Resorts

LOLOATA ISLAND RESORT

In the local Motu language, ‘Loloa’ translates as ‘hill’ and ‘Ta’ as ‘one’. Loloata is indeed a one hill island. Originally a chicken farm, then a weekend resort for the expats who were stationed in Port Moresby, Loloata Island Resort became a dive resort in 1978. Since then the management has been in the capable hands of diving pioneer Dik Knight. Just a short walk from the shore, the 22 colonial-style, elevated bungalows are simply furnished. All the bungalows have en-suite bathrooms, ceiling fans and wide verandas with uninterrupted ocean views, while some rooms also have air-conditioning. You can be certain that each evening you will have the gentle lapping of the waves to lull you to sleep. Loloata Island Resort has a welcoming, club-like atmosphere and hors d’oeuvre are served on the patio beside the bar every evening promptly at six o’clock. Dining is a highlight of a stay at Loloata and dinner includes international or traditional cuisine, desert and plenty of freshly roasted Highland coffee from PNG’s interior. Vegetarians can be catered for with advance notice. The resort provides 24-hour power from their own generator and fresh water is supplied from rainwater tanks and two desalination plants.

Non-diving activities include snorkeling, kayaking, water skiing, wind surfing and line fishing. The early morning or late afternoon is the finest time to go bushwalking or stroll along the beach and foreshore. Walking the whole island takes just about an hour. There is the opportunity to explore further afield with sightseeing tours arranged locally.

Two 10-metre purpose-built aluminium dive boats each carrying up to 10 divers plus crew are equipped with electronic navigation, VHF radio, life jackets, life raft, flares, oxygen cylinders, first aid and an EPIRB. There is a hot and cold shower for after dive rinsing. Towels and snacks are provided. Rental equipment is available (except cameras and dive lights). There is a 240 volt charging outlet available with Australian-type sockets.

The boats depart from the jetty at 0800 each day for two morning dives, returning to the island for lunch around midday. At 1400 the boat departs for a one tank dive returning around 1630 (in time for a shower and the ‘traditional’ hors d’oeuvres at the bar!). Night dives are available on request.

Port Moresby is the nearest airport. Getting to the island is simple and involves a 15 minute car ride from the airport followed by a 10 minute boat ride on one of Loloata Island Resort’s private water taxis.

Stays can be of any length. Prices below relate to a stay of 7 nights.

Price: from about $2207. Includes: airport transfers; 7 nights full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on a twin/share basis in a Fan-cooled Room at Loloata Island Resort; 5 days of 2 tank boat dives, dive guide.

Supplement for 3 boat dives: about $267

Single occupancy supplement: from about $299