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East Sepik Province
The
sepik region is a wonderland of islands, beautiful coastlines, river systems and
mountain ranges. It is the site of Japanese surrender in September 1945, and a
history rich in human endeavour. First colonised by Germans in 1885 the area
soon attracted mercenaries, explorers, traders, labour recuiters, and
missionaries. But it is the timeless history of the Sepik people themselves
which provide the mystery and exotic folklore of this fascinating area.
Sepik fishermen in their dugout canoes wave to
visitors on the great white catamaran, the Melanesian Explorer, as it plies it
way down the might sepik river taking passengers on a journey which will
impress an unforgettable image of how magnificence Papua New Guinea
is.
The sepik river runs 1126 kilometres from its source in the central
mountains to the sea. Its volume of annual water flow make it one of the
world's largest waterway, but to the people who inhabit the rivers area, its
importance as a cutural link to their past is incalculable.There are numerous
different language groups and clans dependent on the river as a trade route,
and as a symbolic focal point for artistic expression.
Wewak, with its palm fringed beaches is the main town
of East Sepik. Not far from Wewak is Cape Wom, the site of the Japanese
surrender where Lieutenant General Adachi signed the surrender documents and
handed his sword to Major General Robertson on 13th September 1945. A war
memorial marks the site and the wartime airstrip is still in place. Another
memorial in town has been erected at the site of the Japanese war graves and
nearby is the Japanese/PNG Peace Park.
Things to see
Markets: The best is Taun Market, in town at the end of the main street. Kreer market is on the airport road just before it turns inland and Dagua is on Dagua Road near town.Arts and crafts: Baskets and bilums can be bought at Taun Market and at a stall at Chambri bus stop on Boram Road. Traders also sell jewellery and other pieces outside the Windjammer Hotel after 4pm. Masks can be bought inside the hotel. There is also a craft shop at the airport.
Cape Wom: The wartime airstrip and memorial where the Japanese signed surrender documents on 13 September 1945 are 14km west of Wewak. Open 7am-6.30pm. There is good swimming and snorkelling on the west side of the Cape.
War relics: Japanese war relics can be seen at Brandi High School, east of Cape Moem army base. Bomb craters are still visible around Boram Airport runway and the disused airport near town. The rusting remains of Japanese landing barges lie on the beach between Kreer market and the hospital.
Muschu and Kairiru Islands: These lie close to Wewak and can be reached by the mission boat Tau-K or catch one of the small boats from the wharf near the post office. Kairuru Island is almost 800m high and has hot springs, waterfalls and good snorkelling. Both islands have accommodation.
Maprik Area: Maprik town in the Prince Alexander Mountains overlooks the Sepik Basin. Many villages have spectacular forward-leaning haus tambarans and during July and August, when yams are harvested, there are ‘sing sings’ and rituals. Woven fibre masks, the region’s most famous artefacts, are used in yam ceremonies.
Angoram & Lower Sepik River: From Angoram, 113km by road from Wewak,
you can make trips by motorised canoe to some interesting places. It has banks
and trade stores, and there are several places to stay which offer boat trips.
Good day trips are to Moim or Kambaramba and nearby lagoons, or to Kambot on the
Keram River where there is accommodation. Beyond Kambot there is good forest
with plenty of birds. Alternatively, visit the Murik Lakes on the coast and stay
overnight.
Ambunti & Middle Sepik River: This section of the river
between Ambunti and Tambanum is regarded as the region’s cultural centre with
each village having its own artistic style. From Ambunti, reached by air from
Wewak, travel is by motorised canoe either down or up-river, staying in houses
or village guesthouses. Villages in the Chambri Lakes area are notable for
polished carvings, spears and pottery. The Blackwater Lakes on the Korosameri
tributary have stilt villages, dense forests and incredible birdlife.
Things to do
Luxury cruises: The easiest way to see the Sepik River is to cruise in luxury on the Sepik Spirit, run by Trans Niugini Tours, or on Melanesian Tourist Services Discoverer. Trans Niugini Tours also has a traditional-style haus tambaran lodge on the Karawari River from which it runs tours.Motorised canoe trips: You can organise your own trip from Ambunti or Angoram. Alternatively contact Sepik Adventure Tours/Ambunti Lodge for trips from Ambunti, or Sepik Village Tours/Angoram Hotel, phone (675) 858 3039 for trips from Angoram.
Click here to view accommodation listing in the East Sepik
Province.
Wewak has a pier for overseas and costal shipping. With 32
airstrips, much of East Sepik is accessible by air and Air Niugini has daily
flights from Port Moresby to Wewak.
For more information on East Sepik Province and contact details please contact East Sepik Tourist Officer on Ph: (675) 856 1295 Fax: (675) 856 2355 or Division of Culture & Sports Fax/Ph: (675) 856 2958
