Walindi Plantation Resort nestles on the shores of Kimbe Bay, and Max & Cecilie Benjamin and their staff have been proudly showing off the Kimbe Bay reefs to visiting divers for over 25 years. Walindi Resort is also home port to MV FeBrina Liveaboard. Getting to Walindi Resort requires a short flight from Port Moresby and looking out of the window on your flight you will realise that this is going to be no ordinary vacation. Mountain ranges that top 14,000 feet divide the main island of New Britain. The deeper valleys remained isolated until early last century; the land you fly over is occupied by people who have 800 different languages and cultures that are just as diverse.
Walindi’s elegant ensuite accommodation is spread along the beach front, nestled in tropical rainforest gardens, ensuring privacy and seclusion when you want it. The central resort area, just a short stroll from your accommodation, is the social hub of Walindi. Meal times are a social gathering of guests and staff alike, a chance to share your individual experiences of the day. The resort grounds are meticulously cared for by a team of gardeners. Following the winding pathways, a leisurely walk through the resort gardens will delight garden lovers. Towering rainforest trees create a shady canopy under which tropical flowering plants and striking foliage flourish. Brilliantly coloured butterflies add fluorescent dashes of colour.
Bungalows
Walindi Resort’s 12 individual Bungalows with private facilities are roomy and comfortable, constructed with local materials and timbers in a bure style with thatched roofs. They are spread along the beachfront and surrounded by rainforest gardens.
Bungalows feature:
1 queen sized bed and 1 single bed
Ensuite bathroom
Ceiling fans
Fully screened
Kitchenette with tea and coffee making facilities
Private verandah
Daily laundry service included in the tariff
Hairdryer available from reception for the duration of your stay
Available as single, twin, double or triple accommodation
Plantation House Rooms
Walindi Resort’s 8 Plantation House Rooms are in two blocks of 4 rooms each, with each block sharing a common verandah area. These rooms offer a budget option for cost conscious travelers.
Plantation House Rooms feature:
Either Queen Bed or 2 x Single Beds
Ensuite bathroom
Ceiling fans
Fully screened
Tea and coffee making facilities
Daily laundry service included in the tariff
Hairdryer available from reception for the duration of your stay
Available as single, twin or double accommodation
The central resort area is the hub of all resort activity, consisting of a reception lobby, Casuarina Restaurant and Planter’s Bar, air-conditioned lounge and library with internet facilities for guest use, the Blue Taro Boutique, a swimming pool and a sun deck. The restaurant offers three meals daily and fare is Western and Asian style, delicious and plentiful, featuring local seafoods, fruits and vegetables. The beef served is produced on neighbouring Numundo Plantation.
Walindi Resort offers daily diving on the spectacular reefs of Kimbe Bay.
Diving in Kimbe Bay
“The coral reefs of Kimbe Bay take me back forty years, to a time when corals grew in lush profusion, untroubled by the problems that beset them today. A short boat ride from Walindi Resort and I am diving on reefs that have half the coral species of the world, all awaiting those rare photo opportunities that come only with the clearest water. I am hard pressed to think of anywhere on earth that has this combination of vibrant health, diversity and beauty.”
– Prof Charles Veron
The coral reefs around Walindi Resort are extraordinarily rich. A recent coral count in Kimbe Bay revealed an incredible 413 species of hard coral. This is over half the total world species in one Bay, a truly remarkable statistic which makes Kimbe Bay the “Coral Capital of the World”. Over 900 species of fish have been recorded and this number will continue to grow as more research is done. Famous dive sites within Kimbe Bay include Restorf Island, Kimbe Island, Christine’s Reef and Emma Reef. On Kimbe’s reefs you can expect great macro life, schooling pelagic fish, sharks and friendly turtles. Kimbe Bay is also home to a well preserved Mitsubishi A6M ‘Zero’ fighter plane that makes a great dive and is excellent for photography!
Walindi Resort offers a great selection of land tours.
Hot river: A wonderful opportunity to bathe in water heated by the volcano with swirling pools, mini waterfalls and sticky mud. Bathers are needed along with insect repellant and suncream. The trip entails a 50 minute drive each way. Suitable for any time of day.
Nambala-Nick’s place: This property offers 1-3 hour nature walks in unlogged forest with tall trees and welcome shade. A stunning view point is accessed by a steep 10 minute climb. Bird watching at dawn or dusk can be very rewarding with over 50 bird species recorded here and over half of them Bismarck Archipelago endemics. A medicinal plant garden, traditional dwellings and cooking areas are also used by the host family. Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times to visit. Proper footwear advised.
Fireflies: For a quick after dinner jaunt, visit the firefly trees where the minute beetles flash in synchronous or pulsing waves of light. No walking involved, 5 minute vehicle ride.
Village life: Take a 1-2 hour guided walk through the village adjacent to Walindi Plantation Resort and chat with those at home doing everyday household chores or sitting out the heat of the day. Take insect repellant, water and wear appropriate clothing.
WWII planes: For anyone interested in war planes, the abandoned NZ4522 and B-25H Mitchellin are worth a visit. Entails a 40min drive along the scenic Talesea Peninsular. No major walking involved.
Kimbe town: If you want to experience the bustle of the market place, see life on the street and browse in the local supermarket and craft shop, a trip to Kimbe is on the agenda. Dress appropriately, have small denomination currency to hand and do not take any valuables with you.
Volcano walk: A 3 hour reasonably arduous walk up to the active Gabuna volcano, returning via the same route (2 hours). The track passes through tall primary forest and comes out in the open scorched valley with steaming vents, volcanic rubble and hot streams. The terrain is steep and can be slippery. A local guide leads the way.
FeBrina Liveaboard & Walindi Resort Video