Sights in Morobe Province
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Rainforest Habitat
Visiting the Rainforest Habitat is like stepping into a microcosm of PNG's most exotic flora and fauna. It comprises about 3000 sq metres of reconstructed rainforest inside a covered shade house. It incorporates a lake, raised walkways and an abundance of plants and birds. Planting began in 1994 when 10,000, mostly native, plants were placed into the habitat. The guesthouse here has bunk beds, shared bathrooms and kitchen, which will appeal to those wanting to be near to nature, and far from everything else. Ring first.
Most people come to see the bird of paradise collection and orchid garden although the real star is 'Argo', the huge and largely inactive saltwater crocod…
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Tami Islands
Tami Islands are an idyllic collection of four coral atolls and every bit the South Sea cliché you could hope for - white sandy beaches, friendly locals, coconut palms and good snorkelling with none of the pesky western intrusions such as electricity, shops, food and reliable transport.
Tami Islanders are renowned carvers and you'll most certainly be shown the famous Tami Island bowls, although it is possible to purchase these on the mainland at Malasiga, a village recently settled by the Islanders. Enquire around Dregerhafen for boat departure times to the islands - market days are best. Unless you charter, plan to stay the night.
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Lae War Cemetery
Lae War Cemetery, just south of the Botanical Gardens, is meticulously maintained by the Australian Government. There are 2808 graves here, 2363 of which are Australian and most of the rest are Indian, New Zealand and British. An Anzac (Australian New Zealand Army Corp) Day dawn service is held here every year commemorating those who lost their lives during WWII. If the war seems rather distant and unreal, pay a visit and read some of the headstones; the tributes can be quite moving.
There are security guards and it's quite safe to visit.
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Botanical Gardens
Botanical gardens offers a pleasant stroll through a small patch of rainforest and grassland in the centre of Lae. The huge, vine-covered trees host colourful birds and butterflies, and the gardens have an exotic orchid collection. Officially, it's closed on weekdays but the guards at either the main northern gate (near the RAAF DC-3) or the southern gate (near Lae War Cemetery) usually let you in. Try to avoid coming here alone or phone ahead for a guide from the Forest Research Institute.
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Butterfly Ranch
Perhaps the most viable of the WEI's activities is its Butterfly Ranch. It supplies collectors around the world with examples of PNG's astounding variety of insects. The philosophy is that villagers earn money by collecting and selling butterflies, beetles and other insects that have already laid their eggs, thereby ensuring the procreation of their species. While earning an income, villagers also interact more closely with their environment.
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uplifted marine terraces
Further down the coast towards Sialum are some of the world's best examples of uplifted marine terraces. From the air it is possible to appreciate the ancient coral reefs that have been thrust upwards to form a geological staircase. The entire area, which also incorporates the Bobongara archaeological site (the oldest human habitation site in the Pacific outside of Australia), has been nominated as a World Heritage listing.
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WWII Dump
Towards the end of WWII the area was used as a staging post for US troops and vast numbers of GIs passed through. The war's abrupt end left millions of dollars worth of aircraft and equipment redundant, so the whole lot was bulldozed into a huge hole; ask at Dregerhafen High School, about 4km south of Gagidu Station, for directions.
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Wau Ecology Institute
There are several places around Wau and Bulolo of interest to walkers and nature lovers, particularly those with a thing for insects. The Wau Ecology Institute seems to be steadily running down, but its laboratory, library, museum, lecture theatre, large insect collection and accommodation are still operating.
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Mt Lunaman
To the southeast of town Mt Lunaman or, more correctly, Lo' Wamung (First Hill), was used by the Germans and Japanese as a lookout point. The Japanese riddled it with caves and tunnels, though none of these are open today. Don't go here alone.
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Smoked Bodies
The best place to view a smoked body is at Watama, a village within an easy walk of Menyamya. Ask at the Menyamya provincial authority, which will contact the relevant village elders.
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Unitech
About 8km out of town and located in some nicely landscaped parks and gardens. The Matheson Library is impressive, as are Duncanson Hall's 36 Sepik-style carved pillars.
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Insect Farming & Trading Agency
Of similar nature to the Butterfly Ranch is the Insect Farming & Trading Agency in Bulolo, uphill and to the left from the post office.
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