Visitor Information Guide Milne Bay Ecotourism
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Contents Introduction..........................................1 Once You Get to Milne Bay 13 All about Milne Bay 2 Transport................................. 13-14 General facilities in Alotau ............14 Milne Bay Province.............................2 Milne Bay Ecotourism Food, drink and eating out ...... 15-16 Natural Environment...........................3 In Alotau..................................15 Culture ...................................... 3-4 On the islands .........................16 Visitor Information Guide Religion.........................................4 Drinking water .........................16 War History...................................5 Accommodation in Alotau .............17 Language......................................5 What to wear.................................17 What to bring........................... 18-19 Milne Bay Ecotourism Experience 6 Health and safety ....................18 Activities..................................18 Community-based Ecotourism ...........6 Transport.................................19 /Attractions.... 6-8 Island Guest Houses Food and drink ........................19 y Island ........................7 Pricing and costs..................... 19-20 Normanb Fergusson Island........................8 Nuakata Island ............................8 Useful Resources 21 Things to Know Before You Go 9 Language Appendix 22 Milne Bay .....................9 How to get to Visas...................................................9 Travelling Responsibly................23 Money and currency.........................10 Acknowledgements .....................24 Telecommunication ..........................10 Political stability and safety ..............10 Health ...............................................11 Hospitals/pharmacies .................11 When to travel and climate...............12 What to expect..................................12 Introduction All about Milne Bay MILNE BAY is one of the world’s great cultural and biological diversity hotspots. Travel to Milne Bay offers insights into local culture and Milne Bay Province language, experience with marine and terrestrial wildlife like snorkelling MILNE BAY is Papua New Guinea’s (PNG’s) eastern most province and and bird watching, outdoor sports, trekking, artefacts, stories about World consists of about 600 islands of which 160 are inhabited. The Milne Bay War II history, and simple relaxation. province abounds with natural and cultural attractions; the whole region is a biodiversity hotspot. As part of the coral triangle and the meeting place of Along with the beauty and richness of life, there are challenges to travelling the Solomon and Coral Sea, the marine life is among the best in the world. in this extremely remote location. The area also has a complex and ancient cultural heritage, which enhances visitor experience. This information guide is intended to provide you with interesting and useful information to help you have the best possible holiday in Milne Bay. Alotau has been the capital of Milne Bay Province since 1968 (previously It is important to travel responsibly, which means respecting the local the capital was on Samarai Island). Alotau is surrounded by the Owen culture and environment as you travel and gain experiences. We have Stanley Ranges, a rainforest covered landscape which the Kokoda track included tips on how to achieve this balance of tolerance and well-being. crosses further inland. Alotau has various meanings including ‘safe place’ or ‘bay of views’ in the Suau language. The city has a commercial centre with industry and government services including schools, fire station, police station and a hospital. Market places sell hand woven baskets and other local handicrafts. It is peaceful and easy to get around Alotau with little development outside of the town centre and a relaxed pace of life. To experience the majesty of Milne Bay, we recommend a visit to local Island Guest Houses. Tours can be arranged through Napatana Lodge and Mombi Onesimo (PNG Nature Tours, contact information provided in the useful resource section at the end of this information guide). Some of the popular islands to visit in Milne Bay are: D’Entrecasteaux Island group (Normanby, Fergusson, Goodenough) The Trobiand Islands Samurai Island Nuakata Island Woodlark Island 1 2 Natural environment Activities on the islands such as visiting ancestral skull caves, traditional dance performances and basket weaving allow you to enjoy the local culture firsthand. It THE MILNE BAY PROVINCE is a biodiversity hotspot and is home to an is fascinating to experience this lifestyle and it is also a privilege. Respecting the incredible variety of natural environments, which offer exciting and new local culture is key to travelling responsibly in Milne Bay. experiences. The area caters to many interests including bird watching for The giving of gifts is a cornerstone of cultural bonds and while it is not expected, it endemic bird of paradise species, snorkelling on world class reefs, trekking through pristine rainforest, and viewing hot springs and geysers. Milne Bay is builds relations. As a visitor, you could bring bags of flour, sugar and rice when you go out to the islands. In addition, if your arrival is unexpected, you have food that home to many endemic orchid species, which can be seen across the region. can be cooked straight away. Most locals chew betel nut with lime (ground coral) Normanby Island is excellent for and mustard (a local plant). While you may not wish to partake in chewing, buying bird watching, with a large these goods at the local market and sharing them with locals is a great way to number of endemic bird species, including Goldie’s Bird of make friends where you stay. Paradise. Nuakata Island offers Useful tips for your trip: sensational snorkelling and diving opportunity. National Geographic Always ask upon arrival what is and is not culturally appropriate. awarded Milne Bay as a top Do not go anywhere uninvited – the villages are people’s homes, not a tourist snorkelling and diving destination attraction. in the world. Fergusson Island is Hire a guide to help ensure you respect local culture. known for cascading waterfalls and gushing hot geysers. Religion At each destination in Milne Bay, you will be surrounded by wildlife and stunning RELIGION plays a central role in local culture. Approximately 96% of Papua New scenery. Dolphins and flying fish follow dinghies out to the islands, butterflies and Guineans are Christian who attend church services regularly on Sundays. There birds are abundant, while at night, cus cus and flying foxes can be spotted in the are also many Seventh Day Adventists who attend church on Saturdays. Christian rainforest canopy. missionaries of various denominations began coming to Milne Bay from the 1700’s to convert the local people. By the late 1800’s, the local people began to adopt Culture Christian belief systems. Dr William Bromilow was one of the first missionaries to arrive and began his teachings on Dobu Island. The bible was translated into the A VISIT TO Milne Bay offers the opportunity to Dobu language, which was then used to convert people in nearby areas. Dobu is experience a vibrant and welcoming local culture. now the most widely spoken language in Milne Bay. If you would like to attend As a tourist, you will be ‘adopted’ into the family church while travelling, the Guest House owners are more than happy to let you that is caring for you. The area is characterised by join them. Of course, church attendance should in no way be considered a tourist many different cultures that maintain complex and attraction, as this would be offensive to your hosts. strict traditional practices that ensure personal accountability for actions. The adherence to cultural norms ensures that the region Prior to the arrival of Christianity to Milne Bay, local people held traditional beliefs is peaceful and stable. Many of the islands in the province are matrilineal, whereby and worshipped their own gods. The traditional beliefs have been merged with women own the land and play a strong role in the community. Every village has its Christian beliefs in some cases, or have been eradicated by the Christian doctrine. own atmosphere and cultural practices vary, so feel free to ask what is appropriate For example, cannibalism has ceased since the community adopted Christian when you arrive. views. Locals say that life in Milne Bay is peaceful compared to the warring tribal and clan-based culture that had previously existed. 3 4 War History Milne Bay Ecotourism Experience MILNE BAY was the site of a significant battle in 1942 between the Allied troops and the Japanese during WWII. Remnants of this Community-based Ecotourism turbulent time can be seen all over the region, such as shipwrecks and trenches. Nuakata Island Guest Houses offer hikes and TO PRESERVE both human and natural heritage, the Milne Bay snorkelling tours to some these fascinating sites. If you would like to Province was visionary in its establishment of community-based learn more about this part of Milne Bay history, we recommend the ecotourism in 2005. This was necessary because PNG’s natural book ‘Milne Bay 1942’ by Richard Reid. heritage is threatened by logging, mining, and other destructive practices. Community-based ecotourism offers a realistic opportunity Language to protect biodiversity and support local conservation and culture, while empowering the local people to improve their quality of life. By THERE ARE OVER 800