There is something mysteriously arousing about this place of rest. Rugged coastline blanketed in dense jungle reaches out to touch the calm lapping waters of the bay in a friendly greeting. The air is still yet filled with a chorus of birds singing unfamiliar tunes. The jungle stretches beyond the shoreline and beneath the ocean surface into a mosaic of reefs, scattered like an underwater garden. The water is so clear, it’s like looking through glass at the sea life that inhabit below. This is Tawali Resort, the place of rest.
Tucked away in a remote and peaceful corner of Papua New Guinea, Tawali Resort is located on a volcanic bluff that overlooks the waters of Milne Bay. It’s protected and unspoilt, blending harmoniously into the beauty that surrounds it.
The journey to get to Tawali Resort is a full and scenic adventure from the start. Take a one hour flight from Port Moresby to Gurney Airport in Papua New Guinea’s north east. Then it’s a one and a half hour drive overland, crossing rivers and bouncing around unsealed roads to reach the bay. From here you board a small boat for a scenic 15 minute trip through the waters of Milne Bay to arrive at Tawali Resort.
From the shoreline you would not be aware the resort even exists as it is tucked hidden away in the grandeur of nature that surrounds it. The 14 bungalows and one villa spread out between the tropical vegetation, connected by wooden walkways. Private in every sense, each room has its own unique views out to the bay offering a sense of complete seclusion.
Rooms
The deluxe rooms are spacious with wooden floors and air conditioning for comfort. Each room has two double beds allowing for maximum space.
The Villa is perched right on the water’s edge and is perfect for the larger groups and families who require more space.
Packages
There are two packages, one for divers and one for non-divers.
The dive packages includes deluxe accommodation with balcony, ocean view, all meals including coffee, tea, fruit juices, lunch and snacks on dive boats, daily boat dives and shore diving on the house reef, tanks, weights, air fills, round trip transfers, reef and chamber fees and fuel surcharges. These start from $1350 per person twin share for 4 nights.
The non-dive packages includes deluxe accommodation with balcony, ocean view, all meals including coffee, tea, fruit juices, lunch and snacks, round trip transfers and fuel surcharges. These start from $865 per person twin share for 4 nights.
Activities
The calm clear waters are a divers’ fantasy, immaculate and teaming with wildlife. Snorkelling from the shore is just as rewarding, revealing a pallet of coloured corals and mesmerizing scurry of fish tapping away at the coral as if a buffet.
For non-divers there is plenty on offer. Skull cave is maybe not everybody’s idea of fun, but it’s not every day you can stand in the darkness surrounded by piles of skulls is it? The skull caves are one of the “tourist attractions of Milne Bay and a visit to them, together with a side trip to the nearby village & waterfall is a good way to spend a non-diving afternoon.
There are also many cultural activities including basket making, canoe carving, bird watching, hiking and traditional dance “singsing” demonstrations which is where a gathering of a few tribes or villages in Papua New Guinea arrive to show their distinct culture, dance and music.
For more information visit www.tawali.com or Papua New Guinea Tourism.
