Kalam Festival 2024

Kalam Festival

September 2024

The Kalam Festival is an annual festival held in Papua New Guinea's Simbai valley. The festival serves a unique opportunity for travelers to participate in the traditional tribal ceremonies of this remote highland tribe. The rolling green mountains dispersed with small traditional homes and villages, combined with its remote location, make the Simbai valley is an exceptionally beautiful and unique area in the PNG highlands. Although Simbai is only a 20-minute charter flight from Mount Hagen,the valley is almost completely isolated from the outside world, only accessible by air or a 3 day walk from Mount Hagen.

The Kalam festival was developed by the Simbai people to celebrate their ancient tribal traditions and to gather their community together for important annual celebrations, including the bridal exchange ceremony and coming-of-age ceremony for the young men of the community. The bilas (traditional dress) of the Simbai people is easily identifiable by the distinct and complex headdress worn for celebration. The festival itself lasts for three days, during which the celebrations gradually build, culminating in a large gathering of local Simbai sing sing groups and their families celebrating together through song, dance and feast. As the festival remains rustic and fairly undisturbed by the outside world the celebrations tend to organically unfold throughout the course of the three days and include a ceremonial pig killing and traditionally prepared mumu, a presentation of the young initiates, bride price exchange and sing sing celebrations. The celebrations take on an almost magical sense as the singing and dancing continue throughout the festival nights and rhythmic sound of the voices carry across the valley under the light of the moon. Guests are welcome to attend this unique nighttime gathering. The festival, though attended by hundreds of local people, will only be witnessed by a handful of lucky and adventurous travelers.

Itinerary

Monday, September 16 – Enjoy a short flight across the majestic PNG highlands to reach the remote Simbai valley. Upon arrival you will be met by your gracious hosts and will make the short trek to the guesthouse. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the local villages and taking in the clean mountain air and tranquil setting. The festivities will begin to take shape throughout the day, in preparation for the main festival days to come. (LD)

Tuesday, September 17 & Wednesday, September 18

Enjoy two fascinating days of traditional gatherings and celebrations. Over the course of the festival guests will have the unique opportunity to witness a number of traditional celebrations including traditional bride price exchange, coming-of-age celebrations, mumu preparations and feast, and the unique sing sing of the Simbai tribe. Guests will be escorted throughout their time here by a knowledgeable local guide. (BLD)

Thursday, September 19

Rise early to enjoy your last breakfast and say your farewells to the warm Simbai people and stunning valley that has served as your recent home. This morning you will meet your charter flight to Mount Hagen. (B)

Please note: This festival itinerary can be combined with further travel in PNG or can act as a stand-alone itinerary. Our sales team will help to create a personalized itinerary to combine with this festival.

LAND COST:

Twin share: US$1,540.00 per person

Land Cost includes:
Transfers, local guide, tours, festival, accommodation and meals in Simbai.

Land Cost does not include:

Domestic and international flights and services of a personal nature.

CHARTER COST FOR THE BELOW SECTORS: US$ 385.00 per person

Monday 16 September, 2024 - Mount Hagen/Simbai

Thursday 19 September, 2024 -Simbai/Mount Hagen

Important Note:
We will book the Air Charter flights.

To secure space due to the popularity of our show programs, a non-refundable deposit of US$500.00 per person is required to confirm the booking.

For further information please contact us