Trobriands

I am trying to find out if it is really that hard as to find lodging on Kiriwina. Is it really just the two lodges and not much esle? Do I have to arrnage a village stay through the lodges? Cannot I go through the chief of the village? Is it that hard to get around? This is what I have been told---

" The Trobriand Islands is not a tourist destiation, it is a remote island where there is no public transport and very little infrastructure. All travel by road or water involves hiring a vehicle or boat, and the cost of fuel in these remote areas is outrageous. "

I guess the lack of information I am finding verfies this. But is there anyone that has been there lately and can tell me a little about what to expect?

Well, I haven't been to the Trobriands, but my understanding is that they are relatively popular tourist destination by PNG standards.
Met several people who have been there.
And I am absolutely certain you CAN arrange village stays with the villagers themselves - much like anywhere else in PNG.
Even LP confirms that, and warns about having to negotiate ALL prices.
What is written about getting around holds true in any rural part of the country. Of course you won't be riding scheduled bus and ferry services in air-con comfort, but if you have the time/flexiblity and are willing to "rough" it, you can always get around without chartering - eventually.

I wonder if the misinformation sent to you came from a travel agent only too happy to "help" you for a hefty price? ;-)

for a week of an operated tour - a night at the lodge, 3 nigths at a village on Vakuta, another night on Kiriwina at the lodge, and another night at a village - about 1200 U.S dollars! If a village stay could run about 10k (according to LP) why is it so expensive? I was told because of communicating the arrangements and gas fair to Vakuta- Id rather just stay on Kiriwina and do our own thing...

Why is it so expensive?
To allow your friendly tour-operator to make a HUGE cut, of course! :-)))

That said, I think the latest LP recommends sg. like 50K/person/day to give to village hosts, and while that may still be a bit steep, I do think you should give more than 10. Come on, 10K would be only 3-4 USD!

Unless you are hopelessly paranoid and want everything booked/fixed in advance, I'd definitely recommend just going on your own.
I doubt you even need to book the lodge, other than if going during festival time.
I never booked anything in advance in PNG, and never encountered a full lodge or guest house.

I am booked on a private tour by a local PNG agency. Part of the trip goes to the Trobriands (see other topic below). The only place where I did'nt need a booking ahead was at the Trobriands. In fact my agent booked the first night at the Butia Lodge, which seems to be the most popular in the region. This gives me the oppertunity to stay further at the Butia Lodge OR decide on the spot to move to a local homestay. The price for the first night was about 80 USD. A good description of the lodge can be find here.
PNG Eco tours describes the Butia Lodge as a Rural tourist lodge.
I got an email address to reach the manager of the Butia Lodge if you want. Pm me if you want.
Hope this helps. When will you be going ?

Globetrotters.be

My son went to the Trobs in February this year. He flew to Alotou and then went to Kirawina on a pasenger boat. On board he met someone from one of the villages who asked my son to stay with him, whihc he did for about two weeks. From what my son told me it is straight forward for visitors to turn up in a village and ask around for someone who will put them up. I have found that to be the case in other places in PNG, so I don't think you would have a problem.

When I have stayed in villages I have paid about K20-25 per night.

My son siad that there were two PMVs (trucks in this case) that serviced the island. As with PMVs everywhere there are no fixed schedules and you would just have to get on the back with everyone else and all their cargo.