Tufi

Introducing Tufi

Carefree and far away from the world, Tufi is one of PNG’s best-kept secrets. On the stunningly beautiful Cape Nelson, where steep-sided rias penetrate the land like the fingers of a grasping hand, this picturesque spot has a more relaxed atmosphere than any city in the country. Once home to fishing and rubber industries, now the settlement heavily relies on tourists drawn to the excellent Tufi Dive Resort.

The area, however, is much more than the resort. Several villages within two hours of Tufi welcome guests to their bush-material guesthouses, some of them set under swaying palm trees beside sandy beaches, which is a truly idyllic way to spend a few days. If you’re around for the Queen’s Birthday weekend in June you might catch the Tufi Cultural Show (admission K175 for three days), a relatively intimate singsing (celebratory dance/festival) with groups mainly from Oro Province. Check www.tufidive.com for dates.

The cape was formed by ancient eruptions of its three volcanoes and the lava which flowed down into the sea creating the rias, for which the cape is now famous.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009