The villages
Stilt houses over water.
David Bacon — CC BY 2.0 · David Bacon — CC BY 2.0 · David Bacon — CC BY 2.0 · David Bacon — CC BY 2.0 · David Bacon — CC BY 2.0 · David Bacon — CC BY 2.0
The Sepik is the longest river on the island of New Guinea, winding through wide swamps and forests in northern Papua New Guinea. Calm brown water, villages of wooden houses on stilts over the water, dugout canoes and tall grass on the banks fill it. Most of the river runs through Sandaun and East Sepik provinces, with a short stretch in Indonesia's Papua province. Its basin is described as possibly the largest uncontaminated freshwater wetland system in the Asia-Pacific region. The first European ship entered its mouth in 1885. You travel by boat between villages, seeing houses raised on stilts, long canoes lined up on the bank and sunset over water and grass. Villages keep traditional woodcarving crafts. The river is about 104 km in a straight line south-west of Wewak, reached from Wewak or Ambunti on boat trips of several days. Services are very few, so arrange the trip with a local guide and bring mosquito repellent. Ask before taking photos.
Stilt houses over water.
Carved from trunks.
Over water and grass.
East Sepik and Sandaun provinces, northern Papua New Guinea
Usually several days by boat.
Yes, arrange it with a local guide.