I have said it before, but I will say it again, Vanimo is not just hidden gem of Papua New Guinea, but practically paradise incarnate.
And were that not enough, it is also the safest place that there is in Papua New Guinea. Combine this with beaches, surf and a generally chilled vibe and this makes it well worth a visit. And the best place to stay is hands down the Vanimo Beach Hotel.
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What the Vanimo?
Vanimo is the northernmost town in Papua New Guinea, right on the border with Indonesia. For anyone who has been to PNG, it already feels like a different country. Small, friendly and relaxed, it has a pace of life that is completely removed from Port Moresby or Lae. The beaches here are genuinely stunning, golden sand, clear water and palm trees lining the coast. Surfers will love it, sun-seekers will enjoy it, and anyone just wanting to chill can do so in total safety.
The town has a reputation for being the safest in PNG, and after spending time here, you get why. The locals are welcoming and it feels completely relaxed. Adding to this, Vanimo’s MP is Hon. Belden Namah, the Minister for Culture and Tourism. He is. Mate of mine…and well I guess he must deserve some credit for how safe it is.
What the Vanimo Beach Hotel
The Vanimo Beach Hotel sits right on the main beach and is owned by a local family who have been in hospitality for decades. It was built in the late 1980s and has a reputation for being practical, friendly and perfectly located.
This is the main hotel of the actual town, rather than just being aimed at surfers.
The Rooms
Rooms are basically split into very simple rooms and cottages that are essentially mini apartments. The difference is huge although the prices are not all that much different.
- Standard Room: K200 per night (USD55), fan, shared bathroom
- Deluxe Room: K250 per night (USD70), private bathroom, fan
- Beachfront Cottage: K400 per night (USD110), small kitchen, private bathroom, sleeps 3
- Family Cottage: K550 per night (USD150), larger kitchen, private bathroom, sleeps 4
Services at Vanimo Beach Hotel
Sadly answering emails promptly is not exactly a service that they offer! They do though arrange airport pickups, can connect you with guides, as well as do laundry. You can also book surf trips, fishing trips and waterfall hikes through reception, and they will point you to local villages to visit.
Eating and drinking at Vanimo Beach Hotel
There’s a great restaurant and bar on the second floor here that serves classic PNG AKA Australian food with the steak and chips being down my alley. Firm selection of local beers and they take card. Sadly the bar closes at 20.30.
There does though seem to be a speakeasy next door within the campus. I heard rather than saw it and I have been informed that Vanimo paiawara is a thing.
The West Papua Connection
Vanimo is the main town after the porous border with the Indonesian “province of West Papua”. Essentially the people on both sides are the same ethnically and can cross at will for cultural and trade reasons.
Therefore if you want to go in either direction you will likely be in Vanimo and ergo Vanimo Beach Hotel.
Oh and a great launchpad for going to West Papua.
Overall
Vanimo is a real place in my heart because it is so PNG, but also so remote and safe. And I feel that Vanimo Beach Hotel, well at least the cottages, are a great place to stay.
Do not though come expecting luxury, come expecting a great place to relax and see another side of PNG. The other hotels are also good, but mainly if you come to surf. VBH has a perfect location.
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