Pacific Island Paradises

Papua New Guinea Milne Bay Situated on the southeastern tip of PNG is Milne Bay, named in 1873 after Lord Milne of the British Navy. This maritime province boasts many spectacular reefs, islands and cultures. Most of the local population are seafarers who depend on the sea for their livelihoods. Ceremonial gift exchanges and trade between the locals are among the richest cultural heritages in the Pacific. Milne Bay came to prominence in World War II when an allied base was established here to safeguard the vital sea lanes from PNG to Australia as well as the eastern approach to Port Moresby. Today relics of warplanes, trucks, tanks and pontoons can all be found above and below the sea. War memorials are located on the periphery of Alotau. The Milne Bay Province consists of four districts: Alotau, Esa'ala, Kiriwina/ Goodenough and Samarai/Murua. Alotau is the main administrative and business centre and is a 15–minute drive on sealed roads from Gurney Airport. In and around Alotau there are several main supermarkets and other smaller outlets for essentials. Souvenir shops sell local products such as carvings, herbal products and jewellery. There are about 50 local dialects, though English is widely spoken throughout the province. The local economy is largely dependent on primary produce such as palm oil, cocoa, coffee, minerals and marine products. A local eco-friendly tourist industry is also being pursued and encouraged as a potential source of revenue. The weather can be unpredictable at times with sudden and heavy torrential downpours. October to December generally enjoys the best and most consistent weather while January to March usually experiences strong southeasterly winds. Milne Bay is a popular fishing destination. Game fishing tours can be arranged through a number of charter operators. Diving is excellent thanks to the diverse marine life as well as WWII relics. One easily accessible shipwreck is Mascoota at Wagawaga. Island hopping tours can be organised from Alotau to the neighbouring islands of Samarai and the Engineer Group, or to Goodenough, Ferguson and Normanby. Regular small boats and cruises service these destinations. Air Niugini runs several flights a week from Port Moresby to Gurney Airport. Rural Alotau is serviced by Airlines PNG twice weekly from Gurney to Misima, Kiriwina; and weekly services north to Rabaraba and the islands of Salamo and Vivigani. Tawali Resort Papua New Guinea's premier resort, accessible only by boat is tucked away in a pristine rainforest. Enjoy the unspoiled wonders of this magnificent part of the world. Enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, fishing and bird watching. Immerse yourself in the culture of Papua New Guinea and experience the local culture on guided bushwalks to remote villages, visit schools, skull caves, waterfalls or just relax by the pool. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with private balconies overlooking the sea. Every bungalow is air-conditioned with a ceiling fan, TV, bar fridge, two queen size beds and large en suite. The Ocean Villa additionally provides a kitchen, living room and two bedrooms, both with double en suites. A three-bedroom beach house offers basic accommodation for a family or a small group. Tawali has spectacular dive sites that have been acclaimed as some of the best in the world, right at its doorstep. Packages for divers are available and include accommodation, meals including coffee, tea, fruit juices, lunch and snacks on dive boats, daily boat dives and shore diving on the house reef, tanks, weights, air fills and round trip transfers. Papua New Guinea enjoys a diverse cuisine and the resort's unique menus use locally grown fruits and vegetables. Besides the beautiful main dining room, guests are able to dine outside on the veranda overlooking the rainforest. Fresh bread is baked daily and delicious desserts are served with evening meals. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are also available at the well-stocked bar. PO Box 674, Alotau, Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea Tel: +675 6410922 +847 461 1984 (USA) Fax: +1 510 8651754  Email: reservations@tawali.com  www.tawali.com 192  www.paradisesonline.com

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