MANUS PROVINCE

Manus is Papua New Guinea's smallest province, both in terms of land mass and population, but has a vast sea area rich with marine life and beautiful coral reefs.The province consists of a group of islands, known as the Admiralty Islands and a scattering of low lying atolls, mostly uninhabited, with the northern border reaching the equator. The reefs near the atolls are accessible by outboard motor or canoe and provide superb diving and fishing. The adventurous and athletic can enjoy sea kayaking, a sport fast becoming popular among the seafaring community of Manus. Sea kayaking tours can range from day trips to a seven day tour, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy the marine life, the water ways and the scenery of Manus. Manus, the largest of the islands, is rugged and heavily timbered with central hills rising to over 700 metres and many sharp ridges and streams. The airport is in Momote on Los Negros Island. A good road connects Los Negros to the main town of Lorengau on Manus Island. The islands are connected by a bridge crossing the Loniu Passage. There is a pleasant waterfall and a fresh waterpool on the Lorengau River a few kilometres upstream from Lorengau town. During World War 2, Manus was occupied by the Japanese and later by American and Australian armed forces, who spent millions of dollars constructing a huge base, airport and dock facilities at Seeadler Harbour. During wartime activity up to 600 ships anchored in the harbour. Today it is a peaceful place ringed by small islets and a magnificent reef. The rusting remains of the base can still be seen nearby.

Things to see Lorengau: Most of the town’s main services and the market are near the wharf while the provincial government buildings and main accommodation are a kilometre east along the edge of the harbour. The airport is located at Los Negros Island, which is joined to Manus by a bridge across the narrow Loniu Passage. Seeadler Harbour, which is enclosed by Los Negros Island, is very deep and was used by the Americans during World War II. Loniu Passage and Cave: The cave is near the passage and is best located by asking your hotel or local people. War relics: Many rusting relics are visible at Lombrum which was a huge American naval base during World War II and others can be seen from the bridge across Loniu Passage. Culture: The Manus Provincial Show is held over three days in late August or you might be able to watch traditional dancing at Buyang, a village at the centre of the island. Things to do Diving and snorkelling: Most of the north coast is bordered with a reef and the excellent visibility allows great diving and snorkelling. A huge variety of corals and fish, and wartime wrecks can be seen, and there may be whales between January and March. Andra and Ahus islands off the north coast are good places and have guesthouse. Palankowou Guest House for accommodation. Phone (675) 470 9159 or (675) 470 9393 for more information.

Swimming: For a freshwater dip, the best place is the waterfall and swimming hole about 5km up the Lorengau River from town. Good beaches are Salamei on Rarah Island and Tulu on the north coast west of Lorengau, but you’ll need a boat to get there. Fishing: Hire a boat and head out from the harbour. Anywhere along the coast should be rewarding. Island hopping: Visit and stay on some of the outer islands such as Andra and Ahus off the North Coast or Lou Island to the south-east. Fertile Lou Island is an old volcano and has hot springs. Boats run regularly between Lorengau and the islands. A variety of hotels, lodge style accommodation and village guest houses are available, including the Lorengau Kohai Lodge, the Andra Guest House and the Harbour Side Hotel, all of which provide comfortable facilities for visitors. There are no direct flights to Manus from Port Moresby but connection flights from other centre of the country are provided by Air Niugini and other third level airlines operating in the country.