2025 NATIONAL MASK FESTIVAL PACKAGE

DATES: 7-13 JULY 2025 (7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS)

The National Mask Festival is an annual event held in the second week of July in Rabaul, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea. Local tribes gather to showcase their traditional attires and dances. The festival begins at dawn on Wednesday with the Kinavai Ceremony, where the mysterious and revered Dukduk and Tubuan arrive by canoe, accompanied by chanting and drum beats. This ceremony holds deep spiritual significance for the Tolai people, symbolizing their ancestral migration from Namatanai, New Ireland Province, to East New Britain.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - MON 07 JUL 2025 (D)

• Arrive at Tokua Airport and transfer to your hotel in Kokopo, the new provincial capital.

• Kokopo became the capital after the 1994 twin volcanic eruptions destroyed Rabaul.

• Overnight: Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort

DAY 2 - TUE 08 JUL 2025 (BLD)

• Participate in traditional village activities: gardening, cocoa and copra harvesting, basket weaving, and cooking a traditional Aigir lunch.

• Learn about Tabu (local shell money) and experience local traditional dances, church choir performances, and a contemporary Tolai string band.

• Overnight: Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort

DAY 3 - WED 09 JUL 2025 (BLD)

• Early morning departure (4:30 AM) to witness the Kinavai Ceremony. Experience the eerie chants and paddling canoes emerging at dawn.

• Enjoy breakfast at a nearby hotel before entering Day 1 of the Mask Festival.

• Witness diverse traditional dances and performances throughout the day.

• Evening transfer to Bainings area for the Bainings Fire Dance, an extraordinary ritual performed only by Bainings men.

• Overnight: Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort

DAY 4 - THU 10 JUL 2025 (BLD)

• Enjoy Day 2 of the Mask Festival, experiencing a variety of mask dances and cultural exhibitions.

• Explore stalls with local crafts and antiques.

• Lunch at Kulau Lodge along the North Coast Road.

• Overnight: Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort

DAY 5 - FRI 11 JUL 2025 (BLD)

• Begin the day with a sunrise volcano hike up Mt. Tavurvur for breathtaking views.

• Visit Rabaul’s historical sites, including WWII relics like the Yamamoto Bunker and Japanese Barge Tunnel.

• Learn about Rabaul’s involvement in WWII and the Battle of Bitapaka.

• Overnight: Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort

DAY 6 - SAT 12 JUL 2025 (BLD)

• Experience a Duke of York Islands adventure, including island hopping and snorkeling.

• Encounter spinner dolphins in their natural habitat.

• Relax at Pangpang Paradise Island (sandbank).

• Enjoy a tropical seafood lunch at Corey’s Eco-Sea Lodge.

• Overnight: Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort

DAY 7 - SUN 13 JUL 2025 (B)

• Transfer to Tokua Airport for departure.

PRICING

• Land cost: PGK6,230.00 per person (twin share)

• Single supplement: PGK1,950.00 per person

Inclusions:

• Return airport transfers

• Twin share accommodation

• All meals (Dinner on arrival to Breakfast on departure)

• Mask Festival show pass

• Air-conditioned buses for land tours

• Banana boat for sea tours (authentic PNG island experience)

• Baining Fire Dance

• Dolphin watching

• Tour guides and site fees

• Bottled water

Exclusions:

• Airfares

• Personal expenses (e.g. alcoholic beverages, laundry)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• 2025 National Mask Festival

• Mt. Tavurvur Volcano Climb & Rabaul Hot Springs

• Megapod Egg Hunting

• Traditional Rabaul Village Experience

• Baining Fire Dance

• WWII Relics & Tunnels

• Lookouts with spectacular views

• Duke of York Island Hopping & Dolphin Watching

• Exclusive access to Pangpang Paradise Island (sandbank)

• Cultural Exchange Experience

BOOKING & PAYMENT PROCEDURES

• A non-refundable deposit of PGK500 per person is required to secure a spot.

• Full payment must be made 30-45 days before arrival.

• Additional deposits may be required by Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort.

Account Details:

• Account Name: PNG TOUR GUIDE DOMINIC TULO

• Account Number: 7028669955

• Bank: BANK SOUTH PACIFIC

• Branch: KOKOPO

• BSB: 088-964

• SWIFT Code: BOSPPGPM

CANCELLATION POLICY

1. 29-16 days before departure – 75% cancellation fee

2. 15 days or less before departure – 100% cancellation fee

POLICY ON UNUSED SERVICES

• No refunds will be issued for unused services.

• Services in the main itinerary cannot be exchanged for other activities or transferred to a different day.

TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIREMENT

• Travel insurance is mandatory. Clients must arrange personal travel insurance before departure.

For bookings and inquiries, contact us today! info@pngtg.com