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Island Hopping
There are many islands in Milne bay in seven main clusters. The closest and the easiest to get to are the Samarai group, also known as Bwanabwana. It is so easy to jump on a dinghy from Alotau and get to Samarai. The islands are beautiful and a foretaste of the hidden secrets of the others.
Samarai was known as the pearl of the Pacific in its hey day. Now it is of historical interest. There is plenty to do on these islands and no shortage of good places to stay. On Samarai the youth have put together an information centre to help you to decide where to go. Samarai is small and you can walk round it in an hour but the snorkelling off the wharf is world-class. The Banasu Women's Guest House is the only accommodation on Samarai but it is worth staying on the other islands for the real Milne Bay experience.
Kwato Island Church, where the Abel family is buried, is a must and the views of the China Straits as you climb up the hill to the church are stunning. The Kwato Church is a stunning building indeed and well worth the walk up the hill. There are bungalows on the beach that offer very comfortable overnight accommodation in a stunning setting.
Doini Island has a resort coming up with horses to ride and an old plantation house. The snorkelling is excellent. Galahi Island has a village resort for those who wish to live in the village situation. They can also organise for the Manta Ray Dive site. You will need your own dive gear and to collect tanks in Alotau before you leave.
If you have unlimited time to wait, there will eventually be a boat to take you to the next group of islands, the Engineer group, where powdery white sands and turquoise seas present everyone’s ideal of a tropical paradise. The next group is the Conflict Group, then the Louisiades and finally Rossell and Sudest at the most easterly point of Milne Bay. Unless you charter a boat, you will not be able to get around to these islands and back in a hurry. Better to return to Alotau and travel on a weekly work boat travelling to Misima and return the following week.
There is no shortage of dolphins, flying fish and fantastic fishing.
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About Milne Bay
Bird Watching
