Sandaun Accommodation and Travel Information
The Sandaun Province remains relatively undeveloped, with lovely beaches, crystal clear lagoons and picturesque villages. The capital of Vanimo sits at the head of a scenic harbour on a narrow peninsula with beautiful beaches on both sides. A two-hour walk leads around the headland with good snorkelling spots along the way. Vanimo is 30km from the Indonesian border and is PNG’s port of entry from the Indonesian province of Irian Jaya. Superb beaches and ocean breaks west of Vanimo towards Wutung attract surfers during the months of September to January.
Attractions:
- Vanimo
Most of tiny Vanimo’s services, including an Indonesian Consulate are located on the flat land at the base of the headland overlooking the harbour. Excellent swimming beaches lie on either side of the headland.
- Narimo Island
Narimo lies offshore of Vanimo and is good for swimming and picnicking but take food and water. Check with your hotel or hire a boat from West Deco village near the main wharf.
- Aitape
Reached by boat from Vanimo or rough road from Wewak, Aitape was once a German station and later used by the Japanese during World War II. Tadji Airstrip still has aircraft wreckage from the war. A B-24 bomber stands outside Aitape High School between the airstrip and town. There is a good surf beach as well.
- Telefomin & Oksapmin
These remote stations are more easily reached by air from Tari in Southern Highlands Province. The area is rugged with spectacular valleys. Caves in Okspamin Valley can be reached with guides.
- Walking
A circuit of the headland at Vanimo makes a pleasant walk, or head west past the airport to a vine-draped headland, where you can wade around to a beautiful beach.
- Surfing
Lido Village, 8km west of Vanimo, has a good surf beach and a guesthouse catering for surfers. They hire surfboards and bicycles. Aitape also has surf beaches and accommodation.
- Visit the Indonesian border
Although the border is not open to tourists, superb beaches, lagoons, views and picturesque villages can be seen along the way.
For accommodation in Sandaun Province, just visit our Sandaun Province accommodation page to search Sandaun Province accommodation listings, and make enquiries or bookings online. Our listings include motels and motor lodges, hotels, bed and breakfasts, camping grounds and holiday parks, resorts and lodges, backpackers and hostel accommodation.