Currency and Payments
The currency of Papua New Guinea is the Kina. This should be available for exchange at currency counters within most international airports before your trip. If there is a problem obtaining Kina before your departure there is an ATM as well as a Currency Exchange desk at the international airport upon arrival in Port Moresby.
GST
Note that all tourism related services prepaid from outside Papua New Guinea are currently exempt from GST, and all published rates do not include GST. All purchases/services paid for within Papua New Guinea are subject to an additional 10% GST charge.
Luggage
If you are flying into Papua New Guinea with Air Niugini (PX flight number, not QF codeshare) and connecting same day to an Air Niugini domestic flight, then you should be allowed an additional 15kg checked luggage allowance for dive gear.
This is an arrangement between PNG divers Association and Air Niugini. Some counter staff might not know of this, but it is always worth asking the question. Regular weight allowances for economy passengers on Air Niugini flights are 23kg for international and 16kg for domestic flights. For more information please see the Air Niugini web site.
Arriving at Port Moresby International Airport
Port Moresby is the major international airport for Papua New Guinea, and most international air travellers will enter the country via this airport. If you are connecting through to an Air Niugnii domestic flight on the same day, there is a domestic check-in transfer counter just past the customs desks (see map). It is recommended you check in your luggage here for your onward domestic flight and collect your boarding pass. If this counter is closed for any reason, you can still check in for your domestic flight at the international check in counters.
The domestic terminal is always very busy, so checking in as a transit passenger at the international terminal is recommended if at all possible, particularly if you have a tight connection. Once you have your domestic boarding pass, you can proceed to the domestic terminal, which is a short walk from the internatinal terminal. Please note that the public address system in the domestic terminal is not very clear, so if you are unsure if your flight might be boarding, please ensure you check with the staff at the departure gates.
Flight Cancellation/Delay
In the event your flight to Hoskins is delayed or cancelled, which has been known to happen, please contact us and we will endeavour to assist as much as possible.
You may not get much indication from airline staff as to what to do next in the event of cancellation of your flight. If you have already checked your bags, head to the carousel to find them. Once you have all your belongings, exit the domestic terminal and go to the international building. Locate the customer service desk for your airline and explain your flight was cancelled and request assistance to re-schedule. The airline staff member should then organise your overnight accommodation if necessary, shuttle transfers and issue you with a new departure time. Alternatively you can go to the customer service desk in the domestic terminal but to avoid excessive lines and unnecessary wait times we recommend seeing staff at the international terminal first.
If we have arranged your overnight accommodation in Kimbe prior to your transfer to the island, in most cases you will stay at Walindi Resort. We do make every attempt to track down guests who may not arrive due to cancelled or delayed flights, and wherever possible obtain revised travel plans directly from the airline. Airport transfer from Hoskins will then be re-scheduled accordingly. However, we ask that you attempt to contact Walindi Resort (see contact details below) to advise that you will not be arriving as planned. If you do not have a phone with you, most hotels in Port Moresby will contact Walindi if requested, to advise of revised plans.
Contact numbers for Walindi Plantation Resort - +675 9835 441 or +675 723 48460
Contact numbers for MV FeBrina - +675 9835 441 or +675 723 48460
Contact number in Australia for MV FeBrina - +61 438 464451
Arriving at Hoskins Airport
Hoskins is the domestic airport in West New Britain, approximately a 35 minute drive into Kimbe Town and a further 20 minute drive to Walindi Resort.
Airport Transfers
On the incoming leg of your journey, if staying at Walindi Resort, a driver will be awaiting your arrival at Hoskins and will assist you with your luggage. If you cannot find him (he will have a Walindi shirt and a sign), the security guard at the luggage collection area will be able to point him out. You will need your luggage tags to present to security prior to removing your luggage from the luggage collection area.
For the outgoing leg of your journey, departure transfer will be organised for you as per the flight details supplied to Walindi Resort. Please check with reception the evening prior for confirmation of departure time.
Packing List
Clothing should be lightweight, comfortable sportswear and bathing suits are a must. A light sweater or throw over is ideal for evening, especially during the months of June through to August. Dress is casual. Additional items you may want to bring are sunscreen, shampoo, sungalsses, a hat or visor and insect repellent.
Malaria
At Uluai Island, we are fortunate that there are no mosquitoes. However, before your trip, make sure to consult your physician or a travel doctor with regards to a malaria preventative medication or any other vaccines you may need. Malaria is prevalent in certain parts of Papua New Guinea, but easily prevented. Regardless of whether you are taking an anti-malarial or not, the best preventative measure whilst staying at Walindi or other resorts in the town areas, is to ensure you cover up during the early morning and late afternoon/early evening hours with loose, lightweight cotton clothing. Using insect repellent is also advisable. Please note that if you are diving, Larium is not recommended as an anti-malarial for divers.