Mahonia Na Dari
Research and Conservation Centre
Kimbe Bay, West New Britain, Papua New Guinea
PO Box 697
KIMBE PNG
Walindi Nature Centre
The Walindi Nature Centre was officially opened in 1996, and includes offices, a library, laboratory, resource centre, microscope room and haus win, set amongst colourful park-like gardens.
All of the buildings are constructed in a traditional style, with walls made of woven screens and with sago palm leaf roofing (morota). Malas timber is used throughout, with beautiful black bean flooring, all sourced from local producers under the European Union’s Islands Region Environment and Community Development Programme – the predecessor of the PNG Eco-Forestry Programme.
Accommodation
The site has a variety of accommodation including self-contained bungalows and staff houses. The Plantation House (four bedrooms, each with an en-suite, sharing kitchen and laundry facilities) is used by visiting researchers while larger groups and schoolchildren can stay in the Bikhaus (dormitory style, with shared bathrooms and communal kitchen and laundry). Rooms are insect screened, showers have both hot and cold water and the flush toilets are connected to a septic system. Bed linen and cooking and eating utensils are provided. Food is available from a variety of markets in and around Kimbe or Meals can be catered by arrangement with the Manager or eaten at nearby Walindi Resort.
Electric power at the center
is 240V, 50 Hz, provided by diesel generators. Several power points are
available. No 110V outlets exist within the facility, and where necessary
visitors should bring voltage transformers. Plug adaptors may be
necessary as electrical plugs in Papua New Guinea conform with those in
Australia and New Zealand with three prongs. A quality surge suppressor
should be brought for laptop computers or other electronic devices.
Access to telephone, FAX, and internet is provided on a user-pays basis.
Please contact Mahonia directly if you are interested in staying at the Centre.
Access to the Bay
Mahonia also has a number of small boats based at Walindi, offering quick access to inshore and more distant sites, and knowledgeable local boatmen pilot scientists to and from research sites. Fuel costs will need to be negotiated on site.
Tanks, weights, and air are available at the facility. All tanks are 80 cubic feet aluminum and have standard (non-DIN) valves. Air is provided by Walindi Plantation Resort's compressors.
Boat and dive equipment is available to groups participating in Mahonia programs, and to researchers by arrangement.