Kenu and Kundu Festival

5 Days
from AUD$ 3,616

Highlights

  • View local arts and crafts as you experience cultural demonstrations
  • Travel into a local village by traditional canoe for the Kenu and Kundu Festival a celebration of culture and tradition
  • Witness canoe racing and traditional food exchanges, traditional sing-sings and dancing performances
  • Enjoy stunning Keleton Island and swim in pristine waters

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!

Journey map

Fitness level

Easy
Moderate
Challenging
Tough

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival Milne Bay

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

Day 2 & 3 - Kenu & Kundu Festival

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)

Day 4 - Keleton Island

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)

Day 5 - Departure

Early after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to meet your onward flight (flight not included). (B)

Don’t have time now?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!

What’s included

  • Meet and greet service Milne Bay
  • 4 nights accommodation
  • 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  • English speaking local guide
  • All activities as per itinerary
  • Private transportation
  • Entrance fees, sightseeing and permits
Exclusions
  • International and domestic flights
  • Visas
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • All services, meals other than those indicated above
  • Personal porters
  • Any changes to the proposed and confirmed program.
  • All items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips etc

**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.

Gallery

Availability

Start Date
End Date
Duration
Availability
Price
Start Date
02nd Nov 2023
End Date
06th Nov 2023
Duration
5 Days
Availability
Available
Price
$3,616 AUD
Start Date
31st Oct 2024
End Date
04th Nov 2024
Duration
5 Days
Availability
Available
Price
$3,797 AUD