15 Oct 2019

Manus Island Welcome

This morning we boarded the Zodiacs to a full blown singsing as Derimbat Village's welcoming committee came out to greet Spirit of Enderby, anchored off Manus Island.

The enthusiastic singing, dancing and drumming was all the more impressive being performed on a moving banana boat. Located just 2-degrees south of the equator, the temperature was rapidly rising at 0645 as we skimmed over the glassy water in our fleet of Zodiacs following our singing and dancing escorts enjoying the cool breeze on our faces.
Once ashore we were greeted by the village chief and island dignitaries before following flower-lined paths to the village centre/dance arena which had been spectacularly decorated with flowers and curtains of palm fronds for the occasion. The enthusiastic welcoming continued at a frenetic pace set by the island's drummers as parrots in the trees above joined the booming chorus and whoops ringing out through the jungle.

Having thrown down the gauntlet, it was time for our expeditioners to reciprocate in a fast and furious dance off. Rising to the challenge we joined in the festivities, providing much entertainment as we attempted to mimic their elaborate and traditional dance moves - much to the delight of our hosts and visitors from neighbouring villages.
After lunch back on board Spirit of Enderby, and joined by the birders who spotted several impressive species including Nicobar Pigeon, Manus Friarbird and Manus Cukooshrike, we headed over to white-sand fringed Papinbutch Island for the first snorkel of the expedition. Beneath the water colourful fish darted in and out of the coral gardens.

Image (c) I.Wilson, Heritage Expeditions