Our Tour Leaders

Padmaja Bharti holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations and an MBA. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at the Centre for American and West European studies. She is formally trained in Indian classical music, ancient, medieval and modern Indian history, contemporary world history, Indian philosophy, geography and politics.

Padmaja is a certified guide, and has been leading tours around India for a decade. In addition to her keen intelligence, she possesses a gracious yet bold character, rare among women in India. An enlightened, insightful perspective informs her in-depth discussions on a wide range of culturally sensitive issues. Her impeccable skills and knowledge ensure a wonderful journey through India.

K.R. Jairaj holds a Bachelors degree in Zoology and a Masters in Sociology from Calicut University, and a diploma in tourism from Annamalai University. A professional guide since 1989, he is sought after for his exceptional skill in imparting his deep knowledge of Indian history and fauna.

He has a knack for relating broad historical perspectives to everyday scenes that travelers encounter, making for rich and insightful discussions. Jairaj is also an avid photographer, and delights in giving travelers insider tips on the best angle and light. His wonderfully hospitable personality and natural kindness make him a favorite with visitors and local staff alike.

Born in Japan and after having studied in the USA, Harumi acquired her National Government Guide Interpreter License in 1986. Since then, Haraumi has guided discerning travelers from all over the world over 250 days a year. She has led tours for various Japanese groups, including business people, students, athletes, musicians, and leisure travelers.

Since 1997 she has been welcoming and guiding foreign visitors in Japan. Now, her life’s work is introducing people from around the world to amazing history, culture, food, and sharing her passion for her country.

Australian Suzanne Noakes has been traveling in Melanesia for the last two decades, leading trips in Papua New Guinea for private groups, university alumni and conservation associations, and has developed a deep understanding of PNG’s people, culture, language, flora and fauna.

She owns a tourism policy company that lobbies overseas governments to alleviate poverty through tourism initiatives, and is pursuing her master’s degree in this field. She sponsors such initiatives as the Karawari coconut soap press, teacher scholarships and improved water collection projects within the Milne Bay region. Her expertise, energy, rapport with the local people and warm personal style receives the highest praise from our travelers, making Suzanne an unsurpassed Tour Leader in the Land of the Last Unknown.

Chencho Tshering is a native Bhutanese whose guiding experience spans two decades. He received formal training as a guide for two years in Singapore, and when Bhutan’s travel industry was privatized his enthusiastic entrepreneurial spirit took hold.

He decided to pursue his passion and put his vast experience to work and became one of the country’s most sought-after guides. He has since been escorting groups of different nationalities all over the country. Chencho’s engaging personality and deep knowledge of Bhutanese history, religion and art make him an incomparable guide in his beloved homeland.

Dominic Tulo was born in Namatanai, New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea. He has lived in Papua New Guinea his entire life and currently lives in Rabaul with his wife and children. He graduated with a diploma in Tourism & Hospitality Management from the Divine Word University in Madang in 2002. After graduating he joined the most prominent tour company in Papua New Guinea learning about the operations, the unique cultural and tribal diversity, the landscapes, guides, hotels, and how it all fits together. His passion and work have always been in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. He now has over 20 years of experience and is a trusted favorite Tour Leader. Dominic enjoys greeting travelers and showing them his unique country when not with his family and friends.

He has worked with key organizations and businesses like the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, Air Niugini, Melanesian Tourist Services, and Trans Niugini Tours, as well as with hotels as Sales and Marketing Manager, Food and Beverage Manager and the list goes on.

Dominic has also had a fair bit of business travel experience overseas including the Philippines, Australia, Hawaii, Vanuatu, and Washington D.C. He also traveled to China right before covid. Dominic is a certified national tour guide, and national tour guide trainer by the World Federation of Tourist Guides Association so he has quite a bit of knowledge and experience. He is often looked up to as a mentor and a friend in the industry.