Thorn Tree travel forum

New airline - flying to Guam

PacificFlier, a new Palau based carrier, is scheduled to take to the skies for first time on January 7, 2010.

PacificFlier will offer services from The Republic of Palau to Manila (Clark Field), The Philippines, Guam, Tokyo (Narita), Japan and Brisbane, Australia.*

The flying time to the popular tourism destination of Micronesia, namely Palau and Guam, is approximately six hours and it is in the same time zone as Australia's east coast.

PacificFlier is offering a number of competitively priced, introductory passenger fares, freight fares and holiday packages to both Palau and Guam for all bookings make until January 7.

Published fares for Brisbane to Palau start from $995.00 return including taxes and for Brisbane to Guam $915.00 return including taxes.

Traveling solo in PNG & trekking gear in PNG

First off, I am not a novice traveler; I am well-accustomed to third world conditions and lack of infrastructure. I have done virtually all of my traveling solo, so I am accustomed to that as well. I am curious about logistics of leaving the main city/villages in PNG. In Africa, for example, I was a big fan of the shared vehicles, which sound like the PMVs I've seen mentioned in the ThornTree. In Africa, I would sometimes just take the shared vehicle to a town, say 4-6 hours away, and see if I could find a guesthouse there. I got to plenty of little towns and had some great experiences stopping in places that ordinarily don't get travelers.
Can I do similar on my own in PNG? Is the PMV network sufficient enough to transport me to a good variety of towns, on the de facto tourist trail and off? Do I need a guide to do this?
I'm a bit jaded in the sense that I am wary of hiring "guid... more »

Bus services in Fiji over Christmas holidays

Can anyone shed any light on the bus situation over the Christmas period?

Trying to get between Suva - Sigatoka and Pacific harbour around 25 - 29th December.

Trying to avoid the cost of hiring a car.....any recommendations greatly appreciated!

Ofu Update

We were on Ofu during the Tsunami. Although the earthquake was scary and watching the Tsunami come ashore was surreal, the island was spared any significant damage (a few palm trees were knocked over, but that's it). Vaoto and Asaga Inn on Ofu were untouched and the homestays on Ta'u also escaped damage. The beaches are still pristine and we snorkeled the reef both before and after the Tsunami and there was no visible damage. The fish, sharks, octopus and breeching humpback whales are all still there. Below is a photo of Ofu beach taken AFTER the Tsunami- it's still paradise. Friends in the islands tell us that visitation to American Samoa is down since the Tsunami and the people there could really use the tourism dollars. Don't cancel your trip!

Ofu AFTER the Tsunami. Still Paradise. http://www.michaelandersongallery.com/photo.php?id=164&gallery=samoanislands

The coast... more »

11 days in Samoa

Hi yall!

I'm flying into Apia on 2 February from Auckland and staying till 13th, when I fly back to Brisbane. I've had quite a good look on the forum as well as other websites, but I'm still quite undecided regarding what I'm going to do when I get there. I'm into outdoors, sight-seeing and beach, and I've also noticed that Suba diving is pretty cheap in Samoa, so I'd probably give that a go.
I'm on limited budget, though, and will not be able to afford accomodation other than backpackers and beach fales.
1 What are the best deals in Samoa?
2 What is the wheather going to be like? It's still the rainy season, but will it be as intense as December and January?
3 Also, what's the dog scene over there? Do you still have to stay indoors after dark?
Cheers.

PMV from Port Moresby to Owers Corner or Sogeri

Hi, would anyone happen to know what time PMV's leave from Port Moresby to Owers' Corner or Sogeri? My plane arrives at midday and I am hoping to get to Owers' Corner that night, or if not, then at least to Sogeri so as to walk or get a ride to Owers' Corner the following day. I understand the PMV's leave Port Moresby from Gordon's Market. The other option would be to take a taxi/ride from the airport to Sogeri - if anyone can assist i would be grateful (there will be 3 of us) in late December.
Also, if anyone has any current information on when PMV's leave Kokoda villgage to Popendetta I would be grateful to know this information. Plus any suggestions to stay on the coast near Oro Bay for a few days (other than Tufi, as I have a lot of info on them).
Best wishes,
David

4 weeks in cook islands

HI!

I am planning on taking my family to cook islands for christmas 2010 for 4 weeks. Has anyone got any recommendations for accomodation either villa or house, preferably 4 bedroom ++, swimming pool and beach front. Any information on itinerary ideas would be really appreciated.

Thanks - happy travelling to all!!!

Susan

help - visit to anuta

hi
anyone please please help me ? i want to get to anuta - how can i do it???
please - any information will be good

thx
meny