Join us at the Canoe (Kenu) & Kundu Festival, a spectacular event showcasing the fascinating cultures of Milne Bay and surrounds. The stunning traditional canoes and kundu drums used in the festival are a significant part of the lives of the people of Milne Bay.
The ‘war canoes’ are especially crafted from special woods in the same way as those made by local ancestors and the colours and patterns reflect upon the tribe and the area the canoe comes from.
This cultural highlight comprises dozens of canoes, some with 40 plus warriors, adorned in traditional dress and paddling to the beat of island drums, leaving a powerful impression. Races are held amid much rivalry and celebrated with just as much revelry. The dance performances are even more spectacular with brilliantly attired groups from all around Milne Bay. A festival not to be missed!
Welcome to Papua New Guinea. Upon arrival in Gurney, Milne Bay, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Check in and enjoy lunch before setting off this afternoon to enjoy an Alotau Highlights tour. Take in and understand the beauty, history and culture of this lively town. Visit Top Town Lookout for panoramic views over the bay. Continuing on, experience some of the cultural demonstrations and watch a variety of arts and crafts demonstrations. Drive to the centre of town where you will then spend time exploring the local produce markets. Stroll around the colorful stalls and marvel at the bananas, taro and sweet potatoes, staples of the Melanesian diet, as well as watermelon, peanuts, cucumbers and mangoes. Return to your hotel. (L,D)
4 nights Asurina Lodge or Alotau Waterfront Lodge or similar
After an early breakfast, by 8.00am you will be transported into the local village by traditional canoes for the Kundu Festival in beautiful Alotau, Milne Bay Province. You will spend all day at the festival arena.
The highlight of the program is the War Kenu and Kundu Festival, a small and friendly cultural show, allowing you to interact with the performers. The Kenu and Kundu Festival is a celebration of culture and tradition of War Canoes and inherited Kundu drums. You will witness canoe racing, traditional food exchanges including the popular Yam exchange, traditional sing-sings and dancing performances. (B,L,D)
Set off this morning from Alotau to Keleton Island Retreat where you will spend the morning relaxing on the stunning beach and swimming in the pristine waters. Enjoy lunch on the island before returning to the mainland for the closing ceremony of the festival. (B,L,D)
Early after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to meet your onward flight (flight not included). (B)
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 2 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person plus any domestic airfares is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
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