The remote and sparsely populated South-Western corner of Papua New Guinea is home to our most isolated Wilderness Lodge – Bensbach. Unlike most of the country there are no towering mountains, no waterfalls, only wide, sweeping flood plains abundant with all forms of wildlife.

Bensbach is our premier wildlife location in PNG. The grasslands teem with herds of deer, wallabies, snakes and monitor lizards and the flood plains are a vital stopping point for migratory birds on their incredible journey between their breeding grounds to the North and their feeding areas in the Southern Hemisphere. Curlew Sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstones (which breed in Arctic Siberia) and Yellow Wagtails (which breed in Eurasia) are some of our more special visitors fond here.

The wetlands are also home to massive flocks of pelicans, pygmy geese and sea eagles and other raptors hunt fish from the skies above. A complete list of the 191 different species of birds that have been recorded at Bensbach lodge is available here.

Life at Bensbach however, is not only abundant above the water. Bensbach is a sport fisherman’s paradise -renowned as one of the Barramundi capitals of the world. Catering to the serious angler as well as those who just want to experience catching one of these magnificent fighting fish, Bensbach practices sustainable catch-and-release fishing and only what is needed for that nights’ meal is kept.

Stands of malaluca (paper bark eucalypts) provide building materials for the local people and the bark is used as insulation in traditional ovens. Sago and yams are the staples of the Bensbach people, storing their yams for up to six months at a time in yam houses, this seasonal crop is the life blood of the Bensbach people.

Bensbach accommodates up to sixteen guests in two separate wings, each linked to the main lodge building that houses the dining area, a well stocked bar and comfortable lounge. The lodge is built entirely from local materials, adapted to the tastes and comfort of its visitors with 220V electricity, ceiling fans and hot and cold water. The dinner menu features delicious freshly caught Bensbach Barramundi and venison purchased from local hunters.

Bougainville Experience Tours

Explore the Autonomous Region of Bougainville with Zhon Bosco Miriona and his team, Bougainville Experience Tours.

Bougainville’s land, nature, culture, people and history – although intertwined with Papua New Guinea’s, is unique and steeped in a turbulent history.

Explore the historical sites at Buka and Torokina, or the famous WWII crash site of Admiral Yamomoto.  Celebrate culture and meet the friendly locals at one of the annual festivals.  There are a range of incredible experiences to be had in Bougainville.

Contact Zhon Bosco, email: bougtours@hotmail.com 

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Seeadler Bay Harbour in the heart of Lorengau town, Manus Province – Harbourside Hotel offers an ideal location just a short walk from local shops and business centers, ensuring ultimate convenience.

More than just a place to stay, Harbourside Hotel offers a range of services designed to make your visit as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Whether you’re in Lorengau for business or leisure, the hotel’s newly refurbished rooms and outdoor spaces provide a welcoming atmosphere.

A scenic 30-minute drive from Momote Airport brings you through lush tropical landscapes with stunning views of the outer islands. Harbourside Hotel’s updated rooms and facilities add an authentic tropical touch to your stay.

At Harbourside Hotel, hospitality is at the heart of their operations.

Stay at the Harbourside Hotel and and experience the warm island charm of Manus Province and exceptional service throughout your stay.

Book your stay, email: reservations@harboursidehotel.com.pg  

Connect with Harbourside Hotel Lorengau on Instagram and Facebook! 

Holidays to Papua New Guinea

A land that is bound to intrigue, excite and astound in equal measure, Papua New Guinea has always been surrounded by myths and superlatives and, for those with an adventurous spirit, a genuinely different experience awaits. Your Papua New Guinea holiday ingredients range from highland tribal festivals with painted warriors, crocodile watching along the Sepik River, stunning birds of paradise, fabulous landscapes, dive sites that are amongst the best in the world, peaceful beach resorts, fascinating WW2 history, serious trekking, and a colourful and friendly population that offer a true South Pacific welcome to everyone making the long journey to
these exciting islands.

The journey to Papua New Guinea is a long one and so the destination combines well with a stopover in Singapore, Hong Kong or Manila. Get in touch to let us plan your PNG adventure and we’ll create the very definition of a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience.

BirdQuest, founded in 1981, has an unequalled repertoire of birding tours and combined birdwatching and wildlife holidays and cruises that will appeal to every kind of birder. Our tours are celebrated as the very best available, and we have shown our clients and friends over 10,200 bird species worldwide, more than any other birding tour company (and not that far off the total for all other birding tour companies combined!), as well as an extraordinary variety of mammals and many other fascinating aspects of the natural world.

 UNCHARTED PAPUA NEW GUINEA EXPEDITION

Papua New Guinea Birding Tours: Birdquest has been operating tours to Papua New Guinea for over 30 years, but this phenomenally biodiverse country still conceals hidden avian gems which have been seen only by a handful of intrepid researchers and expeditioners. This special expedition will explore well off the beaten track in search of an enticing array of endemic birds which have previously been considered ‘off-limits’ to world birders, and our adventurous itinerary will certainly break new ground, potentially even rediscovering one or more lost species!

Aqua-Firma always places a special focus on locations which have great terrestrial wilderness and bountiful marine life. Papua New Guinea is a prime candidate with vast areas of both pristine rainforest and coral reef; colourful tribal cultures scattered from high mountains to tropical islands; birds of paradise; volcanoes and more.

A journey to Papua New Guinea cannot possibly feel like ‘doing’ the place. There is so much to explore above and below the water that you will find yourself immersed in a world that time forgot, scratching deep below what feels like an unfathomable surface. No one can possibly say that they know all the corners of Papua New Guinea – it’s simply too difficult to get around.

It is worth quoting a few numbers when describing Papua New Guinea, beginning with Tribal Culture. When we take you into the rainforest, an hour by motor canoe might take you past tribal villages spanning three or four unrelated languages.  Across PNG, there are a total of 848 known languages, spread amongst a modest population of 7 million people. Whilst very much a thing of the past, cannibalism and tribal wars have played a major role in isolating communities and preventing integration. Today, contests are more often settled at a festival where tribes compete for the most elaborate costumes and displays, or take to a patch of grass to play their national sport of rugby league.