Pacific Island Paradises

Papua New Guinea Huli Wigmen with their human hair wigs adorned with colourful flowers. The Tari Valley is one of the few places left where men and women can be seen wearing traditional dress as part of daily living and men's wealth is still counted by the number of pigs and wives they possess. Bensbach Wildlife Lodge On the Bensbach River, in Southern PNG, stands Bensbach Wildlife Lodge. This Lodge is easily accessible by charter aircraft from Mt Hagen, Port Moresby, or via Daru from Cairns. The sweeping plains that are teeming with wildlife make this lodge truly perfect for nature lovers. This is also barramundi country, and the barramundi of Bensbach are second-to-none. Bensbach Wildlife Lodge caters for the serious angler as well as those who just want to drop a line into the water for fun. Included in the tariff is accommodation, all meals, transfers and fishing. Lake Murray Lodge Trans Niugini Tours is in the process of building a new lodge at Lake Murray. Situated on a small island in the lake, the lodge comprise 12 individual units overlooking the beautiful Lake Murray. A comfortable main lodge building will serve as a lounge, bar and dining area, with a spectacular wrap around veranda for pleasant views of the lake. The lodge will be powered by a solar system and will feature birding, cultural and Black Bass fishing around the lake and on the small island. This area has its own unique culture, tropical climate and rainforest. Karawari Lodge - East Sepik Province Overlooking the Karawari River in the Sepik region, Karawari Lodge is set in dense tropical lowland rainforest in one of the most remote and culturally rich areas of PNG. Often described as comfort amidst miles of jungle, the guest cottages are made from local materials with modern luxuries. The main building of the lodge is built in the form of a haus tambaran, or spirit house, that contains the dining area, bar, lounge and an incredible collection of Sepik artefacts. With no roads in the area, the Karawari River provides the only access. For a truly old-world experience, guests can try jungle, river and village exploration. Cruising the jungle fringed waterways is particularly memorable. The lodge is accessible via air transfer from Karawari's private airstrip. Sepik Spirit The ultimate 'floating lodge', this is an amazing way to see the middle reaches of the Sepik while still experiencing all the comforts of civilization. The Sepik Spirit accommodates 18 passengers in nine deluxe twin bedrooms each with a private bathroom. Day trips are on an 18–seater, custom designed riverboat. Guests can experience unique cultural encounters such as the Iatmul people, whose prolific wood carvings are seen throughout the Middle Sepik. With nine twin rooms, guests will also appreciate the very comfortable accommodation. Venture everyday into a culture that annually encounters very few outsiders. Malolo Plantation Lodge Malolo Plantation Lodge is set in a truly magical landscape with jungle birds, thatched roof huts and steaming volcanic mountains. Snorkellers and divers will love the marine ecology whilst thrill seekers can try a canoe ride over crystal clear waters to an uninhabited island for a nature walk. Malolo Plantation features 14 airconditioned rooms, a restaurant, bar and lounge, freshwater swimming pool and lawns and gardens that lead to the ocean. Here, guests can expect personalised service and the smaller touches that really add to a holiday experience. Malolo Plantation Lodge is a 45–minute drive on a sealed road from Madang, and Air Niugini has daily services to Madang from Port Moresby and some main centres. Trans Niugini Tours PO Box 371, Mt. Hagen PAPUA NEW GUINEA Tel: +675 5421438 Fax: +675 5422470  Email: service@pngtours.com  www.pngtours.com www.paradisesonline.com  195

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