Shortland to Bougainville

Looking for current information on travel Shortland Island to Bougainvile. I think I've got the Gizo-Shortland travel worked out (MV Bikoi may be going; also the Catholic Church's boat; have yet to check out local canoes, though Lazlo warned against this long trip if I understood correctly; anything else to check?), but wondering about:

• the transport from Shortland (the cheaper options, where to look for them, and places to stay while searching for onward transport) to a first port in Bougainville;

• and where to check in with PNG immigration.

• I'd also appreciate information on ATM availability in Bougainville; where to get PNG currency once I've arrived there.

(I've read earlier posts, particularly Lazlo's description of his trip in the other direction, though I don't know how long ago that was done; but if anyone has current particulars about this portion of the reverse trip, I'd appreciate the information.

Thanks.

ASFAIK, this trip is still considered illegal by the PNG authorities, which is why almost everyone does it the other way around.

Boats left for the Buin market from various Shortlands villages, but with no regularity. If you can't tag along, try and head for the northernmost villages, then charter.
A Chinese trader in Buin changed money.
Authorities there were totally against this crossing though, so probably best to try and move on ASAP.
I believe the closest regular entry point (for yachts etc) is Rabaul in New Britain.

Try and remember to post updated info if you have made it!

(tried to PM to Laszlo, but was blocked)

Asking Qs is what the forum is for.

From this article in Solomon Star it looks like the border issue is still being worked on.

From this one it looks like there is now a passemger and cargo ship travelling between Honiara and Bougainville. Lee Kwok yuen is a local Honiara business.

Laszlo,

Yes, and "Private Messages" is what PMs are for. I just wanted to share some confidential information with you that I thought you'd find interesting.
-
OG,

Thanks for the articles.

Regarding the border issue still being worked out, I have had some private information given me (information that I was asked not to publicize) that it should be possible to pass that way -- guess the only thing to do is try and see what happens. I'll report what happens here if I actually make the trip.

Solfish 002 just left Gizo, but wasn't headed for Bougainville on this trip. Bikoi may be going that way this week, but haven't been able to get through to the company's office in Honiara; presumably will find out when it docks tonight. There's always the Thursday flight, of course, for S$850, but that's a bit more than I want to pay.

BTW: I understand that the immigration official for the area, resident in Munda, I believe -- there is none in Gizo -- has gone to Singapore (don't know when he returns), so no official stamps in or out at the moment. Also, for anyone coming this way (Gizo) now, July 12, 2010, two other matters: 1) a conference on until the 17th has very many of the cheaper rooms booked out; I would suggest a call to book before coming -- quite a bit of door-to-door asking for rooms before I found one. 2) the BSP ATM does not handle foreign bank transactions as of yet (there's a note of apology on the machine), and the ANZ machine has been down for several days (the tech person hopes to have it working by tomorrow).

(July 13, 2010: Nope, Bikoi did not go to Shetland yesterday; people are saying it will go that way next week -- and presumably return a day later.)

Edited by: JoeToo

Edited by: JoeToo

Sorry Joe, in my case, PMs are to communicate with "friends", not to swamped with random travel Qs as I used to be when my settings were to accept PMs from anyone.
I am obviously not the only one using it that way, which is why LP offers that option.

Anybody attempted this journey recently? Planning on doing a roundtrip starting in Bougainville. Thanks.