Tag: Milne Bay tourism

From A Doini Island Bungalow

The view of the jetty from one of the bungalows.

 The bungalows on Doini it seemed are named after the neigbouring islands eg. Sariba, Logea etc. I can’t recall the name of the bungalow I took this photo from but anyway the bungalows are on a class of their own in terms of the standard of cleanliness, design and comfort – actually quite luxurious.

The bathroom had a unique feature - a clam shell for a wash basin - now that's something new. Very innovative.

 This bungalow was quite spacious and I reckon it can take a group of say six or seven people. Perhaps a family at Christmas time when the pineapples and mangoes are in season or any other time. In paradise it’s all good.

Looks so comfy and inviting - just like the turquoise sea outside
Would I like to lay my weary body down on a bed like this? Out here in the tropics? The answer is a resounding yes!

 Looking around this big room brought back memories of home on Kwato where polished floor and clean beds were a common feature in every home. Every Christmas we’d gathered in the family house on Kwato. Those were the times when I wished this festive season could be suspended in time and school a future away.

So spacious and well, comfy.

 There are so many lovely features of this bungalow and am sure the others have too. I really admired the design and the wood work and panelling. If I were to live in one of these bungalows I will be the happiest person around. The bungalow had all the mod cons.

The fridge and the stove with the wooden cover to stop seawater or sea spray getting to the stove top. Very sensible.
One of our fellow daytrippers decided to take a swim in the sea and although I was tempted to do the same, I was, let’s say, ill-prepared.
Who could resist a swim along this beach? Couple of our group took a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters.

Some more views from the verandah of the bungalow. The sea has an alluring thing about it – call it magic perhaps – but one can never tire of looking out to sea especially on a bright sunny day. There is nothing that can obstruct the view all the way to the horizon.

Simply lovely.

As with all short trips, all too soon our visit to Doini came to and end. On the way down the jetty to our boat, this boat arrived with a whole bunch of school children. I realised that like us, they will have the whole place to themselves.

No they are not boat people - but a boat load of school children

I realise that a couple of hours on Doini wasn’t enough time to see all there is to see of the island and, am sure, more. However, we certainly will remember this place, without a doubt.

One of my colleagues had collected bits of coral and shells to remember Doini by. I took my photos and he collected his own island momentos.

After Doini, Samarai Island was our next and last stop on this day trip so we had to get a move on or else we’d loose the daylight and that would have been a waste. So we said our goodbyes to the ladies in the dining room and kitchen area and headed towards the jetty. 

Heading out towards Samarai Island in the distance.

As we pushed off the jetty and away from Doini Island, my thoughts turned to Samarai.  I haven’t visited the island in yonks and wondered what the island looked like then. All my favourite spots.

The breeze once again on our faces and the sun warmer outside en route, I looked at this chap (one of our crew) sitting at the front of the dinghy and I couldn’t help thinking about the freedom we were experiencing. No fences, no looking over our shoulders just freedom to enjoy another beautiful corner of Papua New Guinea.

Doini Island Amid Turquoise Seas

The turquoise sea was so inviting – snared a couple of tempted ones on board to enjoy its magic.

The warm weather and the warm seas were so tempting as we approached the long jetty. What an eye-opener! This was Doini – at last. As a child Doini could well have been on another planet.

Could see the long jetty from the boat - beyond my expectations. Sooooo beautiful.

Everywhere I looked I could just see sea and a couple of sea gulls. I just took in the view and was overcome with a feeling of well-being. Here we were in the islands…sun, sand and sea.

Our good samaritan - the bird stayed put and didn't move.

Although hungry, we took the time to look around and took in the sights and sounds of Doini. I was most impressed with the layout of the resort. Just drank it all in…enough to drive away hunger, albeit momentarily.

I think an evening spent here would be really something – especially if the moon came out. The inspiration to write another song would encounter no difficulty in my mind.

Walking up to the main reception area. Impressive.
The main dining area and reception...there were no others except the eight of us. The ceiling panels were are major attraction and I reckon the best subject for dinner conversation

 The four ceiling panels were designed and painted by one of Milne Bay’s iconic artists, Sam Luguna. Absolutely briliant. I think he had to do a panel at time. One would need strong neck muscles. These are indeed brilliant works of art and what a strategic location in which to have them displayed.

A closer view of one of the panels. The other three panels also depict cultural symbols of other parts of PNG.

Luguna has his own art gallery in Alotau town and welcomes people who are interested in Milne Bay arts and crafts and of course his own brilliant artistic works.

Lunch beckoned with this impeccably laid table. It is the Doini Island hospitality.

 Well, after exploring the surrounding bungalows we settled down to a well-earned lunch.

A welcomed break from our island hopping. What a place...a hidden gem amid turquoise seas.

I will post some photos of the bungalows and more views of/from the resort. 

Getting to Doini on a fine day like this one is easy. Early morning flight to Gurney (Alotau) International Airport, then to Driftwood Resort, then on a dinghy that has a canopy so don’t worry about sunburn, then a little over an hour’s journey southeast through the China Straits and Samarai Island then you’re on Doini Island. The length of the boat trip would depend on how calm the seas are.

Whatever day you choose to visit, Doini Island beckons…….