Cruises visiting Karkar Island (Papua New Guinea)

Karkar Island is located about 30 kilometres off the north coast of mainland Papua New Guinea in the Madang Province,with an estimated population of over 70,000. The 25 km long and 19 km wide island is an active strato volcano with two summit calderas. The women of Karkar Island are known throughout the region for their traditional bilum weaving skills. The art of bilum-making is part of the cultural initiation that allows young women to pass into adulthood. The bilum represents the islanders’ values and traditions as an art form and is much more than an economic commodity for trading. You will be welcomed ashore with a ceremony and cultural performances followed by the opportunity to witness traditional village life.