Sepik River

Sepik River, Papua New Guinea — one of the world's last great unspoiled river systems, its stilt villages home to the most celebrated wood-carving and spirit-house traditions in the Pacific.

Travel by dugout canoe or river boat between villages, as there are essentially no roads. Haus tambaran (spirit houses) with towering carved facades are the cultural centerpiece of Sepik communities — ask permission and expect to pay a respectful village fee before photographing ceremonies or interiors.