Sepik River

French cruise ship visits Sepik River

More than 200 tourists mainly French and about 40 Australians used zodiacs to motor into Kopar where they were met by enthusiastic villagers including three singsing groups and traditionally dressed elementary school children singing the Papua New Guinea national anthem.

L’Austral is part of Ponant Cruises of France with co-owner Captain Lemaire Jean-Philippe leading the land tours to Kopar Village. Kopar villagers were so excited with his visit that they made him an honourary chief of the village.