In the Tufi District the traditional way of life plays a very important role amongst the clansmen. The Supreme Authority is maintained by four major clans, namely Bedada-Bubu, Toru-Yariyari, Tewari and Gaso. There are many sub-clans within this structure each occupying blocks of land. Landowner-ship is also very important.
Many of the people live in isolated areas along the coast of Cape Nelson and on the slopes of Mount Trafalgar. Their sub-sistance village life allows them only to grow their gardens and go fishing in their outrigger canoes. Some areas are very active in arts and crafts. Oro pottery and Tapa cloth making is quite famous. Traditional “Sing-Sings” are performed for special ceremonial occasions.
There are no roads leading in to Tufi. The only way to get there is by domestic Airline from Port Moresby, or by boat from Popondetta. Due to the fact that Tufi is so isolated, there are no problems with “Rascals” and it is safe to walk around the Station, even at nighttime.
To find avenues to inject some capital into the Communities, meetings were held between the new managers of Tufi Dive Resort and the leaders of various villages. It was decided to establish a number of Tourist Attractions, such as village visits with traditional local lunch, Fjord Cruises, beach trips, nature walks and bush treks.
Bird and Butterfly watching is also a unique attraction. A few local guesthouses can provide a village overnight stay with colourful traditional “Sing-Sing” performances.
Tufi Cultural Festival - 8-11 June 2007
A 3 day festival hosted by Kofure Village (10 minutes by boat from Tufi Dive Resort) showcasing the culture of the Tufi region and featuring traditional dancing, arts and crafts demonstrations and displays, and much more. Click here for more information
Day
outing to Kupari Point Village
This site is relatively close by to Tufi where guest
can enjoy local customary hospitality. Set on Kupari
Point there is accommodation for 8 guests along with
eating quarters. Beautiful white sandy beaches and
reefs surround the point.
Travel to the village by canoe
across the small fiord, alight and enjoy a casual
stroll through local gardens and smaller villagers
on route to Kupari Point. Look at real traditional
life style a grass roots level. Meet friendly hospitable
local villager's and enjoy a traditional village luncheon
of seafood and local vegetables . Witness a real Papua
New Guinean Sing Sing - Oro style. Swim and snorkel
the afternoon away on the many reefs covered in abundance
with an array of marine life. Stroll back through
the villagers to fetch your canoe ride home.
Kofure Village Tour
Tufi resort’s transport will take you to the bottom of Tufi’s airstrip. Here you will be met by ‘bikman’ Mr. Davidson Yariyari, who is one of the chiefs of the Toru-Yariyari clan. Take a ride across the Fjord in a traditional outrigger canoe. On the other side of the Fjord, Mr. Davidson will take you through a local village and onto your bush walk.
Along the way he will explain how the local people grow their crops. You will learn about medicine derived from various plants and trees. This is an easy walk and takes just over half an hour.
You will then arrive at his Kofure Village. Drink fresh coconut juice and talk to his friendly people.
If staying for lunch, the local food served is fabulous. Fresh seafood, meat and local vegetables.
Jebo Guest House & Waterfalls Day Trip
A half-hour boat ride from Tufi follow the coast South and visit Jebo which has a beautiful white coral sandy beach and a guesthouse. The shallow coral reef is perfect for snorkelling in crystal clear, tropical water.
The guesthouse has budget Accommodation for those who wish to experience a night or two stay in a local village environment. Tours must be organised at the reception desk at least one day in advance.
By boat, visit the three spectacular waterfalls, just 10 minutes down the adjacent Fjord. Jump into the water and swim right under the waterfall, the cool water splashing on your head and the warm water on your body make a therapeutic combination. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Rugged cliffs surround the waterfalls. The pristine rainforest is the home to many exotic birds. This is the true nature of Papua New Guinea.
By the time you get back to Jebo, the local men have been busy catching fresh lobster and fish for lunch. Enjoy a magnificent meal of local vegetables and freshly caught seafood.
The Tour departs from Tufi Resort at 9.00 a.m - Returns at 3.00 p.m. Lancelot Ginari, the owner of the guest-house, will greet you on arrival and
show you the facilities.
In the Tufi District the traditional way of life plays a very important role amongst the clansmen. The Supreme Authority is maintained by four major clans, namely Bedada-Bubu, Toru-Yariyari, Tewari and Gaso. There are many sub-clans within this structure each occupying blocks of land. Landowner-ship is also very important.
There are no roads leading in to Tufi. The only way to get there is by domestic Airline from Port Moresby, or by boat from Popondetta. Due to the fact that Tufi is so isolated, there are no problems with “Rascals” and it is safe to walk around the Station, even at nighttime.
Tufi resort’s transport will take you to the bottom of Tufi’s airstrip. Here you will be met by ‘bikman’ Mr. Davidson Yariyari, who is one of the chiefs of the Toru-Yariyari clan. Take a ride across the Fjord in a traditional outrigger canoe. On the other side of the Fjord, Mr. Davidson will take you through a local village and onto your bush walk.
Along the way he will explain how the local people grow their crops. You will learn about medicine derived from various plants and trees. This is an easy walk and takes just over half an hour.
Jebo Guest House & Waterfalls Day Trip
By boat, visit the three spectacular waterfalls, just 10 minutes down the adjacent Fjord. Jump into the water and swim right under the waterfall, the cool water splashing on your head and the warm water on your body make a therapeutic combination. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
By the time you get back to Jebo, the local men have been busy catching fresh lobster and fish for lunch. Enjoy a magnificent meal of local vegetables and freshly caught seafood.
