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Manus Province, Papua New Guinea

Enrico Salte
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Manus is Papua New Guineas smallest province, both in terms of land mass and population, but has a vast sea area rich with marine life and beautiful coral reefs.

The province consists of a group of islands, known as the Admiralty Islands and a scattering of low lying atolls, mostly uninhabited, with the northern border reaching the equator.

The reefs near the atolls are accessible by outboard motor or canoe and provide superb diving and fishing. The adventurous and athletic can enjoy sea kayaking, a sport fast becoming popular among the seafaring community of Manus. Sea kayaking tours can range from day trips to a seven day tour, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy the marine life, the water ways and the scenery of Manus.

Manus, the largest of the islands, is rugged and heavily timbered with central hills rising to over 700 metres and many sharp ridges and streams. The airport is in Momote on Los Negros Island. A good road connects Los Negros to the main town of Lorengau on Manus Island. The islands are connected by a bridge crossing the Loniu Passage. There is a pleasant waterfall and a fresh waterpool on the Lorengau River a few kilometres upstream from Lorengau town.

During World War 2, Manus was occupied by the Japanese and later by American and Australian armed forces, who spent millions of dollars constructing a huge base, airport and dock facilities at Seeadler Harbour. During wartime activity up to 600 ships anchored in the harbour. Today it is a peaceful place ringed by small islets and a magnificent reef. The rusting remains of the base can still be seen nearby. A variety of hotels, lodge style accommodation and village guest houses are available, including the Lorengau Kohai Lodge, the Andra Guest House and the Harbour Side Hotel, all of which provide comfortable facilities for visitors