transferred to Kokopo town, where we will board our private boat transfers to Mioko, the main island of the Duke of Yorks. You will be overnighting on the island at the quaint local homestay, which will give you a great feel for village and island life in a comfortable environment. Please be sure to have your bags for your overnight stay, as well as for checkout of the resort room. Your main luggage can be safely secured at the resort for collection upon arrival tomorrow. It is a scenic 30-minute boat ride to the Duke of York Islands, with turquoise waters filled with pods of dolphins along the way. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and treated to a traditional lunch.
Rabaul
Local Flavor at Mioko Island. Mioko Island Tour & Cultural Performance: After lunch, we will take a walking tour of the island and meet many smiling faces while getting a feel for island life. You will also be treated to a cultural performance unique to the Duke of York Islands during your village tour. As the sun sets, settle into your bungalow as a freshly prepared dinner is made for you while the gentle sounds of the ocean put your mind at ease.
Alotau
Accommodation: Village Homestay, Duke of York Islands Room Type: Bungalow Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Alotau
Boating at Duke of York Islands. Duke of York Island Tour: Waking up on a tropical island is not a bad way to start the day. Take a refreshing dip in the ocean as breakfast is prepared for you. We will depart Mioko mid-morning for a gentle boat cruise around the numerous other islands that make up the Duke of Yorks. The untouched landscape is extremely impressive, and you will be sure to have many of the local children running out to wave hello.
Alotau
Snorkeling. Pigeon Island Snorkelling: As we leave the Duke of York's, we will make our way to Pigeon Island, which is only a 20-minute boat ride. We will stop here to snorkel some pristine reefs in a calm and controlled marine environment. A range of coral and sea life is easily visible, and your guides will be on hand to direct and assist you as needed. From here, we will head back to Kokopo, where your private transport awaits you to transfer you back to Rapopo Plantation Resort. Your rooms will be checked in for you, along with your luggage. We will arrive at the resort just after midday, and just in time for lunch.
Rabaul
Leisure. Relaxing afternoon: Following lunch, the afternoon is yours to relax prior to dinner at the resort restaurant this evening.
Alotau
Accommodation: Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo Room Type: Premier Poolside Room Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rabaul
Local Flavor. Karavia Village Tour: After breakfast, we will take a 30-minute drive to Karavia Village, located on the coast between Kokopo and Rabaul. Here, you will experience traditional Tolai life in the village, with a local choir performance to greet you as you arrive. From here, you will take on a guided village walk. Along this walk, you will discover some sites from WWII, which include hospital tunnels and barge tunnels, all of which were built by hand. We will return to the village for a freshly prepared local lunch. Not only will you get to experience the delicious tastes, but you will also be shown how the meals were prepared using local and traditional cooking methods and techniques. No doubt you will be a little thirsty, which is when you will be shown a coconut climbing demonstration, with the local children making their way up the palms to fetch you fresh coconut (known here as kulau) We will make our way back to the resort mid-afternoon to watch the sunset over Blanche Bay and enjoy a nice dinner on the over-water balcony.
Alotau
Accommodation: Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo Room Type: Premier Poolside Room Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rabaul
Local Flavor. Cocoa Factory Tour: Following breakfast, it will be a relaxed departure from the resort to Kokopo town to take on a guided tour of the main cocoa factory. Cocoa is one of Papua New Guinea’s main cash crops, and the process from farm to processing is quite incredible. You will learn about the complete process and gain a deep understanding of what it takes to process cocoa, while also understanding the variety of international locations this product is shipped to. After this tour, we will head back to the resort around lunchtime. As we have an evening activity arranged tonight, the South Sea Horizons team and staff at Rapopo Plantation Resort will discuss your dinner arrangements with you following lunch, which will be a prepared meal of your choice from the resort delivered to this evening’s event. Take the afternoon to relax before tonight’s feature event – the Baining Fire Dance.
Rabaul
Local Flavor. Baining Fire Dance: At around 4:30 pm, we will depart for an exclusive cultural experience featuring the Linganga, known to Westerners as the Fire Dance. The Baining clan, distinct among the cultures of Papua New Guinea, does not use the traditional Kundu drum for rhythm; instead, they utilize bamboo, producing a unique sound that complements the fire dance. This ritual is performed exclusively by highly ranked initiated men and offers a profound spectacle, deeply rooted in ancient tradition, that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world. We will depart this event at around 8:00 pm and make our way back to the resort.
Alotau
Accommodation: Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo Room Type: Premier Poolside Room Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rabaul
Cultural Immersion. Vunakaur Cultural Experience: After breakfast at the resort, we will embark on a full-day tour to Vunakaur Village. Today will offer you unique experiences rarely witnessed by visitors, giving an insight into Tolai culture. We will arrive at a traditional welcome at Vunakaur mid-morning, with numerous performances from surrounding tribes taking place throughout the day. Each performance is specific, and you will be given an in-depth description behind the traditional meaning of each one. Throughout these performances, you will partake in customary gratitude, which is the presenting of the local shell money (tabu) as well as a basket of freshly prepared food which was cooked in the traditional mumu style. This part of the tour offers exceptional photo opportunities, capturing the rawness and beauty of the Tolai people. A traditional lunch will be prepared for you and enjoyed in the village. We will depart Vunakaur early afternoon back to the resort, where you can take the time to relax and go through some of the amazing photos captured today. Enjoy dinner at your leisure.
Alotau
Accommodation: Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo Room Type: Premier Poolside Room Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rabaul
Swimming. Early Morning Dolphin Swim: As the sun rises, head down to the beachfront where you will board a banana boat and head to a nearby dolphin breeding ground. You will have the chance to swim with hundreds of Spinner Dolphins this morning, freeing your mind and giving you an intimate connection with nature. We will return to the resort for breakfast at around 0830.
Rabaul
Local Flavor. Kokopo War Museum: Following breakfast, we will take a short drive to the Kokopo War Museum, where you will be able to see many artefacts from WWII, as well as documents and photographs that date back to the late 1800’s during the German occupation of New Guinea. As this is the last day of your tour, we will make one final stop at the Kokopo markets to give you a chance to grab that one last gift for someone special or yourself. We will arrive back at the resort for lunch, and the afternoon is yours to relax and prepare for your travels tomorrow. Prior to dinner, your South Sea Horizons guides will come to say farewell, as not all of them will be at the airport tomorrow morning.
Alotau
Accommodation: Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo Room Type: Premier Poolside Room Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Alotau
Rabaul to Port Moresby: It will be an early transfer to Rabaul Airport for your flight to Port Moresby. The South Sea Horizons team will meet you at the resort to transfer you to Tokua Airport and assist you with your check-in. Following a swift check-in, head into the Executive Lounge prior to boarding. Your flight to Port Moresby will take approximately 1.5-hours. Once you arrive, collect your luggage from the domestic terminal and make your way to the international terminal which is a short 3-minute walk to check in for your outbound flight. We hope you had a great time with us!
What to know before booking
Included
1-night accommodation at Hilton Hotel, Port Moresby 7-nights’ accommodation at Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo 1-night accommodation at Duke of York Islands Homestay, Duke of York Islands Flights as detailed below: o Return Economy Class flight from Port Moresby to Rabaul (Executive Club) Fully Guided Tour All activities & tours as outlined in this itinerary All transfers as outlined in this itinerary ** Please note that the flights and accommodation mentioned in the above itinerary are subject to availability and will be secured once a deposit is received
Not Included
Alcoholic beverages Soft drinks Room charges International flights not stated in this itinerary Items of a personal nature Tips & gratuities
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes Breathable clothing for humid coastal areas Warmer layers for cooler climates in the Highlands Waterproof jacket Insect repellent Flashlight or headlamp Dry bag for electronics Personal hygiene items Travel-size toiletries Camera Refillable water bottle Purification tablets or a small filter bottle just in case Small personal medical kit Cash for personal use
Restrictions
Make sure your passport is current, with at least six months' validity beyond your return date. Your name on the ticket should exactly match your passport, and depending on your nationality, you might need to show proof of a return ticket or sufficient funds to exit the country If you're heading to PNG, a visa is required before arrival—so make sure this is sorted in advance! It’s not something that can be arranged at the airport. Travel Insurance: SSH requires all guests to have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care, emergency transport, and repatriation. You'll need to show your tour leader your policy details during your pre-trip briefing. If you're relying on credit card insurance, please bring your documentation and make sure you understand your policy's coverage
Meeting & Pickup
We will pick you up from Port Moresby International Airport (Jacksons International Airport), 121 Morea-Tobo Rd, Port Moresby Central Province, Papua New Guinea
Languages Offered
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Before Booking
Please let us know your arrival flight details so we can arrange pickup.
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business
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