Papua New Guinea

Whats New

Wed 2^nd June

Kapa Kapa Track

In October 2009, Getaway Trekking completed a reconnaissance of this trek, and will open this to serious trekkers in 2010.

The Kapa Kapa Track runs approximately parallel to the southeast of the Kokoda Track and in October 1942 was used by the Americans as an alternative to the Kokoda Track, which was at that time heavily occupied by Japanese and Australian forces. The Kapa Kapa Track was used in an attempt to outflank the enemy and catch them by surprise on the northern beaches.

The Australians advised the Americans not to take this route as they believed it to be more difficult than the Kokoda Track to the west. And they were right!

This trek is for serious trekkers only. The distance at over 200 kilometres is more than twice as long as Kokoda and the altitude of 2,750 mts ASL significantly higher. Total ascent & descent is around 14,400 metres, with many very steep and challenging ranges.

The tour duration will be 20 days, of which 1-3 days (dependent on weather) will be spent at Buna** on the north coast. This correctly reflects the passage of the Americans over the track, as they began at Gabagaba* on the south coast and they too concluded at Buna. We believe we accurately retrace the Americans route in late 1942.

A new trek appealing to those who have completed the Kokoda Track and are looking for a genuinely serious challenge. During our ‘recce’ trip, we passed through villages who had never seen '‘taubadas’ or white men before!
Click here for more information

Wed 19^th May

Kokoda Track Authority launch new website

The Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) has announced the launch of its new website providing an objective and factual resource for the 5000+ Australian trekkers who attempt the spectacular and challenging Kokoda Track every year. www.kokodatrackauthority.org

The KTA is commissioned to promote and manage the Kokoda Track for tourists, whilst improving the livelihood of communities living along the track, through funding and development programmes.

The KTA website offers reliable, clear and up to date information for trekkers, potential trekkers and their families. The website includes information about the trek, who the licensed tour operators are, how to prepare for the Kokoda Track and what questions to ask when speaking to a tour operator.

Mr James Engage, chairman of the KTA, invites all prospective trekkers to visit the site and not only learn about the Kokoda Track but see the importance of the track and developments that are taking place.

"The new website provides consumers with direct access to all the necessary information and covers everything a trekker needs to know all in the one place," Mr James Engage, chairman of the KTA said.

"In addition, the KTA also want to make potential trekkers aware of the positive contribution they will make to the local villages when attempting the Track."

Licensed tour operators also have an area of the website to login and access licensing information, newsletters , track advise, updates, itinerary planner, track maintenance advisory committee information, maintenance reports, incident report forms and an online forum.

14th ­ 17^th July 2010

16th National Mask Festival

First staged in 1995, the Mask Festival aims to preserve, in a living form, the mask cultures of Papua New Guinea. The festival showcases Papua New Guinea’s mask culture and attracts displays and performers from all over the country, providing opportunities to see both common and rare masks.

May 2010

Papua New Guinea ­ the new haven for trekkers.

Stunning pristine wilderness and treks that encompass a range of abilities together with diversity that is hard to find elsewhere are just a few reasons why trekkers are looking to PNG for fantastic new trails in 2010.

While the Kokoda Trail has long been a must-do experience for many Australians there are many other lesser-known and yet no less exciting treks available in PNG. While the Kokoda Trail requires a high level of training and commitment, other trails such as the Lark Force Wilderness Track require a moderate level of fitness.

The Lark Force Trek entails trekking through the Bainings Mountain ranges in the East New Britain Province. The trek experience was named in honour of the Australian military garrison who were tragically left to escape a far superior Japanese army during their occupation of Rabaul in January 1942. This track is unlike Kokoda in that it is not aimed primarily at being a War time track. It is much more than that - it will enrich your appreciation for the vastly remote culture that exists along the track. The trek also includes rafting, fishing and interaction with the local indigenous people.

If you are looking for an untouched and raw PNG trekking adventure - The Black Cat Track is for you. While still steeped in WWII history too, this is a trek that is still developing as it winds its way through challenging rivers and Salamaua Isthmus ­ one of PNG’s best kept secrets. With trails like these on offer there is no doubt that PNG is the next frontier for many trekking adventures.

September 2009

Clem’s Place – A new diamond for surfing in PNG.

Australian wholesaler and surfing experts, the Surf Travel Company has recently expanded their PNG surfing product range launching 5, 7 and 10 day surfing safaris to Tunnung Island.

Tunnung Island is literally a hidden paradise - the serenity of the island, the friendliness of the locals and perfect waves are all part of the treasures this island processes. David Hutchinson of the Surf Travel Company himself, only stumbled on it by chance while researching online and soon released he had spotted a real gem. After a visit to Tunnung Island earlier this year, David only reconfirmed his thoughts and as such has helped Clem bring his dream of a running a successful business and resort that one step closer.

The remote island located north of the mainland of New Hanover in the Three Island Harbour area, has only 50 inhabitants. There is only one place to stay for visitors, a surf bungalow camp called Clem’s Place owned by Clemens Anton and his wife Sophie.

Out the front of Clem’s Place is some of PNG’s most pristine waters and the wave directly in front of the resort is arguably one of the most consistent waves in the area. In fact it is not uncommon to regularly get 3-6ft waves each day during the surfing season. For the few who do not want to surf, there is also amazing fishing, canoeing and diving in the surrounding waters. In fact the waters are so full of different types of fish species and general marine life that it’s difficult to keep track of what you’ve seen or caught. The area also offers spectacular dive sites with an array of wrecks, drop offs, corals and pelagic marine life which are all in abundance.

Clem has worked hard to develop his bungalows and to also ensure that tourist dollars go back to the locals. Clem is determined to build enough houses for every family by the end of 2011 and he is well on his way, having completed 6 of the 10 houses already. He is also working with the local community and schools ensuring they get educational materials and sporting equipment that they need for learning and development. Guests are also encouraged to be active in supporting the community in whatever way possible.

So what better way to spend a holiday then visiting Clem’s Place where you can help the local community and enjoy some serious surfing, fishing and diving and relaxing in the meantime?

Ten day surfing trips to Clem’s place start from $2600 and includes three meals a day, return airport transfers to Kavieng wharf & return speedboat transfers to Clem’s Place and use of locally made canoes, snorkelling & fishing equipment. Additional extras at Clem’s Place are SAPNG and local reef fees and alcohol is available to purchase along with locally made souvenirs.

September 2009

Aussie surfboards collected and donated to assist PNG surfers

An appeal to donate old or unwanted surfboards, paddle boards and rescue equipment has resulted in a container load of equipment being shipped to Papua New Guinea for distribution to the fledgling surf industry.

Currently many locals in PNG interested in taking up surfing are restricted simply by lack of surfboards, something the Surfing Association of PNG (SAPNG) along with Gold Coast surf coach Jamo Borthwick and Surf for Happiness founder Saïd Metwalli have been working together to solve.

Both Borthwick and Metwalli, having travelled to PNG separately, saw opportunities to contribute surfing equipment and provide training to assist the growth of surfing in PNG, and so set about encouraging Australian surf clubs and individuals to contribute old or unused equipment for collection and despatch to PNG.

Papua New Guinea has numerous pristine, uncrowded, surf spots around the country and while locals are learning their skills on broken boards many have the natural ability that Jamo Borthwick feels will soon result in a surf team representing PNG.

The SAPNG, Borthwick and Metwalli believe that building the surfing fraternity in PNG will contribute to the well being of children through providing an outlet for their energy and reducing the chances of becoming involved in petty crime.

Provision of equipment is just one aspect of a long term strategy to grow surfing in PNG. Andrew Abel, President of the Surfing Association of PNG, and Jamo Borthwick are working to establish regular surf clinics to help train and coach local surfers understand the important aspects of water safety, surf rescue and basic emergency procedures, as well as improving surfing techniques.

A container of equipment was shipped in early August for distribution around PNG under the supervision of Andrew Abel and the Surfing Association of PNG. It is anticipated that further donations through surf clubs and individuals in Australia will result in another container being ready in October

Numerous individuals and companies have generously contributed to the appeal including a financial contribution from software company Fiserv (Saïd Metwalli) and Marlon Vallaydam who, through his company Australian VanLines, has provided access to their extensive trucking network to collect donations from clubs and individuals along the east coast, then stored and consolidated the equipment for shipping.

The need for further donations continues and any organisations or individuals who can contribute surf boards, clothing (surf wear and other), CPR dummies, rescue boards, wetsuits, surf club equipment, paddle boards/racing mals, surf skis, paddles, nipper boards, foamies, rescue tubes and first aid equipment or can assist in other ways should visit www.pngsurfing.com.au or contact Jamo Borthwick on (07) 5534 1886.

Additional information:

SAPNG development of surf management in Papua New Guinea.

The successful controlled development of tourism and benefits afforded to locals through the Surf Association Abel Reverse spiral management scheme created over the last 22 years has resulted in a unique and unprecedented approach to the creation of a equitable and sustainable surf tourism model that can be applied to other niche tourism sectors around the globe.

This model has caught the attention of the World Bank through the IFC who funded the SAPNG Strategic Master Plan. The SAPNG is now embarking on their draft stage of their Bill for an Act of Parliament known as the SAPNG Surf Management and Development Act.

There are currently 10 SAPNG affiliated surf clubs in Papua New Guinea – Kavieng, Vanimo, Sunset, Waromo, Yako, Tupira, Sero, Central New Ireland, Dolf and Taurama.

Further information for those planning a visit to Papua New Guinea can be obtained by contacting the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority in Sydney on (02) 9028 3592

24^th August 2009

PNG: Hiri Moale Festival 2009 Launched

Port Moresby City’s premier cultural event, the 2009 Hiri Moale Festival, has been formally launched with the symbolic release of a small replica double hull canoe "Lakatoi" at the Holiday Inn swimming pool in the nations’ capital.

The traditional Lakatoi symbolizes the centrepiece of the great sea voyages undertaken some 100 years ago by the Motuans when they exchanged sago and clay pots with the people of neighbouring Gulf Province. A re-enactment of this voyage will be performed on a four hulled and a three hulled lagatoi currently being constructed by the Porebada and Gorohu villages.

The Hiri Moale Festival has become the city’s premier cultural show with activities including canoe racing, marching, floating, peroveta, choir, traditional singsing and new for 2009 the inclusion of outrigger paddling.

Port Moresby’s Ela Beach will play host to the Hiri Moale Festival on Independence weekend from 14 to 16th September.

Highlights of the festival include the Hiri Hanenamo Quest (Queen, chosen from village representatives) and the Lagatois (double hulled canoe).

Background

The Hiri Moale Festival celebrates the epic journeys of the Motuans re-enacting the craft and lore of days gone by for current generations.

The journeys taught people to endure hardships in life, taught the young a lot of life skills including seamanship and to get up and go and not rely on handouts.

It was the annual Hiri voyages that the Motuan people of the now Central Province undertook to the Gulf of Papua to trade with the Erema. They would set sail with the onset of the south easterly winds (Laurabada) and return when the northwest winds (Lahara) started blowing.

In fact, it was more than a trading voyage. It forged friendships that lasted for generations, in some cases the ties forged then are still intact today.

From the day Edai Siabo of Boera village built the first lagatoi after befriending a sea god, the Motuans from Gaba Gaba to the east of Port Moresby to Manumanu in the west journeyed every year to the Gulf.

The Motuans took with them clay pots, arm shells (toea) and yams among other goods to exchange for sago, logs for new lagatois and dogs teeth.

Those voyages also created a national language, Hiri Motu, a vernacular understood by the Motuans and their Erema trading partners.

It was an event that was looked forward to by the trading partners annually.

(Background information credit to Peter Sea, Post Courier, Port Moresby).

20 July 2009

PNG environmental and social responsible

The growing popularity of PNG as a destination has renewed government and operator interest in the need to protect the environment from exploitation and provide benefits to traditional land owners.

Organisations such as the recently re-vamped Kokoda Track Authority are seeking to manage the growing popularity of the track (over 6,000 visitors p.a.) by formalising the processes of collecting trekking and access fees from all trekkers, repatriating monies to local villages and communities and maintaining track integrity.

The progressive PNG Surf Association has introduced an industry-leading Code of Practice aimed at limiting visitor numbers to ensure an environmentally manageable number of surfers at any one time. An important aspect of the Code sees traditional land owners benefiting from visitation through better controls and distribution of monies received from operators. The benefit for surfers is a pristine environment and uncrowded surf breaks.

The dive industry manages the reefs and waterways to ensure longevity of their industry. World recognised reef eco-systems that surround PNG are irreplaceable and responsibly protected, befitting scuba divers, snorkelers and fishermen alike. Likewise those involved in wildlife photography or bird watching, the long term viability of which requiring minimal impact to the environment - so there is a high level of awareness of their surroundings.

Much of PNG’s population’s very existence is based on sustenance caught or harvested on a daily basis - subsistence living - and they have a natural predilection to maintaining resources.