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posted
23-Feb-2005 14:27
by: Cosmopolitan »

last reply
23-May-2009 16:30
by: bendigo »

26 replies , 29,154 views

Pages 1 2

South Pacific FAQ

Welcome to the branch, which will take you to some of the most beautiful paradise islands on earth, some of the best beaches and some of the best dive sites...

This branch covers the Pacific Islands as well as Papua New Guinea, often referred to as PNG. Please read this thread to find the answers to common questions, and ways to find solutions fast.

THIS BRANCH DOES NOT COVER AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND; please post your questions on the AUS & NZ branch.

For questions related to Hawaii, you might also want to check out the USA branch. And as quite a few people visit the South Pacific for scuba diving, also check out the <a target=new... more »

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posted
09-Dec-2009 14:15
by: mandja »

last reply
09-Dec-2009 14:15
by: mandja »

0 replies , 9 views location: Guam

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.

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posted
09-Dec-2009 14:13
by: mandja »

last reply
09-Dec-2009 14:13
by: mandja »

0 replies , 9 views location: Palau

PacificFlier - new airline to fly Palau and Guam to Brisbane+Asia

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.

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posted
07-Dec-2009 16:06
by: drgeoffrey »

last reply
08-Dec-2009 10:28
by: Laszlo »

2 replies , 71 views location: Papua New Guinea

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 »

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posted
07-Dec-2009 11:53
by: trevorcoccimiglio »

last reply
08-Dec-2009 21:43
by: henrygee2 »

5 replies , 101 views location: Papua New Guinea

PNG Trip Report

PNG Trip Report November 18-29
There is so much to say about this country bur for brevity’s sake I’ll only explain the highlights, which leaves me just about the entire trip. We flew into Port Moresby via Virgin Blue from Brisbane and immediately caught another flight to Lae on Airlines PNG, which I found to be much more reasonably priced then Air Niguini. Our ride that was supposed to be waiting for us wasn’t there so standing upon the Lae airport curb side, we looked like lost souls without a clue of what to do. Luckily an Irishman named Austin offered us a ride to our place but not without a significant scolding. After telling him our trip plans he told us we were stupid for wanting to backpack PNG because it was such a dangerous country and there were better ones for young couples like Thailand but this man could not have been more wrong. With any country there will be potential ... more »

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posted
07-Dec-2009 10:03
by: brandi »

last reply
07-Dec-2009 10:03
by: brandi »

0 replies , 34 views

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!

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posted
06-Dec-2009 20:56
by: CurlyBob »

last reply
07-Dec-2009 10:34
by: Laszlo »

4 replies , 106 views location: Papua New Guinea

Female travelling alone PNG

Hi all,

So I'm travelling alone to PNG just after Christmas for 2 weeks, being female I'm slightly nervous. I've read heaps of advice on this forum so thanks everyone for posting. I've thought about the trip and am hoping to head for the Island Provinces, would love some advice on places to stay and tours etc.

I land in Port Moresby but think I will fly directly out to Rabaul. Any advice on airport transfers from international to domestic? Thinking of staying in Rabaul for a few days in Hotel Rabaul? Maybe book some hiking/snorkelling tours through the hotel.

Then fly to Kavieng and possibly stay in Nusa Island Resort, seems to be lots of recommendations for that place, again book some tours. Maybe head to Lavongai?

Unfortunately I need to go back to Port Moresby for 5 days to sort out a visa so any advice on places to stay or best way to get to Australian High Commission.... more »

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posted
05-Dec-2009 07:13
by: miketelemark »

last reply
05-Dec-2009 07:13
by: miketelemark »

0 replies , 52 views location: American Samoa

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 »

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posted
04-Dec-2009 18:51
by: drgeoffrey »

last reply
07-Dec-2009 10:37
by: Laszlo »

2 replies , 106 views location: Papua New Guinea

Guidebook for PNG?

I've read the reviews on the LP PNG guidebooks and it sounds like the 2006 version is lousy: not budget-traveler targeted, and missing lots of important info. I also read a review that the 2008 version is much better. Would folks recommend that as my main guidebook for PNG? Or are there other publishers that I should consult?
I am all for finding non-listed accommodations etc but still need a good start for my planning, info to get an idea on how to get around, maps for key places, info on visas and logistics, etc.
Any advice is welcome!
Adam

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posted
03-Dec-2009 18:13
by: necroyeti »

last reply
09-Dec-2009 13:37
by: Kornspitz »

1 replies , 83 views location: Samoa

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.

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posted
03-Dec-2009 11:21
by: omegao »

last reply
04-Dec-2009 16:19
by: omegao »

2 replies , 164 views

AYAD

Hi guys was just wondering do any current or past AYAD peeps cruise this forum and would anyone be able comment on there telephone interview process outta curiosity?

thanks

Edited by: omegao

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posted
01-Dec-2009 00:55
by: sixspades »

last reply
01-Dec-2009 00:55
by: sixspades »

0 replies , 60 views location: Papua New Guinea

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

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posted
30-Nov-2009 19:05
by: juho »

last reply
06-Dec-2009 10:18
by: Harry_Mudd »

2 replies , 186 views location: Tonga

Tongan centipedes, some facts needed!

Hi,

I've read the centipedes in Tonga and South Pacific are potentially dangerous and can bite. What does this actually mean? In case of an angry bite, what should be done if anything, like pouring hot water or vinegar as should be done with marine stingers?

I spotted a fastly moving centipede on the floor of my temporary flat in Nuku'alofa couple of nights ago, while sitting on my bed listening to Pink Floyd's Animals. It was sudden and scary moment as this insect moves so fast and approached my legs! The first time I saw one. It went beneath my bed, until came back, crawled under the wall, came back a minute later and then finally vanished again under the wall. And then I switched off the lights and started to sleep, hehe. Can they climb on beds/sleeping bags or are they "horizontal only"?

How about the black, round and much slower millipede, which I also spotted crawling ... more »

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posted
30-Nov-2009 17:19
by: susyt »

last reply
06-Dec-2009 16:56
by: susyt »

3 replies , 178 views location: Cook Islands

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

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posted
29-Nov-2009 16:24
by: ROB_S_NZ »

last reply
06-Dec-2009 20:35
by: uncle_sav »

1 replies , 108 views location: Vanuatu

Vanuatu ATMs --Will New Zealand EFTPOS Cards work??

Hi there other Kiwis!

I am trying to find out if my National Bank EFTPOS or Westpac EFTPOS card will work in Vanuatu.

I've called the ANZ both here and in Vila and cant seem to get a straight answer!!!! The Van ANZ said they would if they are Cissus or Maestro cards but mine are PLUS cards!!!

Has anyone out there used either of these NZ bank cards successfully in Vanuatu??

Many thanks for your help!

Rob

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posted
28-Nov-2009 23:22
by: mchovers »

last reply
08-Dec-2009 01:43
by: Ozziegiraffe »

4 replies , 200 views

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

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