TIGAK SEA KAYAKING
TRIP NOTES
What To Expect
You are embarking on an adventure in a place and amongst people whose lives are very different from your own. Many aspects of life in PNG will seem unusual. Remember that these are often the same aspects that make an area an exotic and attractive destination. While boat expeditions are considered easy, no trip is easy, even those rated “easy or moderate”.
In addition to the personal physical challenges you may face, travel conditions can present unexpected obstacles, such as rough and bumpy sea conditions and changeable weather.
To prepare for this “pack a flexible and relaxed attitude. Bring a spirit of adventure and inquiry, a healthy sense of humour and a willingness to encounter the unexpected and you will find your trip to PNG the adventure of a lifetime!
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required by all foreigners traveling to PNG.
Ensure your passport is valid for 6 months after your return date home.
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination
If you’ve been vaccinated in Australia, you must show the Australian Government-issued International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC) when checking in for your flight at the airport and overseas. Your domestic proof of immunisation from Medicare will not be accepted.
Please click here for further information.
PNG Tourist Visa
Australian Passport Holders wishing to visit PNG for tourism purposes are able to obtain a tourist Evisa (Electronic Visa) for their visit https://evisa.ica.gov.pg/evisa/account/apply. This tourist visa will be valid for 30 days only (unless a longer period is selected).
Applicants must have the following to obtain the visa:
Australian passport valid for more than 6 months
Return or onward ticket
Show evidence of funds
To our understanding, the Visa on Arrival service has been recently rescinded so we are no longer recommending it as an option.
For the most current entry and exit information (for Australian travellers), please consult https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/pacific/papua-new-guinea
International guests, please consult your relevant government advisory body.
Accommodation
(IN PORT MORESBY)
We generally use the Holiday Inn, located in Hohola North near a cluster of other major chain hotels, we love these guys as they allow our local team access, unlike some others which consider themselves more exclusive.
Hotel accommodation details: The Holiday Inn, Corner Waigani Driver & Wards Road Waigani Ph: +675 303 2000 (Australian, Local Led, and School trips).
Insurance
Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance is a requirement for all guests travelling on our expeditions. Once you have booked on an expedition we suggest booking your travel insurance as soon as possible to protect your investment. Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you for any non-recoverable air or land expenses should you have to cancel your trip due to personal or family illness or leave the expedition early due to other reasons. For our Australian guests, we are offering policies from NIB Travel for adequate cover, and you can contact our office direct, via phone or email, to obtain an insurance quote from us.
For guests travelling with us from outside Australia, please check Travel Insurance options within your Country.
If you should receive an injury 12 months prior to your travel date, you must contact the Insurance Company with details to ensure you are covered for this injury whilst travelling. Should you not do this and require medical assistance for this injury whilst travelling you may not be covered by the insurance company.
In the event that an aircraft evacuation is required, No Roads Expeditions will undertake to arrange the evacuation on the condition that the expenses are reimbursed by the passenger before departing the Country.
Note: Accidents caused by the inappropriate consumption of alcohol or drugs may void your travel insurance.
Get a Quote
While we don’t anticipate any uninvited medical disruptions during your trek, No Roads wants to keep your mind at ease and help you get adequate assistance and cover for your well-earned time away. It is extremely important that we ensure you’re covered during your great alpine experience.
We are able to provide you with Travel Insurance for your trip, allowing you to tick this off your ‘To-Do Lis”t as soon as possible. (We strongly recommend that you take out baggage loss and accident insurance)!
Already have a trusted insurance provider?
That’s no problem at all, our primary concern is that you have adequate cover.
Got a Pre-Existing Condition?
Simply call our Insurance Team and quote the reference number we provide you with and they’ll complete an assessment on your behalf. In many cases, there is no additional premium that needs to be paid! Many common conditions are also automatically covered.
In the event that an aircraft evacuation is required, No Roads Expeditions will undertake to arrange the evacuation on the condition that the expenses are reimbursed by the passenger before departing the Country.
Note: Accidents caused by the inappropriate consumption of alcohol or drugs may void your travel insurance.
Again, if you’ve any questions, don’t hesitate to ask info@noroads.com.au.
Getting There And Away
Flights
International
In getting to Papua New Guinea, all roads (or flights) lead to Port Moresby, whether your flying in from Australia, or an alternative international departure point.
From Australia, all flights will likely depart from (or at least transit) via one of Sydney, Brisbane or Cairns.
NOTE: With the onset of the Covid-19 global pandemic, Virgin Australia halted its services to the PNG capital, so at present it is only served by Qantas/Air Niugini
Domestic (to Kavieng)
Flights for Port Moresby to Kavieng take approximately 1 hour. Often these flights may go via another airport first such as Rabaul. These are large aircraft with well over 100 seats.
On top of the list below, we recommend you bring a fresh set of clothes to leave at the Nusa Island Retreat during the expedition. This way you will have a fresh set of clothes to change into when you return from the trip.
Arrival in PNG
Upon your arrival in Port Moresby, please go through to collect your checked luggage, and then please come out via the EXIT door.
Outside you will see many people waiting for arriving passengers. Waiting will be one of our operations staff holding a sign with YOUR NAME or NO ROADS EXPEDITIONS.
Please go directly to them and introduce yourselves. You will be taken straight to your hotel, issued rooms, time for Expedition Briefing etc.
Do let us know if there are any last-minute changes to your arrival time.
Packing for Paddling
Personal Gear
There really isn’t much to bring on our Kayaking Expeditions, but what you do bring should be packed into a dry bag so that the contents do not get wet.
- Passport
- Airline tickets (international & domestic)
- Insurance policy – 2 copies (1 for you and 1 for our Guide)
- COVID 19 Vaccination Certificate – 2 copies (1 for you and 1 for our Guide)
- Personal toiletries – Toothbrush and paste, sports deodorant, lip balm, etc.
- 3 T-shirts
- 1 long sleeve cotton t-shirt (for sleeping in)
- 4 pair underwear
- Sea-kayaking clothing (shorts and shirts)
- Light hiking boots or firm runners
- Pair of thongs/sandals to wear around camp and in villages
- 1 pair of cotton/wool blend hiking socks
- Hard-soled wetsuit booties or sandals for sea-kayaking. Keen Sandals or Crocs are good.
- Hat with a wide brim to keep the sun off your face
- Waterproof torch or headlamp with spare batteries
- Rain poncho (something lightweight)
- Quick-dry sports towel/chamois
- Two rolls of your favorite toilet paper
- A one-litre water bottle to carry with you
- Hydralyte or other Electrolyte replacement tablets (a must)
- Personal first aid kit. (see Medicines and First Aid section below)
- Snacks such as barley sugar, mentos, chocolate, muesli bars etc.
- Bathers
- Sleeping mat (self inflating)
- Sunscreen
- Tropical strength insect repellant
- Sunglasses (with retaining cord) and a spare set just in case
- A book or something to write in
- Camera, GoPro, etc
- 1 Dry Bag approx 25 litres each. These need to be fully waterproof such as Liquidlife bags.
- Sarong for just about anything
- Personal flippers and mask.
- Mosquito net and anchor points (compulsory)
- Spare set of clean clothes to leave back at Nusa Island Retreat for your return.
*If you have something you are particularly prone to, ear infections or sinus problems, please ensure you bring any necessary medications with you.
Personal First Aid Kit
Your personal First Aid kit will contain band-aids, blister dressings, topical cream for bites and grazes, antibiotic cream for cuts and scratches, paracetamol, Deep Heat or another muscle liniment, and the all-important insect repellent. We also recommend bringing your personal “Reef Rash Kit”. We recommend if you are traveling in a group that you share a First Aid Kit. Please note that a first aid kit will be carried by your Guide.
Sleeping Gear
No Roads will provide a 2 person tent that will need to be shared. You will need to bring a self-inflating mat and a sarong as a sheet. Otherwise, usage of simple huts along the way or comfortable rooms such as Tsoilik will be used.
Land Wear
We will be doing a little bit of trekking so just a lightweight runner will be sufficient.
Note: If you have any questions regarding the above list or any other items that you want to ask about please do not hesitate to contact us. We can provide you with additional information at any time.
Supplied Equipment
- Two-person safari style tent
- Sea kayak, paddle and safety equipment including PFD (personal flotation device)
- Support boat for meals, accommodation (1 night), and store equipment
- All eating and drinking equipment
Power in PNG
PNG has the same power plugs as Australia so you do not need to purchase an adapter for your electronic items.
Money
The currency in PNG is the Kina (K). Exchange rates vary depending on the strength of the US dollar. Cash and Australian Dollars are readily accepted and can be exchanged for Kina at the airport, hotels or banks in any major city.
Credit cards such as American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted in many hotels, shops and restaurants in major towns and cities. Bankcard is not accepted in PNG. ATM,s are also available to access in major hotels, banks and major cities. For spending money while on expedition it is best to have money in local currency (K).
The best place to exchange $Aus for Kina is at the Port Moresby airport. We do however recommend you exchange some money prior to departing Australia, approximately $100 to take into PNG. You will require to budget spending money for:
1) First night and last night dinner. $60
2) Personal items such as laundry, phone calls, snacks, etc.
3) Alcoholic/bottled beverages and drinks including bottled water.
4) Tips. All tipping is at your discretion. (approx $35)
5) Souvenirs and handicrafts.
Tipping
If you would like to show your appreciation to the local team you may show it by providing a tip. A usual tip is approximately 80 Kina or $35 though this is at your discretion.
Please mention particular team members for good or bad performance to the Australian Guide if present.
The local team also appreciates gifts. If you like you can give them shoes and clothing at the end of the expedition.
Gifts for Locals
Many of our kayakers want to give to local communities they pass through. We encourage this and recommend either sports balls such as tennis, soccer, rugby or Australian Rules footballs.
Alternatively, educational equipment such as pencils, pencil sharpeners, paper, chalk and small chalk boards are greatly appreciated. As these things can weigh a fair bit, don’t over do it or you may not get to the villages to hand them out.
We discourage the handing out of balloons and the like as well as lollies. There really are no dental facilities for the villagers along the way.
The Kayaks
The kayaks used are proper sit in expedition kayaks made by Dagger.
They are comfortable and perfectly suited for this type of sea kayaking, made from durable rota mould plastic. They have adjustable seats and a rudder for easy control.
Kayaking - FAQ's
Sea-Kayaking – What’s it like?
Sea-kayaking is a most wonderful way to explore the world. It’s inexpensive and environmentally friendly, does not require months of training and superior strength, and is good for the body and soul.
Sea-kayaking can take you beyond the reach of civilization into the natural world, into the space between earth, sea, and sky.
Is it easy to learn? Do I have to be fit?
No prior experience is necessary. As long as you are in good health and have a sense of adventure, you will quickly master the skills needed to paddle and steer your kayak.
Our experienced guides will give an introductory lesson at the beginning of the journey, and will be there to help and keep everyone happy and safe throughout.
Would the Expedition be too hard/too easy for me?
We believe this program has some challenging sections but they are not beyond the person with general fitness.
If you are physically fit and have a sense of adventure then these expeditions are for you.
Is it safe?
It is safe. The Tigak region is a sheltered island group and as such large swells are uncommon.
The sea-kayaks we use are sleek and very stable, and all are equipped with the usual safety features.
The No Roads guides have kayaked, worked, and adventured in wild places for many years, and are skilled in risk management and emergency medical care.
Finally, each expedition has a support boat that can help out anyone in trouble and we have radio contact with Nusa Island Retreat.
What’s our group size?
We keep our groups small, a maximum of 12 on each, to minimise our impact on the places we pass through, and to maximise our enjoyment of each day.
Are the kayaks singles or doubles?
We use double kayaks, which means you will be paddling with another person. You may like to book with a friend and paddle together, or you may be happy to get to know your fellow travellers by kayaking with them. For more experienced kayaks we provide a single kayak.
For more experienced kayakers we can convert the kayak into a single if you wish. Single kayaks are limited. Please contact our office directly for more information.
What about the sleeping arrangements?
Nights are usually spent in small villages near the water.
Back in Nusa Island we stay at the best eco-friendly lodge called Nusa Island Retreat. This lodge has been built with the environment in mind, so recycling is a major feature of the hotel.
The majority of nights on the kayaking part of the expedition are usually spent in tents on a deserted beach, however, we do have one night in cabins onboard our support boat.
Please note accommodation might change depending on availability.
Is diving possible?
The snorkelling and scuba-diving in the area is excellent, and are highly recommended activities.
If you wish to SCUBA we suggest you extend your stay and organize a dive from the hotel in Nusa Island. All equipment is available for hire.
Apart from roaming the sea above and beyond, what else is there to do?
Where do we start? There’s lying in hammocks, reading books, going fishing, swimming, beach-combing, meeting the locals, walking through forests, bird-watching, taking photos, exploring, playing beach volleyball, and coconut petanque, dining with friends, sharing stories, watching the sun set, playing guitars, gazing at stars, sleeping soundly…. You’ll love it!
Health And Safety
We will do everything we can to support guests that have disclosed a medical condition, allergy or anaphylaxis, by informing all in-country personnel and ensuring reasonable provisions are made. We do, however, suggest and encourage all affected guests in this situation to assist us by reconfirming this information in situations or instances where it may be required to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable adventure experience.
General Travel Advice
All No Roads staff and teams consider guest safety and wellbeing an absolute priority and always follow the travel advice and guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Smartraveller. To further maintain the safety of our travelers, we promote good personal and hand hygiene along with adherence to safe food preparation practices.
COVID 19
Unfortunately, COVID is the “New Normal” and we all have to follow certain guidelines to ensure the safety of ourselves, our fellow guests, our team, and the local communities.
Dietary Requirements
We are able to cater to all common special dietary requirements. Whilst on the expedition most of your meals will be Indonesian-based meals and please advise us prior to your departure if you have any food allergies we should be aware of.
Women’s Health and Issues
On top of the normal health considerations, women are advised to bring a tube of Canesten and an applicator. The Canesten is used for the treatment of thrush (which can be very painful if left untreated) and can be applied to both internal and external thrush.
We also recommend that women bring a sarong to wrap around their bathing suits whilst bathing to respect the countries cultural sensitivities.
Medicines and First Aid
All trekkers are recommended to carry a personal first aid kit with medicines for common ailments, cuts and bruises, pain killers, etc. Anyone using any prescription medicines regularly should carry a supply for the whole duration of their expedition. Please consult your doctor and include items and medicines that may be required for you or for the area you are traveling in. No Roads does not supply any medicines and takes no legal responsibility for any medical treatment or professional medical support to our clients.
We will do everything we can to support guests that have disclosed a medical condition, allergy or anaphylaxis, by informing all in country personnel and ensuring reasonable provisions are made. We do however, suggest and encourage all guests in this situation to assist us by reconfirming this information in situations or instances where it may be required to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable adventure experience.
*If you have something you are particularly prone to such as ear infections, sinus problems or mild asthma bring what you need with you.
The No Roads Guide will be carrying an extensive Wilderness First Aid Kit.
Your personal first aid kit should contain:
Band aids, Paracetamol, Deep Heat or other muscle liniment, Blister pads, Crepe bandages, Antibiotic cream for cuts and scratches, ‘Imodium’ tablets, Strapping tape (for knees and ankles), Anti chaffing cream e.g. Pawpaw cream, Foot powder, Waterless hand disinfectant, Anti-malarial drugs (see your doctor), Anti-inflammatory cream, Broad-spectrum antibiotic tablets, Anti-Nausea Tablets.
Immunization
No vaccinations are required for entry to PNG. However you should consider cholera, typhoid and hepatitis vaccinations and make sure your tetanus cover is up to date. Please consult your doctor on these matters.
COVID 19: To protect yourself, fellow guests and our team, a full COVID-19 vaccination status is a mandatory requirement to participate in any of our expeditions.
Typhoid: Recommended for Papua New Guinea. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Hepatitis A: Recommended for Papua New Guinea. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Cholera: Recommended for Papua New Guinea. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Tuberculosis: Recommended for Papua New Guinea. Ideally 3 months before travel.
Hepatitis B: Recommended for Papua New Guinea. Ideally 2 months before travel.
Yellow fever: Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Papua New Guinea. Ideally 10 days before travel.
Japanese B encephalitis: Recommended for Papua New Guinea. Ideally 1 month before travel.
Malaria: Consider this seriously.
Polio: Recommend a Polio booster. Ideally 4-6 weeks before travel.
Plan ahead for getting your vaccinations. Some of them require an initial shot followed by a booster, while some vaccinations should not be given together. This also applies to some malaria prophylactics, which have to be begun at least a week before you leave home.
Fitness
All kayakers must make special efforts to get in top physical condition for the trip they have signed for. Every participant should consult a physician well before the expedition date and make sure that they do not suffer from any chronic heart, lungs, cerebral, physical or any other serious illness.
No Roads is not a medical facility and we take no legal responsibility for medical or other emergencies that may arise on the course of a trek / trip. As the service provider and hosts, we will take all necessary steps needed to evacuate injured or ill clients on the understanding that all costs involved will be paid to us before leaving the country (see Insurance).
Pre-Expedition Training
No Roads Expeditions advises all participants that they should kayak as much as possible before the expedition. If you are a novice at sea kayaking, do not worry.
We suggest you find a local kayak outfitter that can rent craft on a daily basis, or purchase a simple craft so that you can build the appropriate muscles for the expedition.
Sustainable Travel
Philosophy
We believe strongly in low impact or rather a positive impact from tourism. Broadly speaking, this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please see our online policy for more details on our social and environmental approach and commitment.
The Environment
Many of the places you will visit are pristine. As travelers, we should try to have as little impact on these natural environments as possible. As such we recommend the following:
1. We discourage the use of soaps when washing both body and clothes. Vigorous scrubbing is usually sufficient. Even biodegradable soap is not good for any water course and as such is harmful to the eco-system.
2. Please do not dispose of plastic bags and wrappers in either pits or in fires. These take years to degrade or let off toxic fumes when burnt. Simply put them in your pack until you return home (they can be discarded in waste bins before going through customs and immigration)..
3. Please do not dispose of batteries in country. They are extremely harmful to the environment and usually local governments do not have any means to dispose of them correctly. Return old batteries to your home country for disposal there.
4. At campsites, use toilet facilities that are provided. If you are in the remote, walk off the track and dig a small hole approximately 15cm deep and at least 100m from any water course. If safe to do so, burn used toilet paper in the hole (toilet paper takes a long time to degrade). Once the fire is out, cover with soil. In rocky and icy mountain terrain (where a hole cannot be dug), cover waste with rocks. Tampons and sanitary pads should be placed in a plastic bag and placed in the rubbish bin back at camp.
By abiding by these simple guidelines, you will be protecting the local environment for the people who live there and for your children’s children.
The Local Community
Our philosophy and aim are to pay back to the local communities.
No Roads dedicated in supporting local environmental projects in the places we visit. A $20.00 donation from each expedition booking is going towards a local charity project. For more information please visit our charity tab on the top of each expedition page.
No Roads is also supporting local improvement projects such as water and power supply.
Rubbish management is a broad problem in Asian countries and our crew is conducting frequent beach cleanings along the way. Our guests are invited to help if they wish.
People and Culture
New Ireland people have been blessed with rich and varied cultural practices and values that blend well with the environment. The people of New Ireland are Melanesian and speak 22 local languages. Traditional clan power is wielded by chiefs, but clan rites and land claims are passed on in a matrilineal system.
The traditional art of calling sharks is practiced along the coasts of New Ireland, but particularly on the West Coast around Kontu and Tembin, where certain men have the ability to call up sharks. The unfortunate shark, swims up to the caller’s boat where they can be speared and netted. Alternatively the shark propeller is used – a noose is hung with half coconut shells which make a rattling noise, attracting the shark up through the noose. A rope attached to the noose is connected to a wooden propeller which is spun round to tighten the noose and simultaneously pull in the rope. The shark, unable to keep moving, effectively drowns.
The people of New Ireland have three distinct culture or traditional practices: Malagan, Kabai and Tumbuan. While Malagan and Kabai are unique only to New Ireland including the “traditional shark hunter”, Tumbuan which is a men’s sacred society and widely practiced by the Tolais in East New Britain Province, actually originated from the southern area of New Ireland in the Lak/Kandas area where it is mostly practiced. New Ireland’s culture is rich, colourful and intricate.
MALAGAN
Unique to New Ireland is the carving of Malagan figures. They are only a concluding, but integral, part of a months long mortuary ceremony in the northern New Ireland area, but because of their 3-dimensional nature and intricate interweaving of one figure into another, they immediately caught the attention of early travellers. Museums in Europe, especially Germany, have many fine examples that today would not be found anywhere else. In fact in the last 25 years, the number of recognised master Malagan carvers has reduced from 15 to only 2, and they are now old. Many thousands of these art pieces were collected in the German period that would otherwise have been destroyed.
The Malagan practice once covered the areas extending from Tabar Islands, Madak, Kuot, Noatsi, Nalik, Kara, Tigak, Lavongai and Djaul.
Today only the Tabar Group of Islands and a few of the Nalik villages on the east coast of New Ireland mainland, are still active in observing the rules and the use of Malagan carvings in their cultural feasts.
In Panatgin and Lamasong villages of the Madak area, Lossu, Langania and Libba of the Noatsi/Kuot areas, the carvers are mostly creating for tourists. Whilst not observing its cultural values and use, these areas are still maintaining the Malagan art and craftmanship.
KABAI
Kabai culture or traditional practice involved activities similar to that of the Malagan. However, in this particular tradition, there are no carvings or carvers involved. Instead, a tree trunk or a large branch of a tree, specially selected is cut, neatly trimmed up, and placed in a selected location in the village.
As in the Malagan culture, the Kabai is staged at a final feast to remember and honour deaths in a family. The important components of a Kabai are pigs, traditional shell monies (“mies”) and taros. The planning, preparation and co-ordination of a Kabai feast is very similar to that of a Malagan feast.
ARTS
Collections of carvings, shell jewellery, woven baskets and bags can be seen and purchased from the New Ireland Tourist Bureau, the Kavieng Hotel, Malagan Beach Resort and Nusa Island Retreat or you can do a day trip from Kavieng Town down to Libba Village to see one of the remaining two Master Malagan Carvers, Ben Sisia. The people of Nusalik Island also make beautiful shell jewellery, which are available to buy on Nusalik Island.
Some useful (and interesting) Pidgin English
* bagarap(im) – broken, to break down (from “bugger up”) – very widely used in Papua New Guinea
* bagarap olgeta – completely broken
* balus – airplane
* bikpela – big
* haus – house
** haus meri – female domestic servant
** haus moni – bank
** haus sik – hospital
** sit haus – toilet
** haus tambaran – traditional Sepik-region house with artifacts of ancestors or for honoring ancestors; tambaran means “ancestor spirit” or “ghost”
* hukim – to catch fish (from “hook”)
* kaikai – food, eat
* kamap – arrive, become (from “come up”)
* kisim – get
*mangi – young man (from “monkey”)
* maski – it doesn’t matter, don’t worry about it
* manmeri – people
* meri – woman (from the English name “Mary”)
* olgeta – all (from “all together”)
* pikinini – child (from Pacific Pidgin English, but ultimately from Portuguese influenced Lingua franca, cf, pickaninny)
* Papa God – God
* raus(im) – get out (from German “raus”)
* sapos – if (from “suppose”)
* save – know, to do habitually (from Pacific Pidgin English, but ultimately from Portuguese influenced Lingua franca, cf. “savvy”)
* solwara – ocean (from “salt water”)
* stap – be, stay (from “stop”)
* slip – sleep, live
* tasol – only (from “that’s all”)
We Are Here To Help!
We have tried hard to provide you with a greater insight into this expedition but we ain’t perfect!
If you do have further questions please contact our expert team members through one of the below channels.
No Roads Expeditions Support Hub
Australia HQ: +61 (03) 95988581
Email: info@noroads.com.au
In Country
Terrance David
Mobile :(675) 72669843
24 hour emergency Peter Miller +61 425 726 623 Irene Miller: +61 430 705 222