| SEARCH |
The gateway to the Highlands, Morobe boasts
majestic mountains and lush rainforest filled with butterflies, orchids and
tropical birds. The Huon Gulf provides excellent fishing and diving and there
are good reefs around the coastal town of Finschhafen, Salamaua and the Siassi
Islands. Salamaua District also has war relics, swimming and snorkelling, and
walking to Mount Tambu for spectacular views.
Morobe Province curves
around the tropical waters of the Huon Gulf. The Saruwaged Mountains, rising
from the sea at the tip of the Huon Peninsula are blanketed by tangled and
impenetrable rainforest. To the south-west, the fertile Markham Valley rests
between equally awesome ranges while the waters between Huon Peninsula and New
Britain are dotted with volcanic islands.
Lae is the capital of Morobe and Papua New Guinea’s
second-largest city. It was once a tiny mission station before the 1920s
goldrush at Wau, and later developed into a major seaport. The town is well
serviced by banks, hotels, department stores, markets and artefact shops.
Goldmining, birdwatching and butterflies can be seen around Wau and Bulolo in
the hills south of Lae. Lae is linked to the Highlands by the Okuk Highway.
Things to see
Lae Botanical Gardens: This haven of greenery has huge trees, bright, noisy birds, lizards and an extensive orchid collection, including the world’s largest orchid.Lae War Cemetery: Most of the 2363 graves in this peaceful, well-kept cemetery are of young Australians. Located within the Botanical Gardens, it’s a short walk from town along Coronation Drive to Memorial Avenue. A map of the cemetery is available for those interested in locating particular headstones. Contact Morobe Tourism Bureau for more information on 472 7823.
Unitech: The Matheson Library of technology is the largest in the South Pacific and there is also a collection of artefacts with rare pieces. Buildings worth seeing are the haus tambaran-style (spirit house) coffeehouse and the 36 Sepik-style carved pillars in Duncanson Hall. Parks and gardens surround the buildings. Located 8km out of town on Bumbu Road.
Rainforest Habitat: Located next to the University of Technology is 3000sq m of rainforest under a canopy, with a lake, raised walkways, semi-tame birds and beautiful flowers. You’ll find the largest variety of birds of paradise species kept anywhere in the world, together with other native wildlife such as tree kangaroos, parrots, cassowaries and the unique New Guinean long-nosed echidna. Open daily 10am to 4 pm. Contact Ph: 475 7839 for more information.
Markets: Lae’s main market is located on Air Corps Road west of the old airstrip. Food, produce and local curios are available here. Smaller markets are out of town on Butibum Road and just past the Bumbu Bridge on the way to Unitech.
Arts & Crafts: Street sellers often position themselves outside department stores. Look for bilums and other crafts at the main market. The biggest selection is at Melanesian Arts Centre Ph: 472 1604, located at the old airport below the town.Wau and Bulolo: Goldmining, birdwatching and butterflies are the attractions in this area in the hills south of Lae. Wau Ecology Institute, which does research on the country’s ecology, has a small museum with photos of Wau in its heyday, hostel accommodation and a Butterfly Ranch with an amazing variety of insects. The Insect Farming and Trading Agency on Godwin Street in Bulolo, run in conjunction with Lae Unitech, is similar. The small McAdam National Park preserves the last virgin stands of Klinkii and hoop pine and has many birds and tree kangaroos. There is one trail and you will need a guide.
Finschhafen: First colonised by Germans in 1885,
this small coastal town is peaceful and idyllic. There is guesthouse
accommodation, good snorkelling and walking and a lot of history in the area.
Beautifully carved Tami Island bowls can be bought at nearby Malasiga Village.
Sialum, a two-hour drive north, also has good walking, swimming and
snorkelling.
Salamaua: Important during the war, this pretty area has war
relics, fishing, swimming, snorkelling, and walking to Coastwatchers Ridge and
Mount Tambu for spectacular views. There is guesthouse accommodation. Boats
leave from Voco Point in Lae.
Limestone Caves: Near Mumeng on the scenic
drive to Bulolo are the Avilu Caves and the Avadedu burial ledges, above the
Gangwe River.
Menyamya and Aseki: In this coffee-growing region in the
heart of Anga country people still wear traditional dress. Anga people used to
smoke their dead and mummified bodies can be seen at Angipena, between Wau and
Aseki. Market days are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in Aseki, and Monday,
Thursday and Saturday in Menyamya.
Labu Tali Conservation Area: Giant
leatherback turtles come here between late November and early February to lay
eggs. Guesthouses are at Maus Buang and at Busama and villagers will act as
guides. Fishing, bushwalking and swimming are other options. Boats going to
Salamaua stop here. Contact Morobe Tourism Bureau, phone (675) 472 7823, or Joe
Kewere, phone 473 1688.
Kamiali Wildlife Management Area: Local people
run eco tours to see turtles nesting or you can swim, fish, snorkel, walk or
paddle canoes. For guesthouse bookings, phone (675) 472 1666. Located in
Salamaua District and reached by boat from Lae Lutheran Shipping ph (675) 472
2066.
Things to do
Diving: Niugini Diving, phone 472 5692, runs dive trips aboard the Babarian II. The coasts around Finschhafen, Salamaua and the Siassi Islands are particularly good. The wrecks of the B-17 bomber Black Jack and the Dutch cargo ship St Jacob are interesting dives.Fishing: Contact Hedura Cruises and Charters, phone (675) 472 1370, or Morobe Tours phone (675) 472 3647, for trips out into Huon Gulf. Huon Gulf Charters on MV Sunami, ph: (675) 472 2745
Trekking: There are several long hikes but you will need a guide. Finschhafen to Lae
around the coast takes three to four days, or fly to Teptep, a village high in the Finisterre Mountains, for the two-day walk to Wantoat. A section of the old Bulldog Track between Tekaku and Kakoro can also be done in two days. Menyamya to Kamina or Kerema takes six to eight days.
Black Cat Track: From Wau to Salamaua should take five days. The trek was used during the gold rush era in Wau in the early 1920s and during the 2nd World War.
Birdwatching: The Wau area has some good spots. Contact Wau Ecology Institute for details.
Golf: Papua New Guinea’s best golf course has its clubhouse on Bumbu Road, near the intersection with Markham Road. Contact Lae Golf Club for more information,
ph (675) 472 1353.
Cruises: Morobe Tours offers day and overnight charters out to have trips out onto Huon Gulf, Salamaua, Busamang and Jawani Island onboard aboard the luxury MV Endeavour. Day trips to Salamaua, Busamang and Jawani Island with sing sings and mumu lunches can be arranged. Ph (675) 472 3647 for more information
For more information on Morobe Province and contact
details please visit the Morobe Tourism Bureau website www.tourismmorobe.org.pg or
contact the bureau on Ph: (675) 472 7823 Email lcci@global.net.pg
