Domestic Tourism in PNG: Eco-Lodges, Homestays, Tours and Festivals

The closure of international borders in 2020 meant that Papua New Guineans were able to do more domestic travel for holidays and retreats. This shows that there is untapped potential in the domestic tourism sector. Papua New Guineans have become more innovative in opening their areas for visitors through providing guided day tours, home-stays and have organized festivals and shows to showcase their culture.

The Sogeri Pineapple Festival

The Sogeri Plateau remains the favourite getaway for city residents. The plateau of rolling hills, fresh cool air and crystal streams offer is only an hour’s drive out of Port Moresby and with well paved roads offer safe passage for commuters. 883 meters above sea level is the Varirata National Park which is a well maintained natural park that offers great sites for birdwatching, lookout spots and just nice green grass to relax or for the hikers, a hike through the park will bring you to small waterways and falls around the park. The next turn from Varirata Park and you will reach the road to the Owers’ Corner, which is the end of the infamous Kokoda Track. The place is usually bustling with activities but it has been quiet throughout the year as most of the trackers usually come from Australia could not make it through this year. Crystal rapids remain one of the most popular picnic spots as people can take a dip in the cool river and make barbeque using the provided facilities. The Sirinumu Dam which is a large man made dam that serves as the source of the water supply to the city as well as the power generation plant .On 21 and 22 October, the inaugural Sogeri Pineapple Festival was held at Sogeri organized by the Central Provincial Government and the National Cultural Commission. This Festival brought together traditional singsing groups, an Enduro challenge consisting of motorcycle racing, kayaking and running, and of course pineapples! Pineapple game activities and culinary competitions featuring pineapples. Pineapples grow in abundance on the fertile plateau and is one of the crops that Sogeri is famous for and they are usually in season towards the end of the year. This event was very well organized and well attended and shows promise for delivering more in the coming years.

Participants on the Kayaking leg of the Enduro challenge at the Sirinum Dam during the Sogeri festival. (Photo: Sogeri Pineapple Festival Facebook page)

Local Tour Operators – East New Britain

East New Britain has seen a marked increase in the number of local tour operators who are providing great tour packages. The province has always been a tourism hub however tour packages have been provided mostly by the major hotels in the province. With local tour operators which are mostly family run, you can visit Mt Tavurvur where you can enjoy some megapode eggs boiled in the hot springs nearby. You can also take the World War II tour and explore the tunnels which were built by the Japanese soldiers in the Second World War. The intricate tunnels will take you to underground bunkers that catered for the Japanese soldiers during the Battle of Rabaul. There are also many wartime relics scattered around the area.

The Mauke Island Retreat. Photo Credit: Open Lanes Tours Facebook page.

One such tour operator is the Open Lane Tours who also offer the packages of you taking a retreat at one of the islands Pangpang Island and Mauke Island Retreat which are part of the Duke of York Islands. You could also take a short trip to the Simpsons Habour and dive off the beehive which are two sandstone rocks stand in the middle of the entrance to the Habour and are affectionately known to the locals as Dawapia. You can enjoy a day of snorkeling, diving or dolphin watching in the cool, clear waters of the province at a very affordable rate. You can check out the Open Lanes Tours page for more information on the packages.

The Sepik Culture and Agriculture Show

The Greater Sepik region of Papua New Guinea came together to celebrate the Sepik Culture Agriculture Show from 11-13 December in the provincial capital of Wewak. This inaugural KPHL Sepik Culture and Agriculture show saw three days of showcasing Sepik culture through traditional singsings and dances, the show also provided the opportunity for farmers, weavers, and carvers to showcase their produce and items. There have been other shows held before but this show spearheaded through the East Sepik Provincial Government saw the combination of a culture and agriculture fest which brought together people from all the districts to participate in a three day show which featured traditional and contemporary performances. The Sepik region is one of the most diverse in the country which covers 43,426 square km and a diverse population of more than 400,000 people. The islands are scattered off the shore, the coast where the provincial capital is and to the coastal ranges and then the greater Sepik plains and to the marshlands where the Sepik river runs for 1126 kilometers. The Sepik river tributaries all flow down from the hinterlands of the Hunstein Range and other chain of mountain ranges. This Sepik Culture and Agriculture show has now been confirmed to be an annual event. It is definitely worth slotting that in your calendar for this year. Get in touch with local tour operators to factor in activities such as sightseeing to the islands, cruising the Sepik river and other activities.

One of the villages built on stilt. (Photo: Preston Karue).

Aluraikau Drifters Homestay

Port Moresby residents who want to enjoy a boat ride and picnic by the beach would often head to Fisherman Island for a day trip. A family on the island have now opened up their home for those who would like to spend a night or weekend on the island. The Aluriku Drifters Homestay provides transfers to and from the island, accommodation with facilities including a kitchen provided to prepare meals and tour packages as well should you wish to go out for a fishing trip as well. As a start-up, they only have three rooms at the house at the moment with common share facilities but water is provided. This is an example of Papua New Guineans tapping into the eco-tourism sector. A night spent on the island means you do not only enjoy the beach and the fishing trips at but you also get a chance to catch the picturesque sunset and sunrise all at an affordable rate. You can contact the owners through their Facebook page, ‘Aluraikau Drifters Homestay,’ or email them through aluraikaudrifters@gmail.com or call them on 72287396.

The gorgeous Port Moresby sunset from Fisherman Island. Photo Credit: Aluraikau Island Drifters Facebook page.

Domestic tourism will ensure that there is not only a diversification of income earned for those running the businesses but such events and activities will encourage an appreciation of our culture, nature and also encourage conservation practises among our people.

The next time you are planning a holiday, so check out the eco-lodges, small tour operators and pick a date near to when there may be provincial festival. There is so much to see in our country that we have no seen yet.

The sunset from Fishermen Island. (Photo: Aluraikau Drifters Homestay)