Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Walk to Waya LaiLai from Waya Island?

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea

Next week I am staying at Octopus resort on Waya island and then transferring to Waya LaiLai Eco resort on neighbouring Waya LaiLia island. I understand it is possible to walk between these two islands at low tide.

I am interested if anyone knows or has walked all the way from Octopus to Waya LaiLia Eco resort and if there is a trail to follow and/or terrain involved.

I'm sure the boat ride is short and painless but always keen on the path less travelled!

thanks

There is a track which goes from Nalauwaki Village (where the Octopus staff live) to Yalobi Village at the southern end of Waya. It is the track which the village children walk if it is not possible to take the boat to school. Takes 1 - 2 hours and goes over the high part of the island. Steep at either end (Waya is a high volcanic island) & you may need a guide to access it. Alternatively you could go round the coast at low tide but I think that would take longer. Have you looked at a map of the island? I could possibly send one if you post an email address - but I have to find it first!
Once you got to Yalobi you would have to go further round the coast to the sandspit between Waya & Wayalailai - crossing possible at lowest tide - & then walk from Namara Village there to Dive Trek (Wayalailai Eco Resort). I'm not sure about that track or how long it would take.
I have only done the beginning of the track from Nalauwaki Village. It is very steep & you would need reasonable walking shoes to do it.

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It's possible to follow an unland trail, skipping yalobi village on shore -- it follows the ridge above the coast.
Alternatively you could walk along coast from Yalobi, past bayside resort, to the south tip. But this last bit can only be done at low tide. Walking the coast route can be tedious because you're clambering over rocks half the time.

The island itself is named Wayasewa -- I think Wayalailai is the name of the resort.

I also have not walked all the way to Eco resort. I asume it's a similar sort of trail.

Some photos here.

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Thanks for your help. Sounds doable given favourable tides. I'll check out the situation when I'm there but will pack the walking shoes! - Good photos too - cheers

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