Southern Region
The Provinces
SOUTHERN Milne Bay and Oro provide some of the most beautiful destinations in Papua New Guinea . More than 600 islands are dotted throughout the province of Milne Bay, and while the famous, gruelling Kokoda Track needs no introduction, the fjords and dive sites at Tufi are becoming world renowned. The capital of Milne Bay, Alotau , is home to years of colonial and WWII history. The cenotaph in the centre of town is well worth a visit. Culture Alotau is host to the Kundu & Kenu Festival each November, in which hundreds of people participate in races, and exhibit their boats and paddling craft. To the north of Alotau, the Trobriand Islands have drawn much international Festival , where the provocative Tapioca Dance is performed. This occurs in early July at Kiriwina Island. acclaim with the Yam Harvesting A word of warning: “ The Trobes ” are not known as the Islands of Love for nothing!
A mother teaches her young son how to balance in a dugout canoe, Obo village, Middle Fly, Westen Province. Photo: Elijah Tali, Niugini Shutterbug
quite valuable – the longer, the pricier. Oro is famous for its beautiful tapa cloth designs , made for ceremonial costumes and exchanges. You
will see similarities between the designs in traditional facial tattoos and those used to stain tapa cloth. Tapa is made from mulberry tree bark or
If there’s one souvenir you’d like to bring home with you it will probably be the famous Bagi, a symbol of identity in Milne Bay . Made from the
rare oyster shell, Chama Pacifica
Accommodation Eco-tourism is blossoming in Milne Bay , with a plethora of village guesthouses popping up across the islands to accommodate tourists of every variety. In Alotau , options include Tawali Resort, Driftwood Resort, Alotau International Hotel, Treetops, and Nuli Sapi Lodge. 39
Imbrica, the intricate process of grinding and threading the shells into necklaces make the jewellery
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