The seldom visited Tami Islands (Wanam, Kalal,
Idjan & Nusa Ngut) are in Morobe Province,
not far from the town of Finschhafen. They
are a small group of uplifted coral atolls,
with two main villages on the two larger
islands that contain many smaller reefs and
cays. In the centre is a beautiful, crystal-clear
blue lagoon containing abundant marine life
and stunning coral formations.
Locals from 2 islands and mainland greeted
us with their cultural performance and then
we were free to wander around the village,
visit their graveyard, talk to the locals
and purchase their shells and wooden carvings.
We then went across to a smaller uninhabited
island for swimming, snorkelling, and sea kayaking.
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Tami Island Economy
Information provided by our tour guide, Justin
Friend
Source of Funding since the year 2000
•
Tourism 43 % (Orion Expeditions 60%+)
•
Game Fishing 30 %
•
Guest House 4% (Not related to Game Fishing)
•
Members 9 % (Contribution)
•
Fund Raising 14 % (by Members)
Orion contribution to the Tami Islands
•
Anchorage Fee – to community
•
Landing Fee – per head to community
•
Cultural Fee – to people involved in
the presentation
(Cultural Group is rotated between islands)
•
BBQ Island hire – direct to clan who
owns that island
•
Individual Carving purchases by guests
•
Fresh Fish purchases by ship
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