Vanimo Surf Lodge has a range of surf breaks on the north coast of Papua New Guinea neighbouring Indonesia’s territory of Jayapura. Vanimo, like a number of other Papua New Guinean locations, has remained a relative secret and still today enjoys a low profile as thousands of surfers fly overhead to other locations around the globe overlooking what is basically a wave mecca on Australia’s doorstep.

The waves on offer in Vanimo make it an idyllic location for surfers who are looking to surf without a couple of hundred “mates” in the water. On most days you would be lucky to have in excess of 6 surfers at any break and more likely 3-4. Foresight and planning is the secret to low numbers here as the Surfing Association of Papua New Guinea have introduced a global first to maintain and limit the crowds for the benefit of all. Vanimo is arguably one of the safest PNG surf destinations as all staff are trained in Basic First Aid and if required the hospital is only a 10-minute drive away near the airport.

Vanimo Surf Lodge works closely with the local community employing local staff and buying local produce. We also have a scheme for the local youth whereby they perform small tasks in return for the use of surfboards to help them enjoy the sport.

Vanimo Surf Lodge has the capability to host small conferences with up to 16 attendees booking out the whole lodge. In a quiet idyllic seaside setting, it has been used as a writers retreat.

Before travelling we recommend having adequate travel insurance with medical cover and visit your local doctor 4-8 weeks prior to travelling to receive professional advice.

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AT THE LODGE:

1. Welcome to VSL

• Welcome to Vanimo Surf Lodge. Before you move into your allocated hut can I have five minutes over dinner tonight to explain some important information about your visit. Any questions or concerns please talk with the Manager directly
• VSL works closely with the local community and your is respect appreciated.
• If you have any dietary restrictions, allergies or medical conditions please speak to the Manager directly so that our staff can be notified.
• We have a first Aid kit in the office. This includes a trauma kit, tourniquets and two epipens. Please remember we have limited supplies of equipment.
• VSL has two security officers on duty after hours. They do regular rounds with flashlights. Any concerns after hours should be reported to them. Ongoing concerns please speak with the manager.

2. O H & S

• No smoking or mosquito coils to be burnt in the huts. Mosquito nets are provided, and these are to be found above every bed. These nets to reduce your risk for Malaria.
• When traveling in one of our vehicles, we ask that you sit inside the cab and wear your seat belt.
• In the case of fire or any other emergency please assemble outside the dining hut at the beach front and wait for instructions.
• Good hand hygiene is essential. Please wash your hands with soap and water regularly or use antiseptic lotions or sprays especially before meals.
• Personal mosquito and sandfly repellents are recommended particularly in the early morning and evening These can be purchased in Vanimo at the local pharmacy. Otherwise, protect yourself with your clothing ie long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Alcohol abuse is an on-going problem in PNG. Stay away from anybody you think may be intoxicated.

3. Meals/ bar tab

• Mealtimes are flexible but usually at 9 a.m, 12.30pm -1p.m and 7 p.m. Our staff will ring a bell to alert you. Please check mealtimes with the manager especially if there is no surf on the right hander in the morning.
• 5 litres of cold water is provided to each guest per day and can be obtained from staff. Filtered rainwater is also available to refill your Vanimo Surf lodge BPA free bottle. Additional water can be purchased from the bar.
• We have an honesty bar system and a book to record any purchases. Please make a deposit on your bar tab on arrival of K200. You need to settle the balance of your bar tab on your last night. VSL has a liquor license and so your patronage is appreciated.
• In the dining area we have tea and coffee and hot water in a thermos. There is also a filtered rainwater dispenser. Please help yourself.

4. Tips and gifts

• Any tips should be paid directly to the Manager for fair and equal distribution to all staff at the end of the season.
• VSL strongly discourages giving away surf boards and surf gear. VSL will approach the Village Councillor, or other respected elder to find out who is most deserving. For every local boy or girl that gets a free board there are 100 that miss out. This causes problems in the community.
• Surfboards can also be donated to VSL and then loaned out in exchange for a token amount of work such as cleaning the beach or achievement at the school etc.

5. Huts

• Bed linen is changed, and rooms cleaned every three days.
• In room fans are provided which are powered by a generator. When the generator goes off for the night so do the fans.
• We suggest recharging your mobiles and other equipment well before the generator is turned off at 10pm.
• In your rooms you will find a drink bottle, a towel, bed sheets and a mosquito net. Outside your rooms a foot wash basin is provided to remove sand.
• You can keep gear and boards in your rooms, on the hut front veranda and on the board racks or under your hut.

6. The Surf

• Lido right is directly in front of the lodge. Lido left is on the far side of the village and is a ten-minute walk. Please direct any other questions about breaks or surf conditions to the Manager.
• There are other surf breaks which can be visited by vehicle at rates listed on our pricing chalkboard with at least 24 hours’ notice depending on driver availability.

7. Tours

• Trekking and fishing trips and boat excursions to Narimo Island as well as trips to other surf breaks and the waterfall can be organised om request. Please see the Manager or refer to the chalk board for prices. Prices to be added to your tab in the book.
• VSL has our own expert trekking and fishing guide to assist you.

8. Facilities

• The shower/toilet block has four cold showers, four  flushing toilets and two hand basins (with soap and hand sanitizer) that use bore water.
• To avoid getting an upset stomach please do not drink bore water and even avoid brushing your teeth with it.
• There is an outside shower and tap which also uses bore water.
• There is a supply of toilet paper in the stalls and a pack of toilet paper hanging on a hook outside. If we are out of toilet paper or there are any other issues, please let any staff member know.

9. Other

• Free games include a dart board, table tennis, sports balls, decks of cards, books, magazines, five-hole golf chip and putt.
• There is no Wi-Fi at VSL. You might want to get a Digicel sim card with data only plans.
• There are three bins, one for cans that can be recycled, one for plastics, and one for general rubbish located on the western side of the dining area.

10. The Beach

• Be careful when walking on the beach, there is often trash washed up, including glass and tin cans and even a few local ‘number twos.’
• Most people walk the well-worn and safer path just back from the shore and save the beach for entering and exiting the water.

11. Vanimo town

• Each day the Manager and kitchen staff drive into Vanimo town to get shopping supplies etc. after breakfast and return before lunch.
• If you need something from town you can ride with us. There are three grocery stores, a local market and three ATMs, (however these are not always working.) There is also a pharmacy

12. Ongoing flights

Air Niugini will usually inform VSL of the status of your flight on the day before departure. Online check-ins are usually available 24 hours before your departure time.

If  your flight is rescheduled, you need to report to the airport as per check-in procedures. You will then be transferred to Vanimo Beach Hotel until your flight is scheduled. Accommodation, meals, and transfers will be paid by Air Nuigini.

Have a great stay!

VSL  2024

For more information text or contact Dave +61 411 823 500

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