Rabaul Mask Festival and Baining Fire Dance Package Papua New Guinea

Rabaul Mask Festival and Baining Fire Dance Package Papua New Guinea
From USD $0.00
  • Duration: 6 Days (approx.)
  • Product code: rabaulshow

Rabaul, Fire Dance, & Mask Festival Package Papua New Guinea 


DURATION: 6 Days and 5 Nights

DEPARTURE: July


BACKSTORY

Rabaul’s deserved title “The Pearl of the Pacific” has been substituted with “Pompeii of the Pacific” after Mother Nature unleashed its destructive forces via the volcano named Tavurvur in 1994.

Rabaul ("mangrove swamp") was claimed by the German government in 1884 as the administrative-centre-to-be for German New Guinea. Rabaul town quickly flourished when Kokopo (Herbertshöhe) was no longer considered suitable as an administrative centre. Under German rule, Rabaul boasted a botanical garden, hotels, casino, extensive wharves, shops, and government buildings. A sizable Chinese community occupied Rabaul, and they contributed greatly to the development of Rabaul in many ways.

Australian governance then prevailed in Rabaul from 1914- 1942. Rabaul continued to thrive as the capital of Australian mandated New Guinea until 1937 when volcanic forces caused the planned relocation of Australian administration to Lae. However by 1937, the Japanese government had other ideas for Rabaul, and invaded this town in January 1942. The Australian defence group known as “Lark Force” were routed by the Japanese. Under Japanese occupation Rabaul emerged as Japan’s largest base in the SW Pacific in WW2. Approximately 110,000 Japanese military garrisoned at Rabaul, supported by the Japanese air force and navy.

After WW2, Australia resumed administration of PNG including Rabaul. Despite the destruction of Rabaul by volcanic activity and intensive Allied bombing in WW2, Rabaul was rebuilt quickly as a strong commercial centre and beautiful township.

The eruption in 1994 witnessed the destruction and disintegration of Rabaul’s beauty and status. Despite this loss Rabaul still presents an allure and fascination for those who visit the area.


ITINERARY


Day 1: Arrive in Rabaul - Overnight in Village 

Upon arrival to Rabaul today, you will be picked up and transferred to Queen Emma Lodge for check-in and to drop off your luggage. 

You will then be met by your cultural host and will make your way to the Kokopo to stop at the market for ingredients before heading to your host's village. 

At the village, you will really experience local life. You and your host will prepare dinner for the family and you will be taught how to crack a coconut and scrape the meat and prepare the meal with the fresh coconut juice. You will make a fire and heat stones that you will use these stones to cook the food you have prepared in banana leaves. You will then enjoy your meal with the family. 

You will also have a chance to learn how to make or weave coconut leaf baskets. This evening you will have a chance to walk around the village and meet your neighbors and their families and explore their gardens. You will get a true glimpse into the local lifestyle. 

Tonight you will stay overnight at the village and will then transfer to Queen Emma Lodge the next morning. 


Day 2: Kinava Ceremony - Duke of York Islands - Baining Fire Dance

This morning you will be transferred from the lodge bright and early. The Kinava ceremony is typically between 4-6am. Your guide will let you know exact pickup time the evening before.  After the Ceremony, you will be transferred back to the lodge where you will be picked up for your Duke of York Island Tour and BBQ. 


This evening you will be taken to the showgrounds to see the Baining Fire Dance ceremony before you are dropped back off at the Lodge for the evening. 

Day 3: Rabaul Mask Festival

Today explore and experience the Rabaul Mask Festival. Return to Queen Emma Lodge for overnight. 


Day 4: Rabaul Mask Festival

Today explore and experience the Rabaul Mask Festival. Return to Queen Emma Lodge for overnight. 


Day 5: Rabaul & Kokopo Tour

This morning you will be picked up and will have a chance to explore Rabaul and Kokopo!

Day 6:  Transfer to Airport

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight out of Rabaul.

Includes

  • Accommodation as listed within the itinerary
  • All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day of breakfast
  • Transfers, Tours, Guide/Porter as listed
  • Airport Transfers as listed
  • Cultural performances as listed
  • Entrance fees/Festival VIP Pass.


Excludes:

  • Visas
  • Travel and Medical Insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Personal items such as sunscreen, insect repellant, medications if necessary, souvernirs etc