Finschhafen

Have anyone been to Finschhafen ? Anyone know much about the banana boats that go there from Lae ? Where’s the places to stay ? What are the things to see ? How do you get around ?

There is a regular ferry service from Lae to Finschhafen operated by Luship, there may even be a few others too. Banana boats go most days. Costs for both ferry and smaller boats is around K40-50. 3-4 hours one way.

Please note however that ferries got to either Maneba or Buki wharf (maybe even both). Banana boats usually only go as far as Buki. Finschhafen is a bit of a misnomer, it is a district not a town. The district HQ is Gagidu, about 3 km's from Buki and about 30 km's from Maneba (or about 1.5 hrs over a shocking road). Travel is by rurul truck type PMV's and the roads are getting worse by the year. Who knows, maybe this years election will see them improve before the polls open.

There are at least 2 places to stay in Gagidu and maybe 1 in Butaweng (which is about 7 km's towards Maneba from Gagidu). There is also used to be a guest house in Sattleberg (pronounced Sattle-back). The places in Gagidu are ok. Not sure of thier current rates, maybe around K80 - K180. Could be more.

There is the 'famous' Butaweng waterfalls, which are very beautiful as well as Langemack Bay. The Hospital at Butaweng is also quite nice and maybe worth a visit. The German Doctors there are doing a fantastic job and are usually happy to show tourist around if they aren't too busy saving lives.

The seafront around Gagidu is also nice and the snorkelling around Dreggerhafen (next to Buki) is great. A trip out to Tami Island is also worthwhile.

Finschhafen is a great place but like most rural places in PNG is deteriorating. Visitors are welcome though if it is a traditional PNG setting you are after then you will be dissapointed, afterall, Finsch was the first place in PNG to be 'missionised'.

PM me if you need any more specific info. Finsch is my 'as plas' in PNG and I lived there for 18 months in the late 90's. I have been back a few times and still keep in touch with my many friends still there.

Hope you have a great trip!

Cheers,
Alex