TUMBUNA FESTIVAL TOUR – MAY 2023

 Tumbuna Sing-sing: The Tumbuna Tour is an unescorted 10 days/9 nights program. Tumbuna is the Tok Pisin (the lingua franca of Papua New Guinea) word for ancestors. “Taim Bilong Tumbuna” refers to the time before the white-man came, being the ways of the ancestors. The 2022 Tumbuna Sing-Sing will be a spectacular celebration, involving local tribes celebrating their culture in a colorful extravaganza of traditional dress, dancing and singing. Bringing together a few of the 800 or so language groups of Papua New Guinea, the Tumbuna Sing-sing is a unique opportunity to witness the ways of the Tumbuna, as well as meet and listen to the stories first hand from tribal elders about the Taim Bilong Tumbuna. The Tumbuna Sing-sing is a celebration of culture and tradition – celebrating “pasin bilong Tumbuna,” the way of the ancestors.

Summary –15 to 24 May 2023

 3 nights          – Rondon Ridge, Western Highlands 2 nights                        – Lake Murray, Western Fly

3 nights          – Karawari Lodge, Sepik Region 1 night                        – Airways Hotel, Port Moresby

Itinerary in Brief

 Friday 15 May, 2023

Upon arrival in Port Moresby from your international flight you will be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff and transferred to your onward domestic Air Niugini flight from Port Moresby to Mount Hagen. Mount Hagen town is in the upper Wahgi Valley – a valley with some of the oldest evidence of agriculture in the world. Perched high on Mount Kuta is Rondon Ridge, with unbelievable views of the Wahgi Valley.

Overnight: Rondon Ridge (-D)

 Saturday 16 May, 2023

In the morning after breakfast, Trans Niugini Tours staff will transfer you to the airport for your Charter flight to Lake Murray. On arrival enjoy a sit down lunch at the lodge and then proceed on an afternoon walk around the island which include a visit to a local village – maybe by boat or a walk. There is also an option of a 2-3km hike (walk) to the station and local market if you are up to it.

Overnight: Lake Murray Lodge (BLD)

 Sunday 17 May, 2023

A full day of cultural and ecological touring. Visit the Pari tribe. Demonstrations will include traditional bilas display, traditional weaving, tribal warriors and a traditional sing-sing and chance to share stories with the villagers.

Overnights: Lake Murray Lodge (BLD)

 Monday 18 May, 2023

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airstrip for your charter flight Lake Murray to Karawari.

From Karawari airstrip, you will be transferred by river boat and four wheel drive to Karawari Lodge. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari River, Karawari Lodge boasts a spectacular view over hundreds of kilometres of dense tropical jungle. It is inspired by local architecture and built with traditional materials, while still providing modern comforts.

Proceed with lunch then follow with an afternoon visit to Kundiman village for a sago making demonstration. Sago is the Staple food for the river people.

Overnight: Karawari Lodge (BLD)

 Tuesday 19 & Wednesday 20 May, 2023

Enjoy two full days of cultural touring. Enjoy excursions along the jungle-fringed waterways of the Karawari River where boatmen, standing upright, paddle their slender dugout canoes adorned with sculpted silhouettes of crocodile masks. Village life including carved totems, drums, woodcarvings and different expressions of art are also experienced. See bountiful bird life along the rivers and nearby lakes. These tours will enhance your understanding of traditional village culture in the Sepik region.

Overnight: Karawari Lodge (BLD)

 Thursday 21 May, 2023

Enjoy an early breakfast before your transfer to Karawari airstrip for departure.

Fly by charter from Karawari to Mount Hagen. During the flight mountains rise up to startling heights out of the flat lands of the Sepik Basin. Mount Hagen town is in the upper Wahgi Valley – a valley with some of the oldest evidence of agriculture in the world.

Perched high on Mount Kuta is Rondon Ridge, with unbelievable views of the Wahgi Valley. Guests are accommodated in 22 units, each unit featuring 90 degree views, a modern bathroom, electric blankets and continental quilts for the cool highland evenings.

Proceed with lunch then enjoy an afternoon guided nature walk around the trails at Rondon Ridge.

Overnight: Rondon Ridge (BLD)

 Friday 22 May, 2023

Today, a full day is spent at the Tumbuna sing-sing – witness traditional dances, interact with Stone Age cultures and hear stories about “Taim bilong Tumbuna” (time of the ancestors). Picnic lunch will be provided at the show grounds.

Overnight: Rondon Ridge (BLD)

 Saturday 23 May, 2023

Transfer to Kagamuga Airport for your flight to Port Moresby. Upon arrival in Port Moresby you will be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff and transferred to your hotel. After lunch you will have a half day tour to the Nature Park.

Overnight: Airways Hotel (BLD)

 Sunday 24 May, 2023

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your out-going international flight. (B)

*End of Trans Niugini Tours Arrangements *

 Land Cost Valid Till 31st December 2023

Land Cost Includes:

Accommodation, airport transfers and tours on a seat in a bus basis, meals from dinner on 15 May to breakfast on 24 May, local English speaking guides and sing-sing entry fee.

Land Cost Does Not Include:

Domestic and international flights, gratuities and services of a personal nature such as beverage, laundry charges, phone and fax bills.

ADDITIONAL AIR CHARTER COST: Special Note Regarding Charters: Maximum baggage allowance is 10kg per person and a maximum of 5kg carry-on baggage per person. Large, hard sided suitcases are not permitted on charter aircraft.

US$3,200.00 per person

Saturday 16 May, 2023       – Mount Hagen/ Lake Murray Monday 18 May 2023  – Lake Murray/Karawari Thursday 21 May 2023 – Karawari/Mount Hagen

Air Niugini (PX) Flight: Important Note:

You are to book and ticket the domestic Air Niugini flights together with your international flights. We will only book and ticket the Air Charter flights.

The Air Niugini flights you are to book and ticket are:

Friday 15 May 2023             – PX186 Port Moresby/Mount Hagen Saturday 23 May 2023                         – PX181 Mount Hagen/Port Moresby

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*Booking & Payment Procedures For Independent Travelers*

To secure space, a Non Refundable deposit of US$500.00 per person is required to confirm the booking. Full payment is due on 15th March 2020. We will confirm booking only on receipt of deposits.

Deposits and payments should be made into our Wells Fargo US Dollar bank account, details of which can be found on our payment instructions page.

Cancellation Policy:

1.  59-30 days prior to client’s departure: 50% forfeiture of the full rate for the
2. 29-16 days prior to client’s departure: 75% forfeiture of the full rate for the
3. 15 days or less prior to client’s departure: 100% forfeiture of the full rate for the program.
4. Your deposit of US$500.00 per person is non-refundable.

Policy on the Exchange Of Services & Services Not Taken:

Please note that Trans Niugini Tours is unable to refund any services, which appear in the main itinerary, but are not taken. Please also note that Trans Niugini Tours is unable to exchange services, which are not taken in the main itinerary, for other services. Services must be taken on the day that they appear in the main itinerary, and cannot be transferred to a different day.

US Dollar Payment Instructions:

Please note that you are responsible for any fees and charges incurred by your bank or its intermediaries. When deposits and/or full payments are made, you are required to fax a copy of the payment receipt to

+62 812-47628708. Or Payment via PayPal (we will provide when it does)

Client Information:

Upon receipt of deposits, you will be sent a confirmation packet. We cannot stress enough the importance of reading this information prior to your arrival in Papua New Guinea.

Information in advance may help you to adjust to situations better as they occur. (Travel insurance is mandatory).