Charles Abel Highway, Alotau 211 Papua New Guinea
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#6 of 6 Specialty lodging in Alotau
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Wanigili is a boutique guesthouse and conference centre located amid expansive, lush grounds on the waterfront of beautiful Milne Bay. Accommodation consists of nicely appointed hotel style "Bagi Rooms" with aircon, flat screen tv, modern bathroom as well as self-contained bungalows and serviced apartments for long or short stay guests. Reasonably priced meals are available from the cafe & bistro. Offices on the property house Egwalau Tours and Events Ltd. and Reeftours Ltd. for guests to liaise with and explore activities around Alotau. The newly established Massim Cultural Museum occupies the entire ground floor of the main building and is well worth a visit. Ideal for the independent traveller looking for a base from which to explore Alotau and Milne Bay.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Wifi
Restaurant
Beach
Airport transportation
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Paid wifi
Breakfast available
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Laundry service
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Air conditioning
Room service
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
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Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
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Charles Abel Highway, Alotau 211 Papua New Guinea
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I was here a couple of weeks ago on a cruise ship stop. I had booked, through the cruise ship, to go on a mini bus (no aircon ,windows open) to the Wanigili Centre for the Alotau Cultural festival. It cost $39 and I thought was a good way to get there rather than walking in the heat. The Centre itself is a lovely wooden structure with a café upstairs were you can buy drinks and food, large ceiling fans and a veranda with a nice view of all the action outside. (there are toilets next to the centre) . Around the Centre were souvenir market stalls set up by locals and large trees to sit under out of the sun. One of the highlights of the day was going in a war canoe out in to the Bay for a short ride. This cost 20 kina (around $9 au), my feet got a little wet but it was lots of fun. We sat in the shade and watched the local groups preform their dances, play instruments and sing their songs. Spent a lovely afternoon. …
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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We are staying in a bungalow right by the water it is so peaceful. Because the Bungalow has a on demand hot water heater it is not dependable. And the toilet leaks but what do you expect in PNG? We have been in Alotau several times and even stayed 2 1/2 years one time. But this has to be my favorite place
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from SimonE2731, Owner at Wanigili
Responded 9 Jan 2020
Hi guys, We're glad you're enjoying your trip - agree the seaside bungalow is a lovely place to stay. Perhaps Alotau's best kept secret :) Don't agree that leaky toilets is the expectation in PNG, though! We like to do much better and will service the water heater and fix the leak upon this notification. Enjoy the rest of your stay!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We came here for an impromptu festival, having locals show us traditional dancing along with canoe rides on offer. Markets were set up on the gardens with carvings, sarongs, mugs etc. Inside they were serving tea and scones upstairs and had three men playing guitar up there. We didn't see any educational or environmental items via the Massim Museum as we were there for the festival. We didn't stay here either.
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Date of stay: August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from SimonE2731, General Manager at Wanigili
Responded 5 Sep 2019
Thanks for visiting Wanigili, Liss. We hope you enjoyed the experience even if only a short visit.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Note: This review is only for the event/festival held on the beachfront grounds of this facility. One of the stops our cruise ship made was at Milne Bay, Alotau, Paupa New Guinea. An excursion we took from our ship was to the grounds of the Milne Bay Education Center, where we attended the Alotau Cultural Festival. Here dancing groups from the area, recreate a mini traditional festival, utilizing the canoe & kundu drum which have been traditionally used for ceremonies & rituals throughout history. This festival was created for cruise ship passengers to give them a small taste of their local culture. Also at the festival, you can browse the stalls for local arts & crafts for souvenirs. You can also take a short ride around the bay @ $10.00 AUD, on a traditionally carved canoe. The grounds, building within & surrounding area were clean. The local participants & vendors were friendly. I would rate this activity AVERAGE.…
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Date of stay: December 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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It was cool and quiet in my room that was only a few meters from the edge of the bay. The fridge inside the room was bigger than very small bar fridge you usually see in other hotels. There was a shared kitchen right in front of my room and the staff kindly helped me cook. Everyone was friendly and helpful. It’s located in a convenient location within a walking distance from the town centre and the price is reasonable. I highly recommend this place in Alotau
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Date of stay: May 2017Trip type: Travelled on business
Location
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Room Tip: Ask for a room facing the bay.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Wanigili is a hotel but its also the Education Milne Bay base, it houses the cultural centre, craft markets and the Massim Museum. This review covers the mini festival that is arranged for tourists from the cruise ships. The festival is rich in performance, traditional dancing groups come from many areas in a mix of colourful costume and fearsome face ornaments. This is no jaded performance for the tourist; it is full of energy, the performers move as one; tendons and muscles so elastic, just amazing performances. The war canoes arrive on the beach manned by fierce looking paddlers, however pay 20 kina and you will enjoy a canoe ride in the bay. There are many stalls selling arts and crafts, the majority made locally but many souvenir items made elsewhere. You can enjoy a massage or have your hair braided. Café upstairs, clean, friendly staff and cold drinks available. Listen to the local Trio on guitars, the modern world has touched some. Lovely vegetation and large trees provide some shade outdoors. You are welcome to take photographs of the performers and their families, no fee expected but a donation will be gratefully accepted. Wonderful enjoyable morning.…
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Date of stay: October 2017Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from Simon E, Owner at Wanigili
Responded 8 Nov 2017
Dear Dan, We're very glad to read about your positive experience in Alotau and at Wanigili. Yes, the cultural groups are the "real deal" and all credit to all the local people who put the range of experiences on. And big thanks to visitors like you who appreciate a living traditional culture.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
In November 15 i had the pleasure of spending two weeks in this amazing place, beautiful local timber has been use to make the main building, with an open plan design the cafeteria and eating areas open themselves to relaxed areas over looking milne bay, they cater for large or small conference and functions, various accommodation is available in wonderful rooms with air conditioning WiFi tv, overhead fans.Wangigili host a wonderful culture experience when the cruise ships visit, the locals put on traditional dances, wood carvings and local crafts are avaliable, and home cooked food items.its only a short drive to the airport, and town centre.if you are ever in Alotau png dont miss this place well worth a stay.
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Date of stay: November 2016Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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+1
Wanigili is Education Milne Bay’s headquarters in Alotau. It is situated on the waterfront of Milne Bay. If you are fit, it’s a walking distance from the town, only 100m west of Napatana Lodge. I preferred to catch a bus, as it’s only a minute walk to the bus stop to/from town. They have various types of accommodations suitable for overseas visitors: simple rooms with shared bathrooms, two bungalows and several self-contained apartments. They all have internet access. The main building of Wanigili is built by beautiful timber. It has several office spaces, large conference areas and cafeteria. One afternoon I visited my friend there. We had a cuppa in the spacious café. It was so peaceful to sit and chat on the verandah overlooking Milne Bay.
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Date of stay: February 2016Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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LOCATION
Papua New GuineaPapua RegionAlotau
NUMBER OF ROOMS
15
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Claim Your ListingWANIGILI - Cottage Reviews (Alotau, Papua New Guinea)
Frequently Asked Questions about Wanigili
Which popular attractions are close to Wanigili?
Nearby attractions include Massim Museum (2.4 km), Milne Bay Memorial (1.5 km), and Alotau's best bar (2.0 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Wanigili?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, free parking, and airport transportation.
Which room amenities are available at Wanigili?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Wanigili?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Wanigili?
Conveniently located restaurants include Masurina Lodge, By the Bay Restaurant, and Daisies.
Does Wanigili have airport transportation?
Yes, Wanigili offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Wanigili offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Is Wanigili accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.