Expedition Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands And Palau - Mysticism And Magic In Remote Worlds

There are places on earth that can only be reached on a small expedition ship like the HANSEATIC spirit. Destinations seemingly not of this world lie to the north-east of Australia. First, you will head to the island state of Palau comprising more than 300 islands. On Koror, let yourself be enchanted by a boat tour through the “floating gardens” of the Rock Islands1, whose green limestone islands rise up out of the sea like mushrooms, or by a scenic flight over the island world1.

Colourful natural treasures, mystical rituals and hundreds of different languages: with insider knowledge and numerous lectures, your team of experts on board will prepare you for the island state of Papua New Guinea, which seems to have been forgotten by civilisation. A picture-book world with azure skies, turquoise sea and lush green jungle lies before you. The settlement of Vanimo cannot be reached by land. Situated close to the border with Indonesia, beaches and wide lagoons line the coast. Vanimo served as a colonial trading post for the Germans and as a base for the Japanese during the Second World War. The region was strategically important during the Pacific War, particularly due to its proximity to Indonesia and Japanese movements in the region. Despite its rich history, the authentic site is a blank slate in terms of tourism. The stay is part of a technical stop. Swimming is possible - subject to official approval and local conditions. With the Zodiacs, you will penetrate deep into lush green forests on the Sepik River and its side arms. Accompanied by the sounds of the jungle, you will land at the small village of Kopar and take part in local life for a while.

Madang is your starting point for a flight to the Goroka Highlands1, where you can witness the archaic rites of the “mudmen” and immerse yourself in the culture of the former warriors.

The eastern half of the island of New Guinea - second largest in the world - was divided between Germany (north) and the United Kingdom (south) in 1885. The latter area was transferred to Australia in 1902, which occupied the northern portion during World War I and continued to administer the combined areas until independence in 1975. A nine-year secessionist revolt on the island of Bougainville ended in 1997 after claiming some 20,000 lives. On the north coast of the island, we find colourful Madang, called the “prettiest town in the South Pacific”. Its peninsula-setting is a showplace of parks, waterways, luxuriant shade trees and sparkling tropical islands. Although small, the town has modern urban facilities, including hotels, department stores, markets and art shops. The people of Madang can be broken into four distinct groups - islanders, coastal people, river people and mountain people. These groups are similar in appearance except for the smaller Simbai mountain tribesmen from the foothills. The traditional dress consists mainly of traditional dyed multi-coloured grass skirts made out of either pandanas leaves or sago palm. The women from the mountain areas wear skirts that are colourless, narrow and stringy. Unlike the women, men wear meshy net aprons in front and a clutter of target leaves astern.

The remote coral atoll Tambiu Island is full of originality and mystery as well. The Zodiacs will take you into a world where communal life is celebrated in colourful ceremonies. With the robust motorised rubber boats, you will also explore the region of Tufi – with its green fjord landscapes, rugged stretches of land and active volcano Mount Victory.

The Trobriand Islands are also called the “islands of love”. Will your heart beat here for the masks, grass skirts and feathers worn by the inhabitants? Or how about a rendezvous with the fabulous underwater world? After a welcome ceremony with beautifully adorned dancers on Kaileuna, the second largest island in the archipelago, you will gain an insight into the yam houses. A declaration of love for village traditions opens up Kitawa to you: the custom of exchanging rings continues to this day here, with bracelets and necklaces made from mussels.

Discover the green heart of Fergusson Island as you walk with your experts through dense eucalyptus forests to hot springs and geysers. This is what paradise on earth must look like: after landing, the small volcanic and coral islands of the Louisiade Archipelago will awaken a pure South Seas feeling in you as you go swimming and snorkelling.

The HANSEATIC spirit will also take you to the legendary Solomon Islands – the archipelago is both hospitable and enigmatic with its remote beaches and often mysterious cultures. At over 2,300 m (7,546 ft), Mount Popomanaseu dominates the island of Guadalcanal, where you will take in the deeply rooted traditions of its inhabitants. In Honiara, the capital of the island kingdom, delicate inlay work on eaves, gables and canoes, among other things, bears witness to this. Off Roderick Bay you will explore the wreck of the "World Discoverer" in a Zodiac. After your Zodiac landing on the beach of Santa Ana Island, you will be greeted by “warriors” with spears and invited to the village square with traditional dances. Enjoy the honour of being welcomed by the village elder on Nendo and be swept away by the most colourful dance performances of the region. Exoticism and adventure – on this expedition, both combine to create a fantastic experience.

Honiara is the capital city of the Solomon Islands on the north-western coast of Guadalcanal Island. It is the hub of all activity in the archipelago which has recently undergone an ‘urban boom’. Discover the cities beautiful landscapes and the significance of the city in the World War II.

North of Nadi through sugarcane plantations and past the Sabeto Mountains is Lautoka, nicknamed the Sugar City for the local agriculture and its big processing mill. With a population of around 50,000, it's the only city besides Suva and, like the capital, has a pleasant waterfront. It's the sailing point for Blue Lagoon and Beachcomber Cruises but is otherwise unremarkable for tourists, itself having few hotels and fewer good restaurants. Locals recommend the city as a less-expensive place to shop for clothing, but note that it can take as long as 45 minutes to drive here. Legend has it that Lautoka acquired its name when two chiefs engaged in combat and one hit the other with a spear. He proclaimed "lau toka" (spear hit) and thus the future town was named.