Vanimo

Introducing Vanimo

Vanimo is a tiny outpost on the western edge of a remote country; most travellers who get this far go onto Jayapura in Indonesia.

Vanimo’s topography, with its peninsula and hill, is reminiscent of Wewak and, likewise, there are beautiful beaches and a bustling port. Vanimo, however, is much smaller and quieter, with generous and hospitable people. The town’s Indonesian influence is quite marked in the goods for sale in the stores as much as the fabrics hanging up in the market.

The Malaysian logging company Vanimo Forest Products (www.vanimoforestproducts.com.pg) is logging the province and there are business opportunities with cross-border trade. Hopes are high for development even though the Indonesian and Malaysian business people seem to have a disdain for the local service workers that is quite palpable and uncomfortable.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009