Kiriwina Island
Kiriwina Island
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
18 reviews
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John G
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Couples
Enjoyed our time on Kiriwina Island which was a day trip from the Coral Princess cruise. We met up with a local who took us on a tour of the local village and gave us background on the local culture and village life. There were plenty of people selling their handywares. Unfortunately didn't have many Kina. My advice is to take plenty of Kina on your trip ($100 Au ?) as the locals don't have an exchange on the island to convert foreign currency back into Kina. As we were leaving we could have easily gotten rid of any Kina we had left as the locals were offering the same exchange rate as what we had purchased Kina on our cruise ship.
Written 11 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
katrina
Melbourne, Australia36 contributions
Oct 2022
Kiriwina Is the largest of the Trobriand Islands in the Milne Bay Provence. The second stop on our P&O PNG cruise. The day here was hot and humid with a nice sea breeze. Around 28 degrees. The ship anchors off the shore and the ships tenders (small boats) take passengers to the island. If you want to go before 11 am you will need to get a numbered ticket and wait for it to be called but if you are happy to wait until after 11 am you can just head to the tenders . The trip takes about 5 minutes.
Hundreds of locals had set up souvenir market stalls all along the shore and along a path leading away from the area. (As we were the first cruise ship to arrive since the pandemic hit I think the entire island had come to see us). This Islands craftsmen are known for the wonderful wood carving. You can also buy colourful sarongs, necklaces etc. I bought a hand fan to keep myself cool.
I like many others from our ship had brought along items for the local schools. There was a large 44 gallon barrel almost full to the top with packs of pencils and other stationary items etc. I dropped my coloured pens in as well. With no ships and tourists coming for nearly three years they will be greatly appreciated.
I wanted to snorkel but wasn’t able to bring my own gear from home (wouldn’t fit in my case.). Unfortunately there is nowhere to hire from. I was lucky to get a loan from a couple who had finished for the day. The best place to go is to head along the beach to the far left near the small island. A young lad in a small wooden canoe asked if I wanted to be taken out to the Reef drop off to see the best fish. I agreed to pay 10 Kina ($4.50 au) and he took me out the short distance. The fish and coral were great here. I snorkeled for about an hour and then Ricky came back in the canoe for me . The water is warm and so clear.
After this I walked along the path leading away from the beach. All along the path are stalls and people asking if you want to buy their items. I ended up buying a carved bowl for 50 kina ($22.50 au) and a small carved turtle for 10 kina ($4.50 au). The workmanship is wonderful. I wanted to buy from stalls that were away from the large crowd as they won’t get as many customers.
At the top of the path where the stalls ended I came across a small village with a sign that said if you want a tour see Frank. So I found Frank the Head man and he gave me a lovely tour of his village including the hole in the ground they get their water from and the large garden where they grow their food such as yams and bananas. The village has several huts made of palm leaves . The unmarried young men share a house and the families each share a house .There were little pigs and chickens running around and many children. It was so nice to see how people of this island live rather than just sitting on the beach.
Note- please take Kina with you when you get off at Kiriwina. Unlike other developing nations around the world the locals need Kina more than Australian Dollars. They get ripped off when trying to convert back to their currency so they will lose out. Try and buy Kina before you leave home. The local bank set up a stall on the ship when we arrived at our first port of call but the queue was very long. Many people on Kiriwina will ask you to exchange $AU dollars for Kina. It can get frustrating to be asked this but just a polite no is fine.
Hundreds of locals had set up souvenir market stalls all along the shore and along a path leading away from the area. (As we were the first cruise ship to arrive since the pandemic hit I think the entire island had come to see us). This Islands craftsmen are known for the wonderful wood carving. You can also buy colourful sarongs, necklaces etc. I bought a hand fan to keep myself cool.
I like many others from our ship had brought along items for the local schools. There was a large 44 gallon barrel almost full to the top with packs of pencils and other stationary items etc. I dropped my coloured pens in as well. With no ships and tourists coming for nearly three years they will be greatly appreciated.
I wanted to snorkel but wasn’t able to bring my own gear from home (wouldn’t fit in my case.). Unfortunately there is nowhere to hire from. I was lucky to get a loan from a couple who had finished for the day. The best place to go is to head along the beach to the far left near the small island. A young lad in a small wooden canoe asked if I wanted to be taken out to the Reef drop off to see the best fish. I agreed to pay 10 Kina ($4.50 au) and he took me out the short distance. The fish and coral were great here. I snorkeled for about an hour and then Ricky came back in the canoe for me . The water is warm and so clear.
After this I walked along the path leading away from the beach. All along the path are stalls and people asking if you want to buy their items. I ended up buying a carved bowl for 50 kina ($22.50 au) and a small carved turtle for 10 kina ($4.50 au). The workmanship is wonderful. I wanted to buy from stalls that were away from the large crowd as they won’t get as many customers.
At the top of the path where the stalls ended I came across a small village with a sign that said if you want a tour see Frank. So I found Frank the Head man and he gave me a lovely tour of his village including the hole in the ground they get their water from and the large garden where they grow their food such as yams and bananas. The village has several huts made of palm leaves . The unmarried young men share a house and the families each share a house .There were little pigs and chickens running around and many children. It was so nice to see how people of this island live rather than just sitting on the beach.
Note- please take Kina with you when you get off at Kiriwina. Unlike other developing nations around the world the locals need Kina more than Australian Dollars. They get ripped off when trying to convert back to their currency so they will lose out. Try and buy Kina before you leave home. The local bank set up a stall on the ship when we arrived at our first port of call but the queue was very long. Many people on Kiriwina will ask you to exchange $AU dollars for Kina. It can get frustrating to be asked this but just a polite no is fine.
Written 21 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Barbara R
Ocean Pines, MD101 contributions
Nov 2019
Having read some of the recent cruise ship island stop reviews, I felt I needed to comment. In 2018, as part of an Eldertreks 20+ day PNG tour, we spent four nights on Kiriwina. And, that explains the difference between a visit of a few hours, and an extended stay. The island was beautiful, the people most welcoming and happy to share their traditional culture. Never was there a sense of "pressure to purchase". I have since learned that the Eldertreks itinerary is quite unique as most PNG tours do not include the Trobriand Islands - lucky us! A cruise ship port of call experience has its limitations.
Written 12 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ghtraveller
Perth, Australia301 contributions
Feb 2020
This island is very beautiful as is most of PNG.
The locals are friendly and always eager to share their culture and give you the opportunity to purchase their basket ware or wooden items. The problem is it is all so lovley that you want to support the local economy as much as possible but there is so much. People travel from neighbouring islands just to set up a stall and benefit from the influx of tourists.
It is a lovley island and a walk to some of the more remote villages is worthwhile. The cricket match is also very entertaining.
Hopefully the current travel issues will settle and tourists will get to visit the islands again.
The locals are friendly and always eager to share their culture and give you the opportunity to purchase their basket ware or wooden items. The problem is it is all so lovley that you want to support the local economy as much as possible but there is so much. People travel from neighbouring islands just to set up a stall and benefit from the influx of tourists.
It is a lovley island and a walk to some of the more remote villages is worthwhile. The cricket match is also very entertaining.
Hopefully the current travel issues will settle and tourists will get to visit the islands again.
Written 21 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Irene (iFotoTravel) Isaacson
Buddina, Australia2,131 contributions
Mar 2020
This was one of 3 places our P&O cruise managed to dock at just before the corona virus panic set in. The island is idyllic. A classic tropical island with aqua blue clear waters.
It was hot and very humid, and we were tendered across from the boat to the island's small jetty. There were no on-shore attractions advertised. We were told "don't worry, the local's will give you enough to enjoy". So we had no idea what to expect.
The whole village had turned out to line the way off the jetty along the beach. They had little stalls covered by umbrellas for shade as far as you could see along the whole beach. You couldn't walk 2 feet without someone saying "Hello" with an item for you to buy, or asking you to change money for them, or just to give them any money you had.
They had local canoes offering short rides along the coast but again, you were hounded to be taken for a ride, no matter how often you may have refused.
If you sat on the beach, you would be approached constantly. If you found a small spot to put your towel and went in for a swim, guaranteed when you got back to your towel, a local or two or three would be "looking after your things for you", with hands out expecting payment.
The local villagers were very poor but very friendly (and spoke good english), so it was hard to deter them from trying to sell their wares, but it became so bad, you really had to bite your lip. Many of our cruise guests commented that they had returned early to the ship because of this. Such a shame.
I tried to take some DSLR photography of the beach and the stunning tropical scenery, but it was nigh on impossible as someone would approach every minute trying to sell something.
The water, however, was beautiful. Hardly any plastic or waste to be seen in the sea or on the beach. Amazing. The offshore snorkeling also was quite pretty with very little coral bleaching evident, although the fish were all quite small with very little larger fish evident. The locals still fish here to live, as well as eat turtles. The island is quite remote.
It was hot and very humid, and we were tendered across from the boat to the island's small jetty. There were no on-shore attractions advertised. We were told "don't worry, the local's will give you enough to enjoy". So we had no idea what to expect.
The whole village had turned out to line the way off the jetty along the beach. They had little stalls covered by umbrellas for shade as far as you could see along the whole beach. You couldn't walk 2 feet without someone saying "Hello" with an item for you to buy, or asking you to change money for them, or just to give them any money you had.
They had local canoes offering short rides along the coast but again, you were hounded to be taken for a ride, no matter how often you may have refused.
If you sat on the beach, you would be approached constantly. If you found a small spot to put your towel and went in for a swim, guaranteed when you got back to your towel, a local or two or three would be "looking after your things for you", with hands out expecting payment.
The local villagers were very poor but very friendly (and spoke good english), so it was hard to deter them from trying to sell their wares, but it became so bad, you really had to bite your lip. Many of our cruise guests commented that they had returned early to the ship because of this. Such a shame.
I tried to take some DSLR photography of the beach and the stunning tropical scenery, but it was nigh on impossible as someone would approach every minute trying to sell something.
The water, however, was beautiful. Hardly any plastic or waste to be seen in the sea or on the beach. Amazing. The offshore snorkeling also was quite pretty with very little coral bleaching evident, although the fish were all quite small with very little larger fish evident. The locals still fish here to live, as well as eat turtles. The island is quite remote.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rav4Toyota
Kangaroo Flat, Australia22 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We recently visited Kirawana through tour PNG cruise. Fascinating island. The islanders were there to meet us and selling their wares, beautifully carved timber pieces and you wished you could buy from them all. The sun is very hot here so you need to take care. A swim is a must.
We walked around the foreshore and straight into the locals playing cricket dressed in their traditional outfits, There basically putting on a show for cruise ship day but fascinating to watch.
We walked around the foreshore and straight into the locals playing cricket dressed in their traditional outfits, There basically putting on a show for cruise ship day but fascinating to watch.
Written 11 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anne and Andrew M
Sydney, Australia20 contributions
Feb 2020
Previous advice is still very relevant. We took childrens books for the school and sandpaper for the wood carvers. It is subsistence living so anything useful is greatly appreciated. As anywhere where people live in poverty, unattended possessions may not be there for long! Passengers go ashore in tenders so heavy luggage is problematic but ship's crew were very helpful. We found the people polite and welcoming.
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Trish21
Mango Hill, Australia26 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Was very disappointed with the presence of the locals. In saying that I mean I think the arrival of cruise ships has created a huge problem for the people of the island. Beautiful people but are now virtually begging for your attention to follow to their village. Selling there wares and following you I found to be very intimidating. Beach was beautiful.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maree R
Christchurch, New Zealand1,021 contributions
Nov 2019
Good place to buy local souvenirs... plenty on offer but do have local currency. We were told not to barter but the prices were good anyway. Friendly people, I didnt enjoy the swimming off the beach so much, its pretty shallow and there are not many fish to be seen. Taking a tour out to the reef would be best for snorkelling. I did see 2 fish when I took my mask off and a beautiful blue starfish. We also kept an eye on our bag and noticed someone sitting close by so we headed back in and as we walked out of the water he got up and left. Do watch your stuff.
Written 26 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrew A
Horsham, Victoria, Australia24 contributions
Nov 2018
Firstly do not give AUS coins as trade for local goods as these cannot be exchanged for local currency. Exchange AUD to Kina before going to Kiriwina.
I recommend that everyone takes USEFUL gifts to give to the local school (you will see the kids amazing display during your visit) so reward the hard working teachers. Please consider taking some gifts to give to the school for distribution to the local people.
My list was developed from my previous visits to Kiriwina and seeing how these small gifts can make a difference.
Small first aid kit incl. Panadaol, cough mixture, Medi strips, sunburn lotion, bandaids, shampoo and soap.
NEXT. Soccer balls, volleyballs and a big net, guitars, solar camping lights,
Everyone should take fishing lines and hooks - as these are so scarce. Can you also think about a fishing rod?
For the kids think about toys, clothes reading books, pens, notebooks.
Maybe a bible or 3.
Solar lights are an amazing gift as there is no electricity on the island.
I personally have send some precious gifts to my guide Riggy and we are planning a return trip soon with an array of gifts.
Again DO NOT GIVE AUS COINS!!!
Please love this place and enjoy the amazing friendliness of these people - please leave something meaningful so the Islands can grow.
I recommend that everyone takes USEFUL gifts to give to the local school (you will see the kids amazing display during your visit) so reward the hard working teachers. Please consider taking some gifts to give to the school for distribution to the local people.
My list was developed from my previous visits to Kiriwina and seeing how these small gifts can make a difference.
Small first aid kit incl. Panadaol, cough mixture, Medi strips, sunburn lotion, bandaids, shampoo and soap.
NEXT. Soccer balls, volleyballs and a big net, guitars, solar camping lights,
Everyone should take fishing lines and hooks - as these are so scarce. Can you also think about a fishing rod?
For the kids think about toys, clothes reading books, pens, notebooks.
Maybe a bible or 3.
Solar lights are an amazing gift as there is no electricity on the island.
I personally have send some precious gifts to my guide Riggy and we are planning a return trip soon with an array of gifts.
Again DO NOT GIVE AUS COINS!!!
Please love this place and enjoy the amazing friendliness of these people - please leave something meaningful so the Islands can grow.
Written 17 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
margail2015
Queensland, Australia5 contributions
How to get there from cruise ship without using cruise ship excursions
margail2015
Queensland, Australia5 contributions
Can you tell me how to get to the island without going on a cruise ship tour please?
Jayne J
Mackay, Australia2,655 contributions
Sorry but I have no idea. Guessing that there may be a local boat you could get from Rabaul or the mainland. Best bet would be to Google it and research that way.
Jayne
Howard S
Melbourne, Australia66 contributions
Hi Andrew,
Our cruise is visiting Alotau, Kitava, Kiriwina and Conflict Islands. Where and how is the best place and way to distribute the things we take?
Thanks
Howard
Andrew A
Horsham, Victoria, Australia24 contributions
Hi Howard. Firstly, take useful items that contribute to the daily lives of the local people. You may need to fill in a form from the cruise line that says the items you are taking ashore.
I suggest the only Kiriwina Island needs items such as solar lights, fishing line, fishing rods, sinkers,etc as this island has little or no electricity and is reliant upon subsistence farming and fishing to support their economy.
Kitava and Alotau have easier means of buying these items.
I suggest that the best place to take some of the more expensive goods is the local school, which is close to where you will arrive.
As small gifts, shampoo, first aid items, small toys etc can be given you your guides and the kids you meet.
Fishing lines and sinkers can be given to the local fishermen (who will be happy to take you out in their outrigger canoes).
Other people reading this post may want to consider items for the school, such as small laptop, pens, pencils, alcohol wipes, bandaids etc.
Hope all this helps - AND dont forget to take your snorkel and flippers to Kiriwina and Kitava.
Say Hi to our correspondant and friend Riggy if you see him.
Cheers
Andrew
Are carved wood / shell souvenir allowed back on ship and into Australia?
Jayne J
Mackay, Australia2,655 contributions
Yes they are allowed back on the ship. I bought shells and when I got back on board the ship, I washed and cleaned them. I also bought wooden carvings and if they are sealed and made properly there is no problem. So yes, both of these items will make it through the ship and onto our Australian shores. Hope this helps.
