点评:This was THE highlight of our stay in PNG. We saw no other tourists during a 5 day trip in the Upper and Middle Sepik.
Cyril took care of everything. He knows basically everyone around the river, and will make you feel as safe as possible. Has great English as well.
He may seem “tough” to you at first, but has a big and soft heart. Be gentle and communicate clearly your expectations, he’s always proactive and frank regarding what’s possible or not.
I’ve read some recent scary news about the region, but found no signs of violence at all, and was received with utmost kindness and seas of genuine smiles.
We would usually wake up early, have breakfast, and spend 3 to 6 hours riding the canoe while stopping by interesting villages. Our journey started with a long trip to the village of Wagu, which is near a good spot to watch the birds of paradise. If you are not into birdwatching, this won’t be that interesting to you (we had more fun in the Middle Sepik, and saw plenty of cool birds while cruising, anyway).
*FAVOURITE VILLAGES*
🌴 Kanganamun was the village we found the most scenic - lush greenery, pretty gardens, majestic spirit houses.
🛖 Avatip was beautiful and exceptionally lively (it’s the “longest” one in the region).
⚽️ Kamanibit has a special place in our heart. It had the most comfy accommodation and it’s the place Cyril calls home. He took us to a “sporting event” we will never forget. I won’t give details as to keep expectations low, but I suggest you definitely ask him about what’s going on, when you are there!
⛪️ Karawari and Blackwater river villages were distinct, with highest elevation, lake views and churches different from anything I’ve ever seen.
*TRANSPORT AND ACCOMMODATION*
🪣 Living conditions are basic in this part of the world. No running water, electricity (from solar panels) only for a couple hours a day. You will sleep in decent mattresses (on the floor) with mosquito nets, and toilets outside. Expect bucket showers and lots of insects.
🥗 Food is simple, but better than we expected: rice, veggies, fruits, fish. Dinners will be cooked with love by your hosts.
🛶 The canoe you will travel in is stable, and pretty dry. Bring a hat, sunscreen and repellant.
*PS: I have read one “bad” review about Cyril online, where a tourist presumed malice on his part. Without getting into personal details, I have proof that this tourist is wrong, and that Cyril went above and beyond to make things right in what was an exceptional situation.
That’s the thing with the Sepik, and PNG in general. It’s pretty unpredictable. So make your plans flexible, your heart open, and let yourself enjoy the journey.
If you are considering a trip to the Sepik and thinking it may be “adventurous” - yes, it’ll probably be rougher than you expect. If you are expecting it to be memorable - yes, it will be more unforgettable than you imagine.
Cyril’s whatsapp, as of 2025, is +675 7111 0089. If you ever read this, my brother, thank you for taking care of us, for introducing us to your family, and for the memories 💚
翻译:这是我们在巴布亚新几内亚逗留期间最精彩的部分。在塞皮克河上游和中游的 5 天旅行中,我们没有看到其他游客。
Cyril 把一切都打理好了。他基本上认识河边的每个人,会让你感到尽可能安全。他的英语也很好。
他一开始可能对你来说很“严厉”,但他心地善良。要温柔,清楚地表达你的期望,他总是积极主动,坦率地面对可能或不可能的事情。
我读过一些最近关于该地区的可怕新闻,但没有发现任何暴力迹象,并受到了最友善的接待和真诚的微笑。
我们通常会早起,吃早餐,花 3 到 6 个小时划独木舟,途中在有趣的村庄停留。我们的旅程从前往瓦古村的长途旅行开始,那里靠近一个观赏天堂鸟的好地方。如果你不喜欢观鸟,这对你来说不会那么有趣(我们在中塞皮克玩得更开心,而且在巡航时看到了很多很酷的鸟)。
*最喜欢的村庄*
🌴 Kanganamun 是我们发现风景最美的村庄——郁郁葱葱的绿地、美丽的花园、雄伟的精神屋。
🛖 Avatip 美丽而异常热闹(它是该地区“最长”的村庄)。
⚽️ Kamanibit 在我们心中占有特殊的地位。它拥有最舒适的住宿,是 Cyril 称之为家的地方。他带我们参加了一场我们永远不会忘记的“体育赛事”。我不会透露细节以降低期望,但我建议你到那里时一定要问问他发生了什么!
⛪️ Karawari 和 Blackwater 河村独具特色,海拔最高,湖景和教堂与我见过的任何地方都不同。
*交通和住宿*
🪣 这个地方的生活条件很基本。没有自来水,每天只有几个小时的电(来自太阳能电池板)。您将睡在舒适的床垫(地板上)上,配有蚊帐,厕所在室外。预计会有桶式淋浴和大量昆虫。
🥗 食物很简单,但比我们预期的要好:米饭、蔬菜、水果、鱼。晚餐将由您的主人精心烹制。
🛶 您乘坐的独木舟很稳定,而且相当干燥。带上帽子、防晒霜和驱蚊剂。
*PS:我在网上读过一篇关于 Cyril 的“差评”,一位游客认为他有恶意。无需透露个人细节,我有证据表明这位游客错了,Cyril 竭尽全力在特殊情况下纠正了问题。
这就是塞皮克人以及巴布亚新几内亚的问题。它非常难以预测。所以,让你的计划灵活,敞开心扉,让自己享受旅程。
如果你正在考虑去塞皮克旅行,并认为这可能是“冒险”——是的,它可能比你想象的更艰难。如果你期待它令人难忘——是的,它会比你想象的更难忘。
截至 2025 年,Cyril 的 WhatsApp 是 +675 7111 0089。如果你读过这封信,我的兄弟,谢谢你照顾我们,把我们介绍给你的家人,谢谢你给我们留下的回忆 💚