Papua New Guinea - need advice on where to overnight...

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ewaiea

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Location
Minnesota (USA)
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Hey all,

It's a way off but I'll be going on the Star Dancer, PNG April 23rd to May 3rd. I will be booking my airfare most likely with Peter Hughes Diving's airfare specialist this September/October timeframe. I've been getting quotes round trip between 2200 to 2500 from Honolulu - that's flying through Tokyo and/or Singapore to Port Moresby, and finally to Hoskins/Walindi. I may need to overnight on the way there and/or back. Are these airfares (in y'alls opinions) reasonable?

Has anyone stayed at the Walindi Plantation Resort? Are the rooms air conditioned? I don't think it says it on the website - if they are not, is it hard to sleep at night with it being so humid? I think Peter Hughes Diving recommends one night at this resort prior to vessel departure.

Also, any ideas for good hotels for a single overnight on the way there or back in Tokyo or Singapore? From what I've read, I've heard Port Moresby is not exactly the place to hang around from a safety standpoint - my plan (if possible) is to get there and get out as quick as possible - hopefully I'll be successful.

Also, what types of vaccinations should I try to update for this trip??

Thanks all! :confused:
 
No, their rooms are not air conditioned but are very comfortable. There are overhead fans, there is plenty of shade and you are next to the ocean. We had no problem with the heat as we were there in the beginning of July. It is the only good place to stay as StarDancer is located there and there are not any other local or franchise places as this is a very remote place and this is why the diving is soooo good.
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Also, any ideas for good hotels for a single overnight on the way there or back in Tokyo or Singapore? From what I've read, I've heard Port Moresby is not exactly the place to hang around from a safety standpoint - my plan (if possible) is to get there and get out as quick as possible - hopefully I'll be successful.

No idea about Port Moresby, but if you're choosing between Tokyo or Singapore for an overnight stay, I'd pick Singapore. More of a tourist destination, and I find Tokyo takes a lot of time to get around, compared to most other major cities. Everyone I've known who has overnighted in Tokyo has stayed near the airport, where there's not much to do, because getting into downtown Tokyo takes an hour or two each way. Singapore OTOH, is physically small and even a subway ride clear across the island only takes 30-40 minutes.

Something else you might want to look into (if you weren't aware of these) is that right now, a lot of asian national flag airlines are offering free-of-charge overnight stop-offs in their home towns, with deep discounts for hotels. A few competing non-flag carriers are matching the packages. Not sure if travel agents can access them, or if you can only access them through airline web sites after the booking is made.
 
I think you could probably do better on airfare if you're willing to do some work. Flights from either Tokyo or Singapore to Port Moresby are only on Air Nugini and are very expensive. I assume that's boosting you prices. Flights from Australia are considerably cheaper. You can fly Jetstar (Qantas' discount airline) to Brisbane from Honolulu. From there, you can fly to Port Moresby either on Air Nugini or Virgin Pacific. Virgin Pacific is significantly cheaper though it flies only on certain days. Virgin Blue Home Once you get to Port Moresby, you must fly Air Nugini to Hoskins. It is also worth thinking about booking your Air Nugini flights online. Air Niugini Limited We did this for our upcoming trip and saved about $1000 (for 3 people) over the best fare Reef & Rainforest could get us.
 
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