An Unforgettable Experience in the Best Dive Destination in PNG

My search for the best dive destination is over. Tawali Resort has already won my heart.


Tawali is a leisure and dive resort located in the secluded area of Alotau, Milne Bay in Papua New Guinea. It stands 80 feet above water and is situated on a volcanic mountain overlooking the province. Its unspoiled waters are rich with stunning marine biodiversity, something that I always look for in every single dive destination I visit.


If you are looking for first rate diving sites that offer paradise under the sea, then Tawali is your place to go. In fact, Tawali’s greatest strength lies in its healthy marine life, the main reason for divers like

me to keep coming back over and over again.

How to Get There?

You need to ride a boat from Alotau to reach Tawali. The trip from Alotau to the resort is approximately two hours. 

To reach the resort, catch a flight from Port Moresby to Alotau Airport. Then, take a bumpy ride along the Milne Bay coast by bus. The bus ride approximately takes 90 minutes. From there, take a 20-minute boat ride to the resort.

Pro tip: avoid overnight flights in Port Moresby if possible. As I heard, that part of PNG is notorious for being unsafe and lawless. We didn’t encounter such trouble, though. If there’s a negative thing I could say about the experience, it’s worrying about being jumped on the way to the resort but is not in any way a deal breaker.

Plenty of Dive Sites to Explore

Tawali offers plenty of underwater sites for divers to explore. Aboard the Spirit of Niugini, I found out why the resort is worthy to be called the best dive destination not only in PNG but also in the whole world. Each diving site is teeming with impressive marine life, a great evidence of how well the place is maintained.


The PNG resort’s clear and protected waters ensure that marine life thrives in its various dive destinations. During my three-day stay in Tawali, I noticed the lack of other diving boats chartering the resort’s seas which is a good thing as it only proves Tawali is still a pristine location to explore.

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With its diverse biodiversity, expect to see stunning critters both large and small hiding in Tawali’s healthy coral reefs. Get up-close with the majestic hammer heads, catch a school of barracudas and swim with eels, rays, octopus and other rare kinds of fishes you thought you’d only see in picture books.

Other Tawali Attractions

Aside from the breathtaking diving sites, Tawali also offers topnotch accommodation, delectable food and unique culture. The well-maintained villas provide comfort among the guests, as well as serenity for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.


You can also walk around the village and immerse in the PNG culture. While at it, you can bird watch or fish to keep yourself entertained. You can also explore caves and waterfalls to explore the beauty of nature the place has to offer.


Unspoiled waters, protected sites, and rich marine biodiversity—these are what make Tawali the best dive destination one could ever visit. Indeed, my three-day stay was not enough to explore every itinerary in this heavenly place. I really wish I had stayed longer, but seeing the beauty of each diving site I already visited, I will definitely go back for more.

References:

• http://www.tawali.com/
• https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Hotel_Review-g616352-d1188692-Reviews-or5-Tawali_Resort-Alotau_Papua_Region.html#REVIEWS
• http://www.cruisingtheedge.com/tawali-png-boating-refuge-nov-2016/
• https://www.scubaboard.com/community/threads/hold-up-at-tawali.522046/
• https://www.booking.com/hotel/pg/tawali-resort.en-gb.html?aid=357026;label=gog235jc-hotel-XX-pg-tawaliNresort-unspec-ph-com-L%3Aen-O%3AwindowsS10-B%3Achrome-N%3AXX-S%3Abo-U%3AXX-H%3As;sid=2513928bd5e0ac9c17356513f5452444;dist=0&sb_price_type=total&type=total&