Entry visa:
This visa can be purchased on arrival at Port Moresby Airport. Please bring K100 in cash, make sure you have a departing ticket and at least 6 months left on your passport. This is a very easy process and more often than not the visa line is shorter than the residents line!
Insurance:
All visitors who come to the islands must have adequate travel insurance, one that will cover diving and snorkeling.
If you plan on diving with us we strongly recommend that you take out DAN insurance (www.danasiapacific.org).
Chartered Flight:
This flight is over 2 hours so we recommend taking a book/iPad as well as a jumper, it can get a little chilly. But make sure you look out the window every now and then, when you get past the mainland the reefs from that height are something else.
Light refreshments are served on board but if you want something specific I would bring it with you.
We will organise transport to and from the Hevilift hanger however you can contact Hevilift on their 24hour operations line +675 7864 2121
The Islands:
We endeavour to have everything you need for your trip and if there is anything you would like us to organise please let us know before your departure. But please keep in mind we are remote and far away from the mainland so please bring any personal items you think you may need.
We do offer diving on the islands for all levels and if you wish to participate in diving please complete and return the attached waiver and medical forms before your departure. We will do everything we can to make it possible for you to enjoy one of our greatest assets, our reefs. If you are certified to dive, don’t forget your certification ticket.
What to bring:
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellant - DEET or Bushmans is best
- Hat
- Swimmers
- Several shorts and t-shirts
- Long sleeved shirt and long pants for night – for a little added protection from the mozzies at night.
- Sandshoes/reef walkers
- Camera/ipod/DVD’s
- Books – we are currently building an onsite library, any additions welcome
We usually have spares of these but best to bring your own.
What you don’t need to bring:
- Bath towel
- Beach towel
- Basic toiletries – soap, shampoo, conditioner
- Adaptors – we have Australian power outlets and voltage
- SCUBA gear – you can bring your own but we have everything you need for diving and snorkeling
- Fishing rods and lures – we have a fishing shop on the islands and work on a lose and replace policy.
Eat & Drink
There is an abundant vegetable garden and the islands have been planted with fruit trees throughout so there is a limitless supply of fresh produce. Naturally the predominant source of food is the abundant waters surrounding the islands.
If there are any special dietary requirements or allergies for any member of the group please let us know before your trip so we can plan ahead. With enough time all requests can usually be met.
We will provide wine of a certain standard and quantity. If you want to drink above the set standard you can help dictate the wine list at an additional cost or alternatively you can bring your own. If you and your group want to enjoy some afternoon cocktails or and evening G&T, the best and most economical system is to buy the relevant spirits in Australia duty free (2 litres per person). We will provide all mixers.
Money
The PNG currency is Kina and is currently around 2.3K to AUD$1. There is no use for money on the Conflict Islands. If there are any additional costs to your trip (dive certification, lost equipment, additional alcohol etc) we will organise reimbursement upon your return.
The staff work hard all day everyday, if you wish to tip the staff, any donation is always appreciated amongst the nationals. They happy to receive PNG Kina or Australian dollars.
Malaria:
Malaria is present in PNG however we have not had any reports of malaria on the islands. The chances of contracting malaria are very low, however you are able to take a prophylaxis before and during your trip just to be on the safe side. We recommend consulting your medical practitioner or travel clinic for advise prior to your travels
Port Moresby:
If you are required to overnight in Port Moresby we can organise your stay at The Airways Hotel. This is a safe location and can advise and provide safe passage for you whilst you are in Port Moresby.
There are many other hotels in Port Moresby if you wish to organise your own accommodation.
Some important contact information:
Satellite Phone:
+870 776 427 539
This phone has the capabilities to remain on at all times and will be fixed to a regular handset. It also has voicemail capabilities so people are able to leave a message. This is however a satellite phone and is expensive to call and reception is not always consistent. Unless it is an emergency a better and free way to be contacted is via this link: http://www.satellitephonesales.com.au/SMS Once there, click on iSatPhone and on the next page in the bottom right corner there is a 'send a free text' button. We have reliable outgoing text messages from our phone.
Hevilift (The charter plane company):
Ph: +675 323 6761
Contacts are Steven Angia or Solomon Nobeoh
We will organize for someone from the Hevilift team to transport you too and from the airline hangers. It is very import we have your flight details well in advance so that this can be organised.
If there are any problems please call either Steven or Solomon on the Operations 24hr mobile: +675 7864 2121
Catherine Rich:
AUS: +61 406 831 638 / PNG: +675 73 242 191
I will be out there on the islands with you but if there is anything you need before your trip please call me so we can make sure you and your group are as comfortable as possible.
