Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Papua New Guinea a safe place to visit?
A: Papua New Guinea is a developing country. If you follow instructions and advice given by Kompiam Lodge you will be safe.
Q: Is Kompiam a safe place to visit?
A: Kompiam is safer than most areas. If you follow instructions and advice given by Kompiam Lodge you will be safe.
Q: Is there much to see and do at Kompiam?
A: Kompiam Lodge provides a full itinerary of activities that will amaze most visitors.
Q: Are there any walking treks?
A: Yes. Guided walking treks can be arranged to suit fitness and/or adventure level.
Q: Are there any birdwatching opportunities?
A: Yes. The area has plenty of bird life, including the bird of paradise.
Q: Are there any shops or other accommodation options in Kompiam?
A: No. Kompiam Lodge is the only accommodation provider at Kompiam Station. There are a few small Trade Stores that sell basic food and hardware to local villages, but no shops.
Q: What food is available at Kompian Lodge?
A: Food is basic home cooked meals, utilising locally grown produce. Food allergies can be catered for providing advance notice is given.
Q: What level of health is required?
A: You must be healthy and reasonably fit and active.
Q: What medical facilities are available?
A: Very limited medical assistance available. Please ensure you take all necessary personal medication with you.
Q: What is the best way to carry money?
A: The currency is PNG Kina . We suggest you carry minimum cash (Kina) only sufficient for immediate personal needs. Kompiam Lodge has EFTPOS facilities and small amounts of cash out available to meet guests needs.
Q: What should I take with me?
A: Take warm clothes and comfortable walking shoes and any medication required . Remember this is an isolated area.
Q: What is the Kompiam community like?
A: The community is relatively primitive with very limited employment opportunities.
Q: How do I make a booking?
A: The best way is to book and pay online using the ‘book now’ facility on this site. Or phone or text +675 7156 8814 .
Q: How can I cancel a booking?
A: Cancel online or by phone.
Q: Is there mobile phone coverage at Kompiam Station?
A: Yes, limited coverage.
Q: Will there be any communication barriers? Is English spoken?
A: The language difference can cause communication problems. English is common in some areas but not all.
Q: What is the accommodation like?
A: Kompiam Lodge is new, clean and modern, about equal to 2.5 to 3 star. Nori and Janet are great hosts and will make your stay enjoyable.
Q: How do we get there?
A: The best way is to contact us and we will arrange transport and pick you up.
Q: Is the lodge child friendly?
A: Yes, although not advisable for children under 8 years old. Children over 8 years old are welcome.
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: PNG Highlands weather is cool all year round. Because it is close to the equator, the seasons don’t change much.
Q: Will I be able to buy supplies?
A: Very limited. Bring what you need.
Q: What about travel insurance?
A: We recommend you take travel insurance.
Q: What if I have an emergency?
A: There is a hospital adjacent Kompiam Lodge – please visit http://kompiamhospital.org. This website is also a good source of local information.
Q: Do I need a Visa?
A: Yes a tourist Visa is required to travel to PNG.
Q: Am I required to "tip"?
A: Tipping is not required or expected.
Q: Do I need vaccinations? Which ones?
A: We recommend you seek advice from your doctor.
Q: Are there laundry facilities at the Lodge?
A: Basic laundry can be arranged.
Q: Is Kompiam Lodge licensed to sell alcohol?
A: No. BYO only.
Q: Which airlines fly to Kompiam Lodge?
A: MAF have regular flights on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and will make additional flights to Kompiam dependent on necessity . All flights are subject to weather conditions.
Q: What time of year is best at Kompiam?
A: The PNG Highlands has a cool temperate climate all year round. May to August are the drier months.
Q: Where do I get more information?
A: Please email all questions and we will endeavor to answer them.
Q: I am travelling alone. Is this ok?
A: We recommend joining with the group bookings. We will advise departure dates on enquiry.
Group Package
Q: Are there other expenses apart from the quoted group price?
A: The group price is all inclusive.
Q: How many people can travel as a group?
A: Single bookings are fine, to be included in a group of up to twenty people . Departure dates are dependent on minimum number of ten people.
Q: Are the flights/transfers included in the cost?
A: The group price is all inclusive.
Q: How much travelling will be done in a day?
A: Flight from Cairns to Port Moresby is approximately 1H 30M. Flight Port Moresby to Wapenamanda is approximately 1H 15M. Drive Wapenamanda to Kompiam is approximately 3H 30M.
Q: Who will lead our group?
A: The guide will be English speaking and experienced in PNG travel and local conditions.
Q: Are there luggage restrictions?
A: Normal airline luggage restrictions apply.
