For years, she felt a quiet yearning to visit Papua New Guinea — the homeland of her grandmother, a place she had only ever
known through stories. Milne Bay, with its scattered islands and gentle traditions, felt like a distant calling. Yet despite this longing, she could never figure out how to get there.
No one in her circles had ever travelled to PNG as a tourist. There were no firsthand accounts, no practical advice, and no
encouraging voices to guide the way. “I didn’t know where to begin,” she admits. “I wanted so much to see Milne Bay, but the
pathway always felt unclear.”
Then one day, while scrolling through Instagram, everything changed. PNG Tourism Promotion Authority had launched the Hello Poro Campaign, a nation-wide push inviting travellers to discover the country through a series of subsidised, government-endorsed tours. Among the featured destinations was Milne Bay, and partnered with it, VilLink Tours & Expedition PNG.
“It felt almost unbelievable,” she said. “Fifty percent subsidised tours, and fully backed by PNG TPA. For the first time, I felt I could trust the process. It removed the mystery and gave us confidence that travelling to PNG — even through Port Moresby — would be safe.”
With that reassurance, she and her husband finally booked the trip they had dreamed of for years.
A Magical Welcome to Milne Bay
Their journey through Port Moresby was warm and smooth, dispelling the fears her family had long carried. But it was Milne Bay that truly captured their hearts — not only for its natural beauty, but because of the people who shaped their experience.
“The professionalism and communication from Maleta and her team at VilLink Tours & Expedition PNG were exceptional,” she said. “They made us feel taken care of from the moment we booked. It set the tone for our entire time in Milne Bay.” That tone carried them all the way to a place that would become the soul of their journey:
Kobala Falls Retreat
Four Days of Peace at Kobala Falls Retreat. Set across the river from Alotau and wrapped in lush riverine jungle, Kobala Falls Retreat offered the couple four days and three nights of quiet magic. “It was such a special experience,” she recalls. “Every day felt like a gift.”
They hiked to hidden waterfalls, explored nearby villages, and hopped across stunning islands by banana boat — a mode of
transport she now calls her “new favourite.” But it was the people who made Kobala feel like home.
As Retreat Manager, Metua became the heartbeat of their stay. “Metua was truly the hostess with the mostess,” she said. “We didn’t have to think about anything — she had already thought of every detail.”
One particular gesture became a highlight: every morning at breakfast, Metua placed a fresh tropical flower behind her ear.
“That small act of kindness stayed with me,” she said. “It made each morning feel special.”
Their meals were lovingly prepared by Lynette, the retreat’s chef, whose flavours soothed and nourished after long days of
adventure.“Her cooking was incredible — full of flavour and beautifully presented. Every table setting was decorated with colours and flowers. It felt like dining in nature’s gallery.”
Out in the field, guides Yamo and Alfie ensured every trek, island hop, and village walk was safe, informative, and unforgettable. Alfie, in particular, left an impression — offering fresh coconuts, pointing out wildlife, and even introducing them to a gentle tree possum. Yet above all, it was the local element — the stories, the language, the humour, the shared quiet moments — that would stay with them long after they left.
“Getting to know the Kobala team made our experience deeply meaningful. They shared their culture with us in a way no hotel ever could. It enriched our understanding of Milne Bay.”
Before leaving, they learned one word they now carry with pride: Tinani — thank you.
From Visitors to Ambassadors
Returning to Australia, they found themselves telling everyone — friends, colleagues, even strangers — about the beauty of PNG, the warmth of Milne Bay, and the professionalism of VilLink Tours & Expedition PNG. Even their family, once hesitant, is now planning visits of their own. And they credit it all to one initiative.
“Without the Hello Poro Campaign, we never would have taken this step,” she said. “The campaign was brilliant — clear, trustworthy, government-backed. It removed the guesswork and opened the door for us, and now for many others.”
A Journey That Has Only Just Begun
Their first taste of PNG revealed only the beginning of its depth and diversity. From misty mountains to island-dotted seas, from
cultural richness to community warmth — they now understand why Papua New Guinea is like nowhere else on earth. “We can’t wait to return,” she said. “Milne Bay has our hearts. And next time, we hope to explore even more of PNG. ”A dream that once felt distant has now become a new chapter — one written with gratitude, discovery, and the enduring kindness of the Milne Bay people.
Tinani, Milne Bay and PNG. We will be back!
