|
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is situated a short distance from the northern tip of Queensland.
It is located entirely within the tropics and much of the country is covered
by tropical rainforests, towering mountain peaks and wild serpentine rivers.
There is, however, another side to this spectacular country - an undersea
world of great beauty and adventure.
Papua New Guinea offers world
class diving with a staggering choice of unspoiled dive sites. This
unique destination includes vibrant coral reefs, World War II ship
and aircraft wrecks, sunken live volcanoes and a massive array of marine
life in crystal clear waters. Wherever you dive in Papua New Guinea,
there is something new to see. Many of the bays and islands have never been
dived before so each journey can become a personal journey of discovery.
The main international
gateway to this area is Port Moresby with direct services available
with Air Niugini from Brisbane, Cairns, and Sydney.
Visitors from North America and Europe should fly to Cairns as this
is the closest point to Papua New Guinea.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
CLIMATE: The country is equatorial and has a year round warm, humid climate
with average temperatures around 28 degrees Celsius (85F). The driest season
is from May through December.
CURRENCY: The Kina is the unit of
currency. One Australian Dollar is worth approximately 2.30 Kina and
one US Dollar is worth approximately 2.70 Kina.
DRESS: As the climate is tropical, light cotton casual clothing is recommended.
Women should dress moderately in public places. Please note that some bars
and restaurants will not allow thongs, sneakers or sandshoes.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: All visitors
require a visa. In Australia visas are available from their consular
offices in Canberra or Brisbane. Visas can also be obtained on arrival.
The current visa fee is $35 AUD.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Refer to your
doctor for the latest health and inoculations required for this destination.
LANGUAGE: English and Pidgin are the official languages. However, there
are hundreds of dialects spoken in the provinces.
SHOPPING: For collectors of arts and artifacts, Papua New Guinea offers
a wealth of opportunities. Bilums (decorative string bags), masks, wooden
bowls, baskets, trays, drums, storey boards, spirit boards and carvings are
very popular. Items made prior to 1960 are restricted exports and need National
Museum clearance.
TIME ZONE: Papua New Guinea is 10 hours ahead of GMT.
TIPPING: Tipping is not expected or encouraged.
back to the top
PORT MORESBY
Port Moresby is your gateway to Papua New Guinea. It is mainly used as a
transit stop if your flight schedules require it. Comfortable accommodation
is available at twp airport hotels: the Airway Hotel and Gateway Hotel.
Another option is Loloata Resort. Just 14 km by road and 2km by ferry,
it offers comfortable accommodation in an island setting and caters for both
divers and non-divers.. The island is surrounded by tropical reef and
the tariff is inclusive of all meals.
To find the legendary diving that Papua New Guinea is famous for, you must
venture well beyond Port Moresby.
We will be pleased to provide a quotation for any combination of destinations
and durations.
AIRWAYS HOTEL
Airways Hotel is Papua New Guinea’s finest hotel, a member of Boutique Hotels & Resorts International and one of the most unique airport hotels in the world. Nestled into the mountainside in its own botanical gardens with stunning views from crystal clear waters of Bootless Bay to the majestic mountains of the Owen Stanley Ranges, it is just 2 minutes from Jackson’s International Airport.
 
GATEWAY HOTEL
The Gateway Hotel, due to its proximity to the airport and excellent facilities, is an extremely popular conference venue, particularly for delegates visiting Port Moresby. A short drive from both the international & domestic terminals in the hotel's free shuttle bus, brings you to its quiet atmosphere, surrounded by rich tropical gardens and impeccable service, which provide for a memorable and pleasant stay. All 95 modern rooms, some with Internet access, plus 20 serviced apartments surround a pool which is centrally located. A 24-hour Foreign Exchange desk is located at Reception. The Ani Ani Restaurant serves some of the finest International cuisine in Port Moresby, and features a buffet from a different part of the globe each night. Alternatively, choose one of Enzo's Pizzas in the Rattle 'n' Hum Pizzeria & Bar.
back to the top
LOLOATA ISLAND RESORT
Loloata offers the unique qualities of convenience and natural beauty. The resort island is only 15 minutes from the international airport in Port Moresby, but you'll feel like you're a world away on this beautiful Melanesian garden isle.
Loloata and its surrounding reefs and islands are the perfect nature study and are regularly visited by botanists, marine biologists and others with a special interest in our flora, fauna and rarer marine species.
To scuba divers, Loloata Island Resort means great diving, and a chance to observe some of the world's greatest coral reefs and meet a myriad of marine animals in their natural habitat. Underwater photo enthusiasts find a dazzling array of great fish, corals and invertebrate subjects only minutes away from the dock aboard our new deluxe dive boat. Everyone enjoys the meals -- from the morning breakfast cooked to order to the hearty lunch and dinner buffets -- combining the best local produce and Melanesian specialties with a menu designed for the discriminating palate.
back to the top
TUFI
Tufi is directly east of Port Moresby and is situated on the northern side
of the island about one hour's flying time. It is only accessible by
air and sea and is in a rugged, remote terrain. The area maintains
its traditional culture and produces unique pottery and Tapa cloth.
Most of the dive sites are within 30 minutes by boat, where
massive schools of reef fish, pelagics, sharks, hammerheads, grouper
and a vast array of corals are present. Visibility is often 30 meters
plus (100 Ft) and the water is a comfortable 25 degrees Celsius (77F)
year round. Many of the reefs are unexplored and it will be some time before
the full diversity of this location is known.
TUFI DIVE RESORT :
The Tufi Dive Resort was originally a plantation house
whick then subsequently became the Laki Hotel. In 1993, with extensive
renovation, it became the Tufi Dive Resort. The main building houses
the dining room, lounge and bar and is a great place to relax. All
accommodation units are fan cooled, with private bathrooms, and mosquito
nets. The hotel has a swimming pool and a BBQ area with a breathtaking
view of the mountainous fjords. All accommodation packages include
all meals. The menu features local seafood and fresh local produce.
The resort has two dive boats, a 24 ft high speed Sharkcat and a
23 ft Stinger. Hire gear and dive courses are available from the
resort.
 
back to the top
MADANG
Madang Harbour is widely acknowledged as one of the most picturesque ports
in the South Pacific. The warm clear water hosts a vast array of colourful
reef, corals and prolific marine life in all shapes and sizes. There
are channels, drop-offs, walls, swimthroughs, and a variety of ship
and aircraft wrecks. Many of the reefs are untouched and just waiting
to be discovered.
JAIS ABEN RESORT:
Jais Aben is a warm, friendly resort with comfortable accommodation and
good food. There are 18 oceanfront units, each with a screened patio
overlooking the coral beach. All units have refrigerators, private
bathrooms, and tea/coffee making facilities. The restaurant serves
the finest international and local cuisine in an open-air setting. There
is also a swimming poo, lounge and bar. The resort has its own dive operation
with a fully equipped dive shop, PADI dive courses and one dive boat.
MADANG RESORT HOTEL:
Madang Resort Hotel is set alongside the entrance to
Madang Harbour amongst 5 acres of tropically landscaped grounds. The hotel
offers majestic views of the volcanic island Kar Kar. All rooms are air-conditioned
with International Direct Dial telephones, private bathrooms, Satellite TV,
refrigerators and tea/coffee making facilities. Other features include, restaurant,
coffee shop, bar, Olympic size swimming pool, jogging track, tennis courts
and a PADI Dive Shop run by Nuigini Diving Adventures. PADI courses are available.
The resort operates 3 dive boats and can also organize fishing charters.
Aquaventures are our trusted dive operator in Madang, offering a variety
of dive sites, reliable, safe, trustworthy dive guides.
  
back to the top
WALINDI
Few places can claim to have some of the best reef diving in the world.
Kimbe Bay is endowed with massive reef systems rising from a deep sea floor.
The shallow domain between the reef and the surface attracts masses
of fish and around the reef walls you will see hammerheads, barracuda,
giant trevally and dog tooth tuna. There is plenty of undiscovered
areas so there is always a sense of adventure when diving at Walindi.
The warm water and outstanding visibility combine to make Walindi a
truly remarkable dive destination and should feature on any divers
wish list.
WALINDI PLANTATION RESORT
Accommodation is in spacious self contained Beachfront Bungalows with private
bathrooms or Plantation Lodge rooms with share bathrooms. The resort
was developed out of the interest of visiting scuba divers who recognized
the incredible quality of diving. The tariff includes all meals and
laundry service, while recreational facilities include swimming pool,
boating, fishing and scuba diving. There is a full service dive shop
with equipment hire and 3 dive boats.
MV FEBRINA LIVEABOARD
Febrina is 72 foot long and fitted with every convenience to make your
dive trip an enjoyable and memorable experience. There are 6 cabins
each accommodating two passengers and 3 guest bathrooms. The vessel
is fully air-conditioned and top class gourmet meals are provided.
There is E-6 processing available and a slide projector and viewer
are also available. The Febrina is a seaborne platform that provides
easy access to spectacular dive areas.
MV STAR DANCER
From January through March and during July and August, Star Dancer embarks from Rabaul, rich in history and protected from the southeasterly tradewinds by the Gazelle Peninsular. In the early months, Star Dancer leaves Rabaul for the South Coast of New Britain Island where divers enjoy some of the best critter diving available along with an exciting up-the-river trip to a fresh water blue hole for more diving. In July and August, the diving around Rabaul offers great variety from lovely fans and whips to sharks to frog fish and much more.
back to the top
KAVIENG
Kavieng is located at the tip of New Ireland and is one of Papua New Guinea's
most picturesque and tranquil outer islands. It has a reputation for
schools of large pelagics and also offers great reef and wreck diving.
With hundreds of coral atolls, reefs and quays. This is another
top spot with warm water and great visibility. Our dive operator, Scuba
Adventures, operates daily boat trips for guests at the Nusa Island
Resort or Malagan Beach Resort to numerous locations to experience
the challenge and adventure of this unique destination.
MALAGAN BEACH RESORT:
Just minutes from the town centre, this resort was built overlooking
Kavieng's beautiful harbour and constructed with local timbers
in a traditional style. There are 16 deluxe air-conditioned
suites with private bathrooms, refrigerators, International Direct
Dial telephones, Satellite TV and private verandahs.
The centre complex provides an excellent restaurant, cocktail bar
and conference centre.
NUSA ISLAND RETREAT:
Nusa Island Retreat" - set on an idyllic sandy island point surrounded
by a superb swimming beach and crystal clear blue waters, teaming with marine
life. "The Retreat" enjoys encompassing harbour and island views,
and easy access to modern day conveniences in nearby Kavieng township.
An uncompromised and unspoiled location which is central to a smorgasbord
of activities
Accommodation is in the form of simple, high quality traditional island
style bungalows catering for up to five people. Limited numbers ensure
an entirely relaxed environment.
Most of the bungalows are set on the water's edge and all have great
views. The central kitchen, restaurant and activities building has
a licensed bar/lounge with games and other activities. The food is
innovative and upbeat, featuring plenty of fresh local seafood and veggies
- and considered the best in Kavieng. You won't go hungry here !
LISSENUNG ISLAND RESORT:
Lissenung Island Resort has it all. The resort is located
off Kavieng in New Ireland Province, only 2 degrees south of the equator.
The water temperature ranges from 28 – 32 degrees Celsius all year
round. Enjoy world-class diving with Lissenungs in-house dive operator
and experience it all: Pelagic
fish action, currents, wall and muck diving, wrecks and beautiful reefs.
The 4 comfortable bungalows house 7 double/twin and single rooms. In the
Haus Win, the large main building, meals incl. fresh seafood such as
crabs, lobster and fish as well as cold drinks await the divers after a day
out.
With a maximum of 14 guests, personal service is guaranteed and a visit
here is truly exclusive!
 
back to the top
PNG FRONTIER SURFARIS
Let us introduce you to surfing in Papua New Guinea the perfect destination
for those keen to surf uncrowded and newly discovered waves. Fly into Kavieng
then straight onto the air-conditioned comfort of the ‘Exo’,
a 50ft aluminium motorboat kitted out with all the mod cons and safety gear.
Cruising along at a comfortable 8 knots, the Exo and her crew will ensure
you have the charter experience of a lifetime. Leaving Kavieng your destination
will be much further a field, to the many islands and reefs still being explored
for surf. There are many known breaks that you will visit but many more that
we have yet to discover.
Enjoy the flexibility of being on a boat and the knowledge of your experienced
skipper/surf guide who will always take you to the best possible locations.
Experience the diversity of Papua New Guinea in a region still relatively
shy of tourism. Imagine the thrill of your first barrel in the warm tropical
waters, hearing only the hoots of your few friends and the yells of delight
from the local kids as they amazed by this phenomena that is surfing.
back to the top
ALOTAU
TAWALI RESORT
Covered walkways lead away from the main building and observation deck
to guest bungalows which are all beautifully appointed. The five guest
buildings are set around the top of a bluff overlooking the bay and
forests. Each building houses two rooms or bungalows and even though
the rooms share a common wall, all bungalows are completely private,
each with individual balconies. Bungalows are very roomy with
a lot of attention to detail in woodwork, including a rosewood desk
area and closets. All bungalows have individual solar powered hot water
and are air conditioned with beautiful bathrooms and private decks.
At capacity, Tawali will accommodate twenty divers with ease, which
makes your vacation a very intimate experience. The diving from Tawali
Resort is both amazing and convenient, with the best diving of Milne
Bay just minutes away.
MV TELITA
Telita will take you to some of the best dive sites in PNG. Visit wrecks
such as the S'Jacob, a Dutch cargo vessel, and the B17 bomber Blackjack
while also having a close encounters with dolphins, whales and dugongs.
Dive the many reefs en route and visit Observation Point, a great
muck-diving experience. International divers return every year to
enjoy the superb diving from this famous dive vessel.
MILNE BAY - MV CHERTAN
The MV Chertan cruises the islands and quays, bommies
and drop-offs of exciting Milne Bay Province on the remote southern tip of
Papua New Guinea. Sailing from Alotau, the Chertan offers the experienced
diver an unforgettable adventure with unlimited diving and the opportunity
to encounter local culture. In between dives visit native villages unspoiled
by the outside world. Accommodation is in 6 x twin berth air-conditioned
cabins.
LAE - MV BARBARIAN 2
Charter your own liveaboard dive vessel. Catering for
a minimum of 4 passengers and a maximum of 6 passengers, Barbarian
operates itineraries tailored to your requirements. Choose between
Milne Bay and Kavieng. Both areas offer wrecks and pristine reefs. From
the large pelagic's of Kavieng to the small critters of Milne Bay, Barbarian
offers superb unlimited diving just the way you want it.
back to the top
RABAUL
Rabaul is on Simpson Harbour and is known for its excellent swimming and snorkelling. Trails in the hillsides around Rabaul, perfect for day hikes to a network of tunnels and caverns built by the Japanese during World War II. In the volcano ringed town of Rabaul, a visit to the volcano observatory is a fascinating attraction. Treks through the dense rainforest heads to undeveloped West New Britain. Rabaul is a laid back place which still has the old Pacific charm about it. People stop in the street to chat, and nobody is in a hurry.
RAPOPO PLANTATION RESORT
Nestled in an idyllic setting amongst a working plantation, Rapopo Plantation Resort is only 10 minutes from the airport. The resort is right at the beach front overlooking Pigeon Island and bellowing Mt Tavurvur. The resort offers a small personalised PADI Dive Operation catering to your diving needs. Diving both wrecks or reefs, Rapopo offers divers a diverse choice. Diving at Rapopo, you might just be lucky enough to dive with Orcas, Pilot Whales and Dolphins. Waters are clear with average temperatures of 28 degrees. The resort is very quiet except for the sound of breaking waves. The magnificent views of Mt Tavurvur and the setting sun are beyond comprehension from the balcony of the Luxury Seaside rooms.
KABAIRA DIVE RESORT
Papua New Guinea's hottest new destination is near Rabaul, the wreck diving capital of the Bismark Sea. Critters, W.W.2 wrecks - ships and planes, adventure diving to remote islands and exciting Papua New Guinea reef dives - Kabaira Dive Rabaul offers you exclusive personalised diving, all from our laid back beachfront resort. After that, please let us show you what is above the high tide line and explore the history of Rabaul town as it continues to rise from the ashes of the 1994 twin volcanic eruptions.
We offer beachfront accommodation at our home base one hour drive from Tokua Airport. It is the gateway for diving to our reefs with the closest dive only 10 minutes away. The house reef provides great snorkelling or an excellent late afternoon or evening dive. The beach house has 3 twin share and 2 single rooms with shared bathroom facilities including hot water. Kabaira Dive provides transfers from Tokua Airport, Kokopo and Rabaul Town.
back to the top
|
