Sepik River, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Airing Date: Jun 2nd, 2003
The Sepik River is Papua New Guinea's equivalent to the Amazon or the Congo rivers. The mystical East Sepik Province is situated on the North Coast of Papua New Guinea. For people who live along its banks the river is central to everyday life, and they depend on it for transportation, water and food.
It's the people of the Sepik that make this region an exciting and fascinating place to visit. Locals are unique in their belief in the spirit world with its mythical stories and rituals. If you're searching for a unique cultural journey, take a canoe trip down the mighty Sepik River and experience the local way of life.
The river winds over 1100 kilometres, but the tour focuses on a short section of the river. Starting at the primitive town of Ambunti, visitors board dug out canoes (with motors) and visit villages along the river, meeting friendly locals and learning about their religion and culture.
Many villages have fabulous art on sale. The Sepik River has long been world famous for the quantity and quality of its art - from wood carving to pottery - which reflects Sepik ideas of magic, myth and ritual. While you can expect to pay upwards of $25 for a mask, a piece of pottery costs around $5.
Spirit houses are very popular along the Sepik as well. They house shields decorated with faces of ancestors, mythical beings and nature spirits.
Ritual cannibalism was practiced as a means of protection against the spirit of an enemy killed in battle. It was seen as a way of capturing an enemy's physical and spiritual powers. Often, the head was not eaten but painted and hung in the doorway of the spirit house as a symbol of prowess.
A canoe trek along the Sepik River is a rewarding experience, but don't expect a five-star accommodation. The villages are primitive and you're far from civilisation.
The best time to travel is the dry season, which is May to October. Because the Sepik is such a hot region a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent are essential.
The facts
Niugini Holidays have a seven day Sepik Canoe Trek starting at $1773 from Sydney and $1695 from Brisbane. This includes Air Niugini flights, accommodation, canoe, guide and most meals.
Niugini Holidays
Tel: 1300 850 020
