19 Oct 2016

First Tourist Visit to Lomiu Village in 41 Years

The birders headed ashore earlier than others in search of the Pitta and other Manus Island endemics as the morning dawn appeared through some warm tropical rain. By the time the rest of us headed ashore a little later the sky was clearing and by mid morning as we explored the main island and then Los Negros Island the day cleared beautifully. Our tour of the island started with a drive through the compact center of downtown Lorengau and then proceeded to several view points across the island before heading to the airport on Los Negros Island. But our main destination for the morning was Lomiu village and we were the firsts tourists to visit this thriving village since PNG independence 41 years ago. The ladies had prepared a selection of traditional foods including taro, sago, fish and cuscus for us to try. Only the most game amongst us tried the Cucus which was very chewy by all accounts. Back in town we visited the recently constructed market which had been built with AusAid funds and was a thriving bustling market with a wide range of local produce available. After lunch we visited the charming small island of Hawei where there was th opportunity and or explore the island on foot. And you might be wondering how ther birders went - despite a wet morning in the hills most of the endemics were located including a glimpse or two of the Pitta!