Festival at Your Pace: Visit the bustling festival grounds and witness the rich cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea. Transfer by local bus to Alotau’s bustling festival grounds for Wanigili, which means a gathering of people. The sounds of the hourglass-shaped kundu drums and vibrant chanting fill the air. You’ll be warmly welcomed and then you set your own pace. The festival offers a wide range of activities including the elaborately decorated Lopo war canoes, bearing up to 25 warriors traditionally dressed and displaying their paddling prowess (subject to weather). See the skills involved in maneuvering a canoe. Take a stroll around the festival, enjoy the explosion of colour and marvel at contemporary and traditional culture and entertainment. Traditional groups come from afar to perform Melanesian dances and rituals. Watch age-old recipes being prepared for clay pot cooking. Browse through arts and crafts stalls and shop for souvenirs, locally made gifts and artwork created by contemporary local artists.
What to Bring: Comfortable close-toed shoes, hat, biodegradable sunscreen, bottled water and local currency for purchases.
Good to Know: A shuttle system will run throughout the morning if you wish to visit the festival or return to the ship. Be mindful of the last bus transfer; this will be noted by the staff at the landing site and the festival. Buses are not air-conditioned. No stops/drop offs will be made. All shuttles will depart and return to the pier. Please be aware that cultural norms in this area might include instances of local villagers engaging in nudity.