Pacific Island Paradises

— P a p u a N e w G u i n e a — – 158 – www.paradises.com T R A N S N I U G I N I T O U R S With over 30 years of expertise in cultural tours, trekking, ecological tours, wilderness adventures and cultural events, Trans Niugini Tours offers a number of options for accessing Papua New Guinea's unspoilt environments and traditional cultures. Rondon Ridge Situated at 2150 metres above sea level, Rondon Ridge offers sweeping views of the incredible Wahgi Valley, the Hagen Range and Sepik Divide. Just 30 minutes from the centre of Mt Hagen, each of the 12 units offers 180 degree views, modern bathrooms and electric blankets while an additional 16 newly built rooms offer double or twin share beds. The lodge features a main building with a lounge, bar, dining room, conference centre and a cosy fireplace for the cooler highland evenings. Business visitors have access to the fully-equipped conference room. The heating and all power is supplied by the lodge's own hydro system, providing environmentally friendly electricity. There are numerous activities that give an insight into the special cultural traditions of the area. A comprehensive touring program takes guests on a journey through the traditions and customs of the Melpa people. First contact with the Melpa people was made as recently as the mid-1930s. With daily flights from Port Moresby to Mt Hagen, Rondon Ridge is also the perfect "jumping off " point for access to Ambua Lodge, Karawari Lodge and Sepik Spirit. Ambua Lodge - Southern Highlands Located at 2100 metres in the Tari Gap area, Ambua Lodge showcases local architecture, spectacular views and modest luxury. The 36 individual units feature picture windows and a modern bathroom inside the lodge. With its beautiful Highland architecture, the main building houses a lounge, bar, dining room and a beautiful, cosy central fireplace. An additional 18 luxury rooms were recently constructed to meet the increased demand for accommodation. Practice some bird watching, venture along nature trails that are complete with traditional vine bridges, and discover a secluded waterfall. In keeping with its back-to-nature feel, Ambua Lodge generates 24-hour clean electricity from its mini hydroelectric power plant. A culturally vibrant place, this is the home to the 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, 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. The 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.

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