The Imajica Experience
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The Bainings:
SAIL & BAINING TREK
11 nights from AU$4,830
Located in the mountainous region behind Rabaul at the base of a limestone cliff is the village of Komgi, home to several hundred Baining men, women and children.
Traditionally the Baining people have remained self contained, due in part to their remote existence and have subsequently developed an intricate belief and ceremony system which is still very much alive today.
The Sail & Baining Trek can only be experienced over 11 or more nights. It is made up of 7 days sailing and 5 days visiting the Baining Fire Dancers. For cultural enthusiasts this expedition also calls into the Tembin Shark Callers, making it the ultimate Imajica expedition.
The preparation for our visit begins up to a month beforehand as the performers undergo strict customary procedures in the bush. The climax of our visit is the performance of four seperate dances culminating in the spectacular Fire Dance.
Throughout our final day a feast of taro, pig meat and greens are shared around as the festivities kick in with the woman’s dance. Bamboo poles are beaten rythmically by the band who belt out traditional songs while the dancers perform.
As evening falls a large bonfire is lit and the Fire Dancers emerge from the surrounding bush tracks.
At certain key moments, each Fire Dancer leaps into the flames, dancing and kicking the giant logs, sending streams of embers into the night air.
After a whole day of performances our exhaustion overtakes and we head off to bed. Still the Fire Dancing will continue until every ember is out, because for the people of Komgi this is a tradition that must be strictly followed. We fall to sleep with the sound of distant chanting and an overwhelming sense of authenticity and appreciation for the culture we have witnessed.
