Page 139 - Pacifia Paradises - 2020

WALINDI PLANTATION RESORT, — Papua New Guinea —

MV OCEANIA AND MV FEBRINA

THE HIGHLANDS AND THE SEPIK
Papua New Guinea is located within the coral triangle, Walindi is the home port for two unique live-aboard dive vessels, the
a global centre of marine biodiversity with the highest new MV Oceania and the MV FeBrina. Both vessels offer various dive
number and most diverse corals, tropical fish and other itineraries around New Britain, the Bismarck Sea and further afield. The Sepik is an immense, lush, The Eastern Highlands Province is a one Sepik people who move around in long,
marine life, in the world. The signature diving areas visited in addition to the reefs of Kimbe grassland reserve, surrounded by hour flight north from Port Moresby or narrow dugout canoes. Travel is always
Bay are the offshore Father’s Reefs and the remote pinnacles and one of the world’s greatest river half an hour from Lae or Mt Hagen. Once difficult as there are no roads and the rivers
Fringing dormant volcanoes create a dramatic backdrop to the waters black sand bays of the Witu Islands. Rabaul is an option in certain systems, running 1126 kilometres there, you are surrounded by steep, rugged are narrow.
of Kimbe Bay. Countless submerged reefs and sea mounts play host months and MV Oceania visits the spectacular Milne Bay for selected from its origins high in the mountains mountains covered in dense rainforest The centres are Vanimo and Amanab and
to over 900 species of fish and 400 species of coral. itineraries. MV FeBrina dives with rare and unusual critters along the to the sea. graduating to sub-alpine vegetation. villages around here have strong religious
Southern coastline of New Britain in the early months of the year.
Walindi Plantation Resort, established in 1983, is an intimate The people along the river depend heavily The valleys are blanketed in grass and the beliefs centred on deities that are believed
dive resort situated on the shores of Kimbe Bay on the island of MV Oceania is an 88 ft catamaran, extensively refurbished in 2019, on it for transportation, water and food. panoramic views contain every imaginable to hold supernatural powers that are
New Britain. Celebrating over 35 years of operation, the resort is and offering above deck queen and twin cabins for up to 16 guests, Their cultural links with the Sepik River shade of green. Altitude varies from 600 vital for survival in this remote and dense
world famous for its quality of diving, international award-winning all with ensuite facilities and ocean views. Spacious lounge and are symbolised in many of their ancient metres in the south to Mt Michael’s 2750 countryside.
photography and warm hospitality. Snorkelling, birdwatching and dining areas, along with a sun deck and well set out dive deck are all and spiritual rituals, such as the manhood metre summit. Goroka, the largest town and East Sepik is the middle and lower region
capital, lies at 1600 metres above sea level.
nature tours are also featured activities. features of the vessel. MV FeBrina is a 73 ft, traditional style live- initiation. This requires painful carving of from Angoram to Wewak town. There
aboard catering for 10-12 guests. All cabins are ensuite, with up to flesh on the backs of young men with razor The Sepik River has no actual river delta and are a number of large rubber and cocoa
Secluded bures or plantation house rooms are nestled along the four single cabin options. blades. Patterns are that of a crocodile lying stains the sea brown for up to 50 kilometres. plantations along the river flats.
beachfront and surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Delicious meals on the banks of the river. It is said that islanders off the coast can
featuring fresh seafood and beef, fruits and vegetables are included Both vessels are specially set up for divers and underwater draw fresh water straight from the sea. The Wewak is an attractive palm-fringed town,
in the tariff. Dive sites in Kimbe Bay are a five to 45-minute ride from photographers, with water level duckboards, experienced and The history of the Sepik region reflects Sepik River is navigable for almost its entire which felt the might of Japanese troops who
the resort on covered, specially designed day boats. Boom netting friendly crews, excellent service and meals, all of which add up to the the influence over the years of the length and winding its way through the land ‘discovered’ its isolation and its hidden ports
with the resident pods of dolphins is a highlight and keep an eye out ultimate diving experience. missionaries, traders, labour recruiters and it resembles a huge, brown, coiling serpent. around Kairiuru Island.
for passing orcas and migrating whales. administrators. The force of the river tears great chunks of Many war memories remain around the
Here river and crocodiles, man and nature mud and vegetation out of the river banks plantations and a Japanese gun still points
have learned to live in mutual respect. Parts and at times these drift downstream and from the eastern end of the island.
PO Box 4, Kimbe PAPUA NEW GUINEA of the Highlands remain untouched just as appear as floating islands. You can cruise the
Tel: +675 723 48460, +675 737 34199 or +675 983 5441 Email: [email protected] mvoceania.com or walindifebrina.com
they were when first ‘discovered’ in 1933. middle Sepik aboard the quaint Sepik Spirit,
a slow house-boat. In addition, Kilibobo
The people are hardy and village life depends
on subsistence farming. Visitors will be Spirit is available primarily for charter,
fascinated by the bright ochre colours and though it doesn’t have a schedule. On special
two–metre high head-dresses swathed in occasions the ship operates expeditionary
plumes of the Bird of Paradise worn by the cruises to the Sepik and the PNG Islands.
tribal elders. Dancing is proud and fierce at West Sepik or Sandaun Province is near
traditional sing-sings, with drums beating the West Papua (Irian Jaya) border and is
long into the night. inhospitable terrain. It is home to the Upper

Papua New Guinea www.paradises.com Papua New Guinea 137