Tubo Eco Lodge

Hi everyone
Just wanted to give a bit of information about Tubo Eco Lodge on Lake Kutubu in the PNG highlands.
I've been working in the area for the past few months. I visited the Eco Lodge in July and I must say the place is extremely beautiful. There is very little information online or even in the Lonely Planet PNG guides so I didn't know what to expect. But this place is an absolute gem. And it can be a bit difficult to get to!
To access it you are picked up in Moro by the staff from Tubo Lodge - they work in Moro (you can fly in here with airlines PNG/Air Niugini) They then take you by dugout canoe down one of the rivers into the stunning lake Kutubu. An awe inspiring trip in an of itself. The lake has really clear water, and it is surrounded by high mountains with jungle pouring over the cliffs and down to the water's edge. Makes for brilliant photography. It's about 40 minutes to the lodge which is situated high on one of the limestone pinnacles above the lake. It's the kind of site you'd expect to find a multi million dollar tourist development. But all you find is some small wooden chalets with verandas overlooking a killer view. And usually you are the only one there. Spectacularly beautiful. The accommodation is quite rustic, but then you aren't really there to be inside anyway.
The guides take you on a tour of the lake - to their family burial sites on the cliffs above the lakes - the skeletons and coffins are arranged on the ledges above you. Amazing to see. You also get taken into small traditional villages where you meet the chiefs and visit the longhouses where the men sleep at night. There's even a longhouse at the lodge - pay it a visit and get a feel of the real rural PNG culture.
But the highlight for me was the birding. There are Red Bird of Paradise EVERYWHERE! I have never seen so many BOP's in one place. The guide took us for a walk into the deep jungle and I must have seen about 15 Red Bird of Paradise in about 20 minutes. Incredible to say the least. And the walk was included in the price.
The lake also has good snorkelling with lots of endemic fresh water fish species.
An altogether amazing experience. I just wanted to share it so that the public can be a but more aware of the place and visit it. A genuinely pristine paradise virtually untouched by tourism.

The issue with the lodge is getting hold of them. Norman Ba'abi is the owner in Port Moresby and it would be best to contact him. His email address is currently nibaabi@gmail.com, but it keeps changing. If you can't get hold of him do NOT cancel your trip to Kutubu! You'd be missing out! Just pitch up at the airport in Moro and ask around for Norman Ba'abi's family or for Tubo Eco lodge and you'll be directed to somebody who knows somebody who can get in touch with the lodge guys who will come pick you up. The police station at the end of the runway would also be able to help - they are a very nice lot. But definitely pay it a visit - you won't be sorry.

sounds like a great trip - can you tell us ideas about prices at the lodge ? - it can be hard to negotiate when arriving on spec without a booking so some idea of what to expect would be useful

Hi there
If I remember correctly it was around 200 kina a night.
Enjoy!

Sounds like a little bit of paradise!

what is his contact tel?
how is the road to the lake from Mandi? Tari, Mt hagen?
How much time from Mandi/ Tari, Mt hagen?
how frequent the transport?
thanks for replying
Gabor