Late Max Benjamin

Guardian of the Coral Kingdom

When Max Benjamin first set foot in Papua New Guinea, he could never have imagined the legacy he would leave behind. Drawn to the wild beauty and untouched wonder of the country’s landscapes, Max found his true calling not in building monuments, but in protecting what already existed—vibrant coral reefs, towering volcanoes, and one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth.

Max arrived in PNG as a young man, following his family’s footsteps to the lush shores of West New Britain. In 1983, together with his wife Cecilie, he founded Walindi Plantation Resort, nestled at the edge of Kimbe Bay. What began as a modest guesthouse quickly gained global attention for its access to one of the most biodiverse marine environments in the world.

But Max was more than a resort owner—he was a champion of conservation. With deep respect for the ocean, he partnered with scientists, marine biologists, and documentary crews to document and preserve the delicate coral ecosystems of Kimbe Bay. He opened his doors to researchers, turning Walindi into a base for international marine studies, and in doing so, helped place PNG at the forefront of global marine science.

Tourists came in search of reefs and wrecks, but they found much more—an ethos of care and humility that permeated every part of the Walindi experience. Max ensured his resort operated sustainably, empowering local communities and training staff from nearby villages. He fostered deep, long-term relationships with the people of West New Britain, believing that tourism should always uplift the communities it touches.

His partnership with NGOs and international research institutes led to the establishment of the Mahonia Na Dari Marine Education Centre, a school dedicated to educating young Papua New Guineans about marine conservation. Max knew that the future of PNG’s tourism—and its natural wonders—depended on the youth understanding their value.

Over the decades, Max welcomed thousands of divers, naturalists, filmmakers, and scientists. He earned accolades from tourism boards, conservation organisations, and dive communities around the world. Yet he remained modest and grounded, preferring the rhythm of waves and reef to the spotlight.

Max’s storytelling was legendary. Around the resort, guests would often gather to hear tales of his early days—of building the first dive boat, of encounters with hammerhead sharks, and of the joy he felt every time someone saw a coral reef for the first time. In his stories, the ocean was alive with meaning, mystery, and responsibility.

Even in his later years, Max remained active in advocacy and operations. He pushed for PNG’s inclusion in global diving circuits and worked tirelessly to ensure PNG’s reefs were respected, protected, and celebrated. His legacy lives not only in the coral he loved, but in the generations of eco-tourists and conservationists he inspired.

When Max Benjamin passed, the ocean felt quieter. But his dream remains vibrant in the waters of Kimbe Bay and in the hearts of those he touched. Through his life, he showed that tourism can be a force for healing, for education, and for global connection.

In honouring Max, we remember a man who didn’t just love the sea—he listened to it, protected it, and gave the world a reason to care.