REPORT TRAVEL IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND IRELAND THROUGH THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: BELFAST, BALLYMENA, BALLYCASTLE, CARRICK A REDE ROPE BRIDGE, BALLINTOY, COLERAINE, DERRY, GALWAY, LIMERICK, CORK, CAHIR.

  

Punctual as never before from Orio al Serio (Bg) at 21.25 my plane n. FR4845 of the Ryanair Company in the direction of Terminal 1 of Dublin International Airport (Ireland), located in Collinstown, 13 km north of the capital (return ticket price including taxes: 76.48 Euros).

 

Arrival on time at 11.05 pm, at Dublin International Airport (Ireland), located in Collinstown, 13 km north of the capital. There is a time zone time compared to Italy.

 

To be able to set foot in Ireland it is sufficient to have a valid identity card or passport. Once you arrive at the border of the aforementioned airport, just put your passport on the scanner, wait for a photograph to be taken and if everything is ok, the automatic doors that allow you to enter the United Kingdom will open. If you have an identity card, you must instead go to the desk for identification.

 

If you intend to visit Ireland and Northern Ireland without using a car, you must take the bus or train bearing in mind that many remote areas cannot be reached and that the service on Sundays is very limited and in certain areas even suspended. Also keep in mind that the train is much faster but also much more expensive and in a country where the cost of living is high is not a factor to be underestimated. One last thing to keep in mind is that the buses and trains of Ireland and Northern Ireland are very efficient and punctual.

 

Keep in mind that it is allowed to spend the night at Dublin Airport even if the chairs with armrests are uncomfortable for lying down.

 

Just outside the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 1 of Dublin International Airport (Ireland), located in Collinstown, 13km north of the capital, if you want to reach Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland (United Kingdom), please note that it is necessary to use the Aicoach Bus Company (Bus n. 705). There are departures on average every hour, even at night. The journey takes 1 hour 50 '. The ticket costs 12 Euros and can be purchased on the Company's website or at the Desk, also open at night, which is located in front of the stop just outside Terminal 1 of the Airport.

 

In Belfast, the aforementioned bus ends its journey in Glengall Street, in front of the Europa Bus Center, the largest bus station in the capital of Northern Ireland.

 

Belfast is great for cycling and you can use the bicycles provided by Belfast Bikes for this purpose. To do this, you need to register in advance on the website www.belfastbikes.co.uk, for three days at a cost of £ 5 for 3 days or £ 20 for a year, paying by credit card. Once the registration has been completed, a pin is assigned which must be entered together with the personal telephone number when picking up the bicycle and to allow it to be unlocked. The rental costs are as follows: the first half hour free, up to one hour £ 0.5, up to two hours £ 1.5, up to three hours £ 2.5, up to four hours £ 3.5 . Every half hour over 4 hours and up to a maximum of 24 hours you pay £ 2. If you do not return the bike within 72 hours it will be considered lost and the sum of £ 120 will be charged to your credit card. Same thing happens for damage to the bike.

 

To reach Ballycastle, located on the north - east coast of Northern Ireland, from Belfast the fastest solution is to take Bus no. 218 or no. 219 to Ballymena from Europa Bus Center. Duration of the ride: 40 minutes. Departures approximately every hour from Monday to Saturday. Almost absent service on Sunday. Once you arrive at the Ballymena Bus Station you need to take Bus n. 217 or 131 for Ballycastle. Duration of the ride: 50 minutes. Departures from Monday to Friday at 7.30, 9.00, 9.30, 10.25, 11.30, 12.25, 13.30, 14.25. 15.45 and 17.45, on Saturdays at 8.50, 11.50, 14.50, 15.45, 16.00 and 17.45. Service absent on Sunday.

The single ticket can be purchased at the Europa Bus Center in Belfast and is valid for the 2 aforementioned buses. The cost is £ 10.30.

 

Bus n. 217 and n. 131, coming from Ballymena, ends its run near Diamont, the main square of Ballycastle, where the Holy Trinity Church stands.

 

Please note that the Ballycastle tourist office is located near the Port. It is also open in winter. The closing for the lunch break is from 13.00 to 14.00.

 

If from Ballycastle, you are interested in going to visit the spectacular “Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge”, you need to take bus n. 172 or no. 402 from the stops located on Market Street or Marine Corner, in front of the Hotel Marine near the Port. Cost of the ticket that can be purchased from the driver: 2.10 £. Duration of the ride: 13 minutes. 13 races from Monday to Friday, 11 races on Saturday and 9 races on Sunday.

 

Once you get off the 172 bus you need to walk downhill for a good 500 meters to reach the Larrybane car park and the Ticket Office where you need to pay 7 £ to access the "Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge". Keep in mind that in winter, the bridge opens at 9.30 am, while the last ticket is sold at 2.45 pm and that sometimes when it is too windy the bridge is closed. However, even in these last 2 cases the comfortable panoramic path almost 1 km long that leads to the bridge remains open and it is therefore possible to see it but access it as the gate is closed.

 

From the Larrybane car park, a scenic 16.5 km itinerary starts through the Causeway Coast Way, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ending at the Giant's Causeway. You can admire enchanting landscapes. Some sections follow a narrow and muddy path on the top of the cliffs with no protective barrier and therefore can be dangerous in case of rain or strong wind. In addition, high tides sometimes block access to both ends of White Park Bay. If you are not so informed, it is possible to take even a short stretch of the Causeway Coast Way, for example from the Larrybane parking lot, up to the Ballintoy Cemetery Church, where you can take the paved road that in about 1 km reaches the center. of Ballintoy, where the bus stop is located. (total distance: 2 km abundant).

 

From the Ballintoy bus stop, located near the View Ostell, buses no. 172 or no. 402. coming from Ballycastle to Coleraine Bus Station and vice versa. Cost of the ticket that can be purchased from the driver: £ 4.40. Duration of the ride: 43 minutes. 13 rides Monday to Friday, 11 rides on Saturday and 9 rides on Sunday. Please note that these buses also stop at Giants Causeway.

 

Please note that the Bus Station and the Train Station in Coleraine are adjacent.

 

From the Coleraine Bus Station, bus no. 234 to Derry Bus Station, located on Foyle Street, a few steps east of the city wall. Cost of the ticket that can be purchased from the driver: 8 £. Duration of the ride: 1 hour. 8 runs a day from Monday to Friday. 2 Rides on Saturday. No races on Sunday.

 

Derry, the second largest city in Northern Ireland can be easily explored on foot.

 

For backpackers like me, it is not so easy to find cheap accommodation to sleep especially in winter. Between Hostels marked on the Tourist Guide but nonexistent in reality, between Bad and Breakfast that do not answer the bell, at the end after 2 hours of research I had to settle for sleeping at the Travel Lodge Hotel, located in the center at the intersection of Strand Road and Great James Street, for the discounted price of £ 50. Breakfast not included. Free Wifi.

 

From Derry Bus Station, bus no. 64, of the Eireann Bus Company direct to Galway Eireann Bus Station, located in the center, near Eyre Square. Cost of the ticket that can be purchased from the driver: Euro 24. Pounds sterling is not accepted. Duration of the ride: 5 h 25 '. Departures every day from Monday to Sunday at 7.15am, 9.15am, 11.10am, 1.15pm and 3.30pm. A ride is also guaranteed at 6.30pm only on Friday. This bus makes numerous intermediate stops.

 

Galway, in the east of Ireland, can be easily explored on foot.

 

From Galway's Eireann Bus Station, buses no. 51 and X51, of the Eireann Company bound for Limerick Bus Station, located adjacent to the Train Station, on Parnell Street, on the southeastern edge of downtown. Cost of the ticket that can be purchased from the driver: 16 Euros. Duration of the journey: 1 h 40 '. Departures every day from Monday to Sunday every hour from 5.00 to 20.00.

 

Limerick, in the east of Ireland, can be easily explored on foot.

 

From Limerick Bus Station, buses no. 51 and X51, of the Espressway Company direct to Cork Bus Station, located in the city center near the intersection of Parnell Pl and Merchant's Quay. Cost of the ticket that can be purchased from the driver: Euro 16.00. Duration of the ride: 1 h 50 '. Departures every day from Monday to Sunday every hour from 5.00 to 20.00.

 

Cork, Ireland's second largest city, can be explored on foot very well.

 

In Cork, in the area located just north of the River Lee North Channel, there are budget accommodation such as Hostels and Bad and Breakfast. One of these is Sheila's Hostel, located at number 4 of Belgrave Pl, near Wellington Road. The cost per night for a bed in a dormitory costs from 18 Euros to 21 Euros. Breakfast costs 3 Euros. Free Wifi.

 

To reach Cahir, keep in mind that from Cork Bus Station, bus no. X8, of the Espressway Company directed to Dublin Airport, which also stops in front of the parking lot located between the Tourist Office and Cahir Castle. Cost of the ticket that must be purchased at the automatic machines located inside the Cork Bus Station: Euro 16.50. Duration of the ride: 1 h 20 '. Departures every day from Monday to Sunday at 8.00, 10.00, 12.00, 14.00, 16.00 and 18.00.

 

The Cahir Castle, located a few tens of meters from the bus stop, is open every day from 9.00 to 18.30 from mid-June to the end of August, from 9.30 to 17.30 from mid-March to mid-June and from September to mid-August October, from 9.30 to 16.30 from Mid October to the end of March. The ticket price is Euro 5.00.

 

To reach Cashel from Cahir, keep in mind that bus no. X8, of the Espressway Company, coming from Cork and bound for Dublin Airport, also stops in Cashel in front of the Bake House on Main Street. Tickets can generally be purchased from the driver, although sometimes this is not possible and it is necessary to obtain a ticket before boarding by purchasing it in the tobacconist's adjacent to the Bus Stop. Duration of the ride: 20 '. Departures every day from Monday to Sunday at 9.20, 11.20, 13.20, 15.20, 17.20 and at 19.20.

 

The Rock of Cashel, located on a hill just 1 km from the bus stop, is open every day from 9.00 to 19.00 from mid-June to the end of August, from 9.00 to 17.30 from mid-March to mid-June and from September to Mid October, from 9.30 to 16.30 from Mid October to the end of March. The ticket price is Euro 8.00.

 

To reach Dublin Airport from Cashel, take bus no. X8, of the Espressway Company, from Cork. The ticket costs Euro 19.50 and can generally be purchased from the driver, although sometimes this is not possible and it is necessary to obtain a ticket before getting on by buying it at the tobacconist's adjacent to the Bus Stop. Duration of the ride: 2h30 '. Departures every day from Monday to Sunday at 9.40am, 11.40am, 1.40pm, 3.40pm, 5.40pm and 7.40pm.

 

Punctual as never before from Terminal 1 of Dublin International Airport (Ireland), located in Collinstown, 13 km north of the capital at 6.25 am, my plane no. FR9428 of the Ryanair Company in the direction of Orio al Serio International Airport (Bg), (return ticket price including taxes: Euro 74.44).

 

Punctual arrival at 9.55 am, at Orio al Serio International Airport (Bg).

 

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

http://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2018/04/viaggio-in-irlanda-del-nord-e-irlanda.html

 

BURUNDI REPORT TRAVEL.

To enter Burundi, an entry visa is required, for tourism, to be requested at the Embassy of Burundi based in Via Enrico Accinni n. 63, Scala B, internal 10 - 00195 Rome, E-mail: ambabu.roma@yahoo.fr, presenting the following documents:

- original passport (valid for no less than 6 months);

-2 color passport photos taken recently;

- passport photocopy;

- hotel booking;

- Completed and signed entry visa application form;

- copy of the Yellow Fever booklet;

- Bank transfer of Euro 50.00 in favor of the Embassy of Burundi in Rome;

The entry visa is issued in about 1 month if there are no problems and allows entry into the country for 30 days.

For the courier you have to make your own arrangements for both the delivery and the collection of the passport.

With the visa in order, you can get the entry stamp in Burundi at the Kayanza Haut border desk. Then there is a quick baggage check. Subsequently, it is still possible to exchange money at clearly advantageous rates compared to the capital.

There are no time zone hours, compared to Italy.

Bear in mind that there are much more roadblocks in Burundi than in Rwuanda and also the minibus drivers are much more unruly here.

At this stage, be very careful because there is a lot of confusion as everyone offers their own means of transport to reach Bujumbura. The collective taxi costs 12,000 BFR and leaves when full (4 people). It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Gare du Nord, located on the northern edge of the capital.

With 1,000 BFR, the driver took me to the La Tulipe Hotel, located in Bujumbura, 2 km from Gare du Nord. I booked the aforementioned hotel with Booking by paying 40 USD per night for a double including breakfast. It is a very elegant and safe hotel.

It goes without saying that Bujumbura is not a safe city and if during the day, for better or for worse, with caution you can walk through the crowded streets of the center, in the evening it is a must to stay in the hotel or move with a taxi.

To reach the nearby Gare du nord, you can take a minibus in front of the La Tulipe Hotel for 300 BFR. You pay the attendant before descending. A taxi on the other hand costs 3,000 BFR. A motorcycle taxi on the other hand costs 1,500 BFR.

From Gare du nord, in Bujumbura, several minibuses leave when they are full a day in the direction of Gitega, the second largest city in Burundi. The ride costs BFR 5,000 with regular minibuses and BFR 6,000 with the more comfortable Volcano Express Company minibus. You pay before you get off. The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

The Gitega Bus Station is located on the northern edge of the center.

Gitega is great on foot, but beware of the couple of policemen who hang out near the largest mosque in the city, on the main street, near the president's monument, who do not hesitate 1 second to extort money from unsuspecting tourists as they did with me (everything I had in my pocket and that is 80,000 BFR, allowing me to keep 10,000 BFR to return to the capital), with trivial reasons such as having taken a photo where it is forbidden, but essentially the photo is never interested in them, I do not they didn't even ask for my passport, they were only interested in my money and they made me understand it immediately, taking me to an isolated street, asking me for money and telling me not to tell anyone.

A motorcycle taxi ride to Gitega costs 500 BFR.

The most beautiful tourist attraction in Burundi is Saga Beach, located a few kilometers from the capital on Lake Tanganyka. To reach it from Gare du nord, you need to take a minibus to the Central Market Bus Station (350 BFR), where you need to take one directly to Gatumba which on request also stops after about 15 minutes at Saga Beach (600 BFR).

To return to the La Tulipe Hotel, located in Bujumbura 2 km from Gare du Nord, take any minibus from the Central Market Bus Station to Gare du Nord, which stops on request in front of the aforementioned hotel (350 BFR).

Several taxis stop day and night in front of the La Tulipe Hotel in Bujumbura and therefore it is not difficult to find a taxi before dawn to reach the nearby Gare du Nord. The cost of the ride is BFR 3,000.

Keep in mind that to reach Tanzania from Bujumbura, the cheapest and fastest solution is to take the comfortable minibus of the Volcano Express Company, directed to the town of Kobero. There are departures approximately every hour starting from 6.00 and until the early afternoon. The ride costs BFR 11,000. You pay at the desk and get the ticket even the day before if you want. The trip takes about 4 hours.

Once in Kobero keep in mind that several guys will approach to change money. Remember that this is the last chance to change the Burundian Francs. Beyond this point, no one in any other state in the world will want to change your Burundi currency.

Keep in mind that the Tanzanian border is about 3 km from Kobero and as if that were not enough with a nice uphill stretch. So it is advisable to take a motorcycle taxi that for the price of TSH 1.000, or the equivalent in BFR, takes you to the sign of Tanzania and no further as the driver of the motorcycle cannot cross the border and therefore it is necessary to take a another moto taxi that at the price of TSH 2.000 takes you to the building where there is both the Burundi and Tanzania Customs, waits for you to carry out all the bureaucratic procedures and then takes you to the nearby town of Kabanga.

At the Burundi Customs they measure your fever, ask you for the original yellow fever certificate, check your backpack and finally stamp you out of the country, after carefully checking the validity of the visa. Then you go to the Tanzanian border, where you will be stamped to enter the country, after checking the validity of the tourist visa.

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

http://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2018/02/viaggio-in-rwanda-burundi-tanzania-e.html

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

  

Punctual as never before leaves from Grantley Adams Airport (Barbados), located about 20 km south-east of Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados at 09.05 my plane no. 771 of the LIAT Airline Company in the direction of ET Joshua Airport in Arnos Vale (St. Vincent), (ticket price including taxes: USD 82.20).

 

Free drinks and snacks are not served on the plane.

 

I therefore arrive at 09.45, at the ET Joshua Airport in Arnos Vale (St Vincent), located about 2 km south of Kingstown, the capital of St Vincent. There are 5 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.

 

A visa is not required to enter St Vincent and the Grenadines for tourism purposes and for a period not exceeding 90 days. It is sufficient to be in possession of a passport, with at least 6 months of residual validity at the time of entry into the country. Sometimes you will be asked for a return or onward flight ticket and a hotel reservation.

 

It is necessary to fill out a form to be delivered to customs, part of which must be returned when leaving the country.

 

There is no bank to change money at the airport, but you can withdraw cash with an ATM or credit card.

 

The currency of St Vincent and the Grenadines is the East Caribbean Dollar (EC $), but American Dollars (USD) are accepted everywhere (Hotels, Buses, taxis, Shops, Restaurants, Supermarkets, Ferries, etc.), even if using the latter are considered with the following value 1 USD = 2.5 EC $ instead of the official rate which is 1 USD = 2.7 EC $.

 

In St Vincent and the Grenadines, the official language is English.

 

In St Vincent and the Grenadines, driving is on the left and is driven by minivans and even some big buses, which do not have written on the windshield containing the route number and the final destination, from 5.30 to 19.00. You pay the attendant before getting off.

 In St Vincent I slept in the cheapest accommodation on the island, the Buttercup Cottage Apartments, located on Windward Highway Arnos Vale, less than 1km as the crow flies (2km on foot) from ET Joshua Airport, at the cost of 55 USD or 150 EC $ per night for a studio apartment (booking via booking.com website). To reach it, from the airport, by public transport, you need to take any minivan heading south (1 EC $), and get off after a good 1 km, at the Chill Spot Restaurant and walk uphill for about 400 meters.

 

In Kingstown, the Bus terminal is located on Lower Bay Street and consists of 2 sectors, the east one for minivans for the south and east coast, the west sector for westbound minivans.

 

The minivan from Arnos Vale, where my hotel in Kingstown is located, costs 2 EC $.

 

In Kingstown, the Ferry Terminal is located on Upper Bay Street and this is where the Ferry Boats leave for Bequia and this is where the cruise ships arrive.

 

To reach the Beautiful Island of Bequia (Grenadines), you need to take a ferry. There are several companies that carry out the service but the one that makes the most trips a day is the Bequia Express which also transports cars. The cost of the ticket is 25 EC $, one way and 45 EC $ round trip. The same is purchased after boarding the ferry.

The daily departure times (Monday to Friday) of the outward journey from Kingstown: 8.00, 10.30, 13.00, 16.00 and 18.00.

The daily departure times (Monday to Friday) for the return journey from Port Elizabeth (Bequia): 6.30, 8.30, 9.30, 13.00, 16.30.

On Saturday there are only 3 races, while on Sunday 2.

The journey takes approximately 1 hour.

In Port Elizabeth (Bequia), the ferry arrives downtown.

 

In Port Elizabeth (Bequia), as soon as you get off the ferry there are yellow buses and minivans that take you around the island. Each ride always costs 1 EC $.

 

To reach Lower Bay, where there is the most beautiful beach on Bequia Island, the bus leaves you at the crossroads, on the main road, about 1 km from the beach, to be covered downhill.

 

In St Vincent, if you want to visit Owia Salt Pond, located in the northern part of the east coast of the island, you have to take a Minivan from Kingstown to Georgetown, bearing in mind that it also passes through the airport and also through Arnos Vale. (7 EC $ - 1 hour).

 

Then in Georgetown, you have to take a Minivan to Sandy Bay (2 EC $ - 30 ').

 

Finally in Sandy Bay, you have to take a Minivan to Owia (2 EC $ - 20 '). Keep in mind the Minivans to / from Owia are in service only 4 times a day and precisely in the morning around 8, at lunchtime in the early afternoon and late afternoon. To / from Fancy, on the other hand, only twice: early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

 

From the Village of Owia, at the point where the minivan stops, to go to Owia Salt Pond you have to walk for about half a kilometer, pay the entrance and then go down dozens of steps.

 

The Owia Salt Pond park is open every day from 9.00 to 17.00. Admission costs 5 EC $.

 

If you want to visit the west coast of St Vincent instead you need to take a Minivan from the Kingstown bus terminal to Chateaubelair (7 EC $ - 1 hour).

 

From Chateaubelair it is then necessary to walk for over 2 km, on an asphalted road through an environment forgotten by God, in which very few cars pass and it is also difficult to ask for a ride, until you reach the forgotten Village of Richmond, where there is a beautiful volcanic beach.

 

Once you walk back to Chateaubelair, you can take a minivan to the capital and get off at the Village of Wallilabou (5 EC $ - 20 '), where some scenes from the movie "Pirate of the Caribbean" were filmed in the past.

 

To return to Kingstown, with a minivan you need to spend 4 EC $. The journey takes about 40 minutes.

 

Keep in mind that the minivans that run on the west coast (up to Chateaubelair) and on the east coast (up to Sandy Bay) are in service from about 6.00 until about 18.00 with a good frequency of passage.

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

http://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2017/11/traversata-dei-caraibi-da-nord-sud.html

ECUADOR REPORT TRAVEL.

 

 

From Jorge Chàvez International Airport, located 20 km northwest of the tourist district of Miraflores in Lima, I take a LAN Company flight at 22.20 to Quito Mariscal Sucre Airport (Ecuador), located 30 km east of the center. of Quito. (I paid Euro 330.69 for the multi-leg air ticket for 5 flights: Lima - Quito, Cuenca - Quito, Quito - Lima, Lima - La Paz, La Paz - Santa Cruz). You can check in easily at the special machines set up in Spanish only.

 

From Quito Mariscal Sucre Airport (Ecuador), I take the local bus (there are many a day from 5.30 to 19.00) which makes several stops and takes about 1 hour and a half to reach Quitumbe land terminal, located in the south-west suburbs of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. The cost of the ticket is $ 2 and is paid to the vet who collects the money during the trip. For those who want to go to the north of the city, there is also the local bus that drops you off in the Rio Coca area.

For those who are in a hurry or want to travel more comfortably, you can take the Aeroservicios Company Bus, which makes the journey to the center of Quito without making intermediate stops, taking about 45 minutes for the price of 8 $.

To enter the bus area of ​​the Quitumbe terrestrial terminal, you pay 0.25 $ at the cashier but then you can take the Trole without paying anything that takes you in less than an hour, making an infinite number of stops, to the Estacio dei bus La Marin, which is the one adjacent to the historic center of Quito. Here I still pay $ 0.25 at the cash desk to take the Metrobus which in about 45 minutes takes me to the last station, Ofelia, located on the northern outskirts of Quito.

 

Here, without leaving the boarding area, I take one of the frequent buses to La Mitad del Mundo, located about 35 km north of the historic center of Quito. The ride takes about 40 minutes and costs $ 0.15 and is paid to the vet who collects the money during the trip. The bus leaves you near a large roundabout from which you can walk to the entrance to Mitad del Mundo in a few minutes. The ticket price is $ 3. The place is very touristic and is located on the equator at an altitude of mt. 2,483. There is an important monument whose entrance to the museum is paid separately and then there are numerous shops and restaurants. In the main square there are often several interesting shows.

 

The return to the Estacio of the La Marin buses takes place in the same way as the outward journey. From there the historic center, a World Heritage Site, can be easily explored on foot and, at least during the day, unlike other neighborhoods, it is quite safe as it is manned by the police.

 

Back at the spotless and modern Quitumbe land terminal, I purchase a 21.15 bus ticket to Cuenca from the Imbabura company for $ 12, including a boarding fee of $ 0.25. The seats are reclining and the journey takes over 9 hours. There are also other companies that cover this route at similar prices and in any case there are departures all day almost every hour.

 

In front of the Terrestrial Terminal of Cuenca in Ecuador, located 1.5 km north - east of the center, in Av. Espagna, several buses pass that in just 10 minutes take you to the historic center at a cost of $ 0.25. The coin must be inserted into a container as soon as you get on the bus from the front. Please note that paper money is not accepted and change is not given.

 

The compact historic center of Cuenca, declared a Unesco World Heritage Site by Unesco, is perfect for walking around.

 

Cuenca Mariscal La Mar Airport, located 2 km north-east of the center, in Av. Espagna, just 500 meters beyond the Terrestrial Terminal, it can be easily reached in about 10 minutes from the historic center with several buses, including numbers 26 and 28. The cost of the ticket is $ 0.25. The coin must be inserted into a container as soon as you get on the bus from the front. Please note that paper money is not accepted and change is not given.

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

http://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2016/12/viaggio-in-florida-peru-ecuador-e.html

UGANDA TRAVEL REPORT.

Punctual as never before, my plane no. ET735 of the Ethiopian Airlines Company, coming from Brussels in the direction of Terminal 2 of the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Ethiopia), (price of the multi-leg ticket including taxes from Malpensa to Entebbe (Uganda) and from Nairobi (Kenya) to Malpensa with stopover in Addis Ababa: Euro 514.14).

Dinner and breakfast are served on the aforementioned aircraft.

Arrival on time at 6.00 am, at Terminal 2 of Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Ethiopia). There is a 1 hour time zone compared to Italy.

At the aforementioned airport, I stay in the transit area (where there are seats where you can lie down to sleep) and therefore it is not necessary for me to be stamped with the Ethiopian entry stamp.

Punctual as never before from Terminal 2 of Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) at 10.10 am, my plane no. ET332 of the Ethiopian Airlines Company in the direction of the International Airport of Entebbe (Uganda), (price of the multi-route ticket including taxes from Malpensa to Entebbe (Uganda) and from Nairobi (Kenya) to Malpensa with a stopover in Addis Ababa: Euro 514.14 ).

Lunch is served on the aforementioned aircraft.

I therefore arrive at 12.15 P.M., at Entebbe International Airport (Uganda), located about 40 km south-east of the center of the capital Kampala. There is a 1 hour time zone compared to Italy.

To enter Uganda an entry visa is required, both for tourism and for work.

From 1 July 2016, a new online procedure for applying for an entry visa to the country came into force, which must be requested online by connecting to the site “https://visas.immigration.go.ug”.

After entering the required data, attaching the necessary documents and paying by credit card 51 $ (single entry), 101 $ (multiple entry visa 6–12 months), 151 $ (multiple entry visa 24 months), 201 $ (multiple entry visa 36 months) and $ 101 (East African Tourist Visa - 3 months multiple entry for Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda), the applicant receives within ten days a receipt with a barcode to be presented at the Ugandan border crossing where, following the acquisition of biometric data, obtain a visa.

To enter Uganda it is mandatory to be in possession of a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate which you are promptly asked for at Entebbe International Airport (Uganda).

At Entebbe International Airport (Uganda), it is possible to withdraw money at ATMs, or change cash (Euros, Dollars or Pounds), but with a clearly unfavorable exchange rate (1 Euro = 3,800 USh) compared to what you can get get to downtown Kampala (1 Euro = 4.232 USh).

Keep in mind that in Uganda the public and private transport service on weekends and Sundays do not suffer reductions.

In Uganda a lot of people speak English.

From Entebbe International Airport (Uganda), located about 40 km south-east of the center of the capital Kampala, to reach Nakiwogo (near Entebbe), taking into account that boda -boda (motorbike) does not circulate, the fastest solution is that of taking a taxi at the price of 20,000 Ush (bargaining heavily).

The Ssese Islands (Buggala Island, Banda Island and Bukasa Island) are the most beautiful Ugandan Islands of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. The most accessible is Buggala Island, reachable by the MV Kalangala Ferry which leaves every day at 14.00 from Nakiwogo (near Entebbe). The trip lasts 3 and a half hours. The first class ticket costs 14,000 Ush, the second class one costs 10,000 Ush and can be purchased at the desk, located in the small port. Before embarking, the police check each passenger's luggage one by one.

On Buggala Island, the MV Kalangala Ferry docks at Lutoboka Bay in Kalangala, where at the small marina many Resorts, Guesthouse and Hotel, almost all overlooking the beaches of Lake Victoria, are proposed with clear signs so that you can choose the best accommodation . For the occasion I chose the Ssese Islands Beach Hotel, located on the beach, near the golf course, 300 meters away. about from the port if you pass by the beach. For each night for a double in Bugalow I paid 30,000 Ush, without breakfast and without wifi, but including free transport to the Hotel.

Buggala Island is a magnificent place to relax or hike in the midst of nature, but it is necessary to keep in mind that this is a malarial area and that it is highly inadvisable to swim in the inviting Lake Victoria in order not to take Bilharzia

From Lutoboka Bay in Kalangala (Buggala Island), to return to Nakiwogo (near Entebbe) it is necessary to take the MV Kalangala Ferry which leaves every day at 8.00. The trip lasts 3 and a half hours. The first class ticket costs 14,000 Ush, the second class one costs 10,000 Ush and can be purchased at the desk, located in the small port. Before embarking, the police check each passenger's luggage one by one.

From Nakiwogo, to reach the taxi park in Entebbe, the cheapest solution is to take a boda –boda (motorbike) for the price of 2,000 Ush. The journey takes about 10 minutes.

If you have booked a Gorillas Permit, through Gorilla Tours Ltd (Open Hours: Monday - Friday. 8:00 am - 5:00 pm), located at Plot 624/625 Lubowa Rise Rd, Lubowa Estate Rise Road, Opposite Upper Gate of International Schoold of Uganda, PO Box 29333 Kampala, Uganda it is necessary to go to the same to collect the original permit for the Gorillas following the following indications: By public means, you will take a matatu [locally known as taxi] to Kampala from the taxi park in Entebbe. Please ask the driver to leave you in LUBOWA [opposite Roofings Ltd]. This is approx. 30kms from Entebbe (2,000 Ush - 40 '). From here you will take a motorbike [popularly known as the boda boda] to our offices, opposite the upper gate of INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF UGANDA. There you will find a sign post with GORILLA TOURS (1,500 Ush - 5 ').

From LUBOWA, to reach Kampala, take the main road and wait for one of the numerous Matatu coming from Entebbe. In about 20 minutes you can reach the center of Kampala for the price of 1,500 Ush. You pay the attendant before getting off.

Kampala is a fairly safe city but very busy and you can walk around, keeping in mind in Kampala Road, there are numerous banks to change money.

From the center of Kampala to reach Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located 5 km northwest of the center, the cheapest and fastest solution is to take a boda -boda (motorbike) at the price of 7,000 Ush .

From Kasubi Tombs to reach the Namirembe Cathedral, located 4 km west of the center of Kampala, the cheapest and fastest solution is to take a boda -boda (motorbike) for the price of 2,000 Ush.

From Namirembe Cathedral to reach Bulange Royal Building, located 4 km west of the center of Kampala, the cheapest and fastest solution is to take a boda -boda (motorbike) for the price of 2,000 Ush.

The Bulange Royal Building allows you to visit the Ugandan Parliament. Visits are possible every day from 8.00 to 17.00. The cost of the fare is 35,000 Ush, including the compulsory Guide.

From the Bulange Royal Building to reach Mengo Palace, located 4 km southwest of the center of Kampala, the cheapest and fastest solution is to take a boda -boda (motorbike) for the price of 1,000 Ush.

 

The Mengo Palace can only be visited outside. Visits are possible every day from 8.00 to 17.30. The cost of the fare is 35,000 Ush, including the compulsory Guide.

From Mengo Palace to reach Rubaga Cathedral, located 6 km southwest of the center of Kampala, the cheapest and fastest solution is to take a boda -boda (motorbike) for the price of 1,000 Ush.

From Rubaga Cathedral to reach the Volcano Express Bus Station, located 3 km southwest of Kampala city center, near the Ghadafi Mosque and opposite the Bakuli Bus Terminal, the cheapest and fastest solution is to take a boda –boda (motorbike) at the price of 5,000 Ush.

From the Volcano Express Bus Station, located 3 km south-west of the center of Kampala, near the Ghadafi Mosque and in front of the Bakuli Bus Terminal, comfortable buses leave without bathroom inside, to Kigali (Rwanda) at the following times : 1.00, 3.00, 7.00, 9.00, 17.00, 19.000, 20.00, 21.00, 22.00, which also stop in Kabale (7 hours, 40.000 Ush), a town located a few kilometers before the border with Rwanda.

Lake Bunyonyi is by far the most beautiful and touristic in Uganda, full of beautiful islands and surrounded by villages and hills. It is very deep and is the only one in Uganda where it is possible to swim as it is not infested with crocodiles, hippos and bilarzia. Its waters are very warm especially in the early morning. A canoe trip costs 15,000 Ush per hour. Lake Bunyonyi, is about 9 km from Kabale, 7 of which are dirt roads. The cheapest and fastest solution is to get a boda -boda (motorbike) at the price of 7,000 Ush.

From Kabale there are no Matatu for Buhoma but only these 2 solutions:

1. Take a boda boda (motorbike) at the price of 40,000 Ush (bargaining heavily; some tourists even paid 50 USD), for about 120 km of which 76 km are unpaved for a journey time of about 3 hours (you cross the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and when you enter you must register);

2. Take a Pick up truck which leaves when full (usually at 10 or 11) in the direction of Kihihi and get off at Kanyantorogo (10,000 Ush, 3 hours). From here it is necessary to take another Pick up truck for Butogota (4,000 Ush, 30 ') or wait for the 3.00 pm bus coming from Kampala and heading to Buhoma. From Butogota, located 17 km north-east of Buhoma, it is necessary to take a boda –boda (motorbike) at the price of 20,000 Ush to reach Buhoma.

In Buhoma, there are Lodges which cost 750 USD per night and Guesthouse which cost 10 USD. I slept in a Bungalow at Buhoma Community Rest Camp, located right next to Bwindi park Headquarters, at a price of 30 USD per night or 216,000 Ush, excluding breakfast, but including free wifi in the dining room, which often doesn't work . Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available for USD 10 to USD 20.

In the world there are only 600 Mountain Gorillas distributed in 3 countries: 300 in Uganda and 300 distributed between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Considering that the latter country is currently not safe for tourism and that the cost to see Gorillas in Rwanda for an hour is 1,500 USD, it is logical that you end up choosing the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda where the costs are as follows: High Season (June to October and December to May): USD 600. Low Season (April, May and November): USD 350. Since only 96 permits are issued per day in 4 locations (Buhoma , Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga), in High Season it is necessary to purchase the permit at least 3 months in advance (especially for Buhoma which is the most accessible location and therefore the most requested) and to obtain it you must contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority via e_mail (UWA), but probably, as happened to me, you will not get an answer and therefore you will have to go to a Ugandan travel agency who will get permission for you and ask you for 50 USD for the service. I turned to Gorilla Tours Ltd (Open Hours: Monday - Friday. 8:00 am - 5:00 pm), located in Plot 624/625 Lubowa Rise Rd, Lubowa Estate Rise Road, Opposite Upper Gate of International Schoold of Uganda , PO Box 29333 Kampala (Website: - www.gorillatours.com ,, E_mail_: violet@gorillatours.com). So in the end you will end up paying almost 700 USD (600 USD for permit, 50 USD for the agency, 50 USD to pay the Bank for the execution of an International Bank Transfer, since it is the only accepted means of payment. ). Once you have paid, the Agency will purchase the Gorilla Permit at the UWA in Kampala and will send it scanned by E_mail and when you arrive in Uganda you will have to go to the Agency at the aforementioned address to collect the original permit to present the day of the excursion.

For those like me who have purchased the permit to see the Gorillas in Buhoma, you must show up with the original permit and the attached card, at 7.30 am on the day indicated on the permit at the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Headquarters, located next to the Buhoma Community Rest Camp, where the UWA employees will check your permit and issue you the receipt to be presented 300 mt. further on, which is the point where you are for the departure, how to behave with the Gorillas is explained and 5 groups of about 15 people are formed who will go to see the 5 Gorilla families distributed in 5 different areas of the park. Only the excursion for the "Mubare" family, in which I participated, starts from there. The others must be reached by car.

The excursion starts at approximately 8.45 am and lasts from 5 to 8 hours depending on where the Gorillas are and the athleticism of the group of people. The path is bumpy. The caravan is made up of 2 armed guards (one in front and one behind), a Guide, the carriers of paid backpacks for those who want them and of course the 15 tourists. Once you leave, the chance to see Gorillas is almost guaranteed. You can stay with the Gorillas for only 1 hour and the excursion is carried out in any weather condition. At the end you are given a Certificate of Participation.

From the center of Buhoma, there are 2 buses a day to Kampala: the first one leaves at 4.00 A.M. and takes about 12 hours to reach its destination while the second leaves at a time between 16.00 and 17.00 and arrives in Kampala shortly before 6.00 A.M. The ticket price is 40,000 Ush. You pay the attendant after getting on.

In Kampala the Bus coming from Buhoma, will probably arrive at the Buganda Bus Park from which it is necessary to take a Boda Boda at the price of 4,000 Ush, to reach Easy Coach Bus Station, located in Dewinton Road.

To reach Nairobi from Kampala there are several bus companies with departures in the early morning, afternoon or evening. One of the most reliable is the Easy Coach, which has three departures a day: at 6.30 A.M., at 14.00 and at 19.00. The trip lasts from 13 to 16 hours. The ticket price is 73,000 Ush. You pay at the desk before getting on the bus.

 

You pass through the Busia border post, where the Ugandan and Kenyan desks are adjacent.

The Ugandan exit stamp is obtained after completing the appropriate form, taking fingerprints and taking a photograph.

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

http://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2018/04/viaggio-in-uganda-e-kenya-attraverso-le.html

JOURNEY TO THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS, NORWAY CAPE NORWAY AND SWEDISH AND FINNISH LAPLAND, TRAVELING 3,000 KM BY CAR THROUGH THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: LULEÅ, JOKKMOKK, MUDDUS NATIONAL PARK, KEGÄKVOLIS, KEGÄKIERÅKE NUSFJORD, REINE, Å I LOFOTEN, STORSLETT, ALTA, HONNINGSVÅG, NORTH CAPE, LAKSELV, KARASJOK, INARI, IVALO, URHO KEKKONEN NATIONAL PARK, SODANKYLÄ, SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE, ROVANIEMI, KEMI TORNIO AND.

  

DETAIL OF THE COSTS OF THE TRIP MENTIONED IN SUBJECT

 

1. Flight of the airline Ryanair round trip from Orio al Serio to Stockholm Skavsta: Euro 104.02 (2 hours 40 'each way);

2. Flight of the airline Norwegian Airline round trip from Stockholm Arlanda to Lulea (Sweden): Euro 94.80 (1 hour 10 'each way);

3. Flygbussarna company bus round trip Skavsta Airport - Stockholm Cityterminalen (1 hour and 20 'each way, departures coinciding with flight departures) and round trip Stockholm Cityterminalen - Arlanda Airport - (1 hour and 20' each way , departures from 3:30 in the morning until midnight every 20 'approximately): 476.00 SEK (booked via the internet, it is also possible to pay at the on-site desks with cash or credit card).

4. The Bus City Terminal, located in the center of Stockholm, closes from 00.15 to 3.15.

5. Arlanda airport (Sweden) is also open at night;

6. Car rental at Lulea Airport (Sweden), through the Cartrawler website, with the Thrifty Company: Euro 37 per day;

7. The roads of Swedish and Finnish Lapland are all free;

8. To move on the motorways of Norway, keep in mind that there are essentially no toll booths, but everything is automated and therefore you must basically have an Autopass box to be installed on the car or register the vehicle and driver data on the site http://www.autopass.no/, to allow the competent Company to send you the road toll invoice home without paying any fine.

9. Keep in mind that the connecting tunnels between the mainland and the Lofoten Islands, and between the Islands themselves are free;

10. The village of Nusfjord is the most beautiful of the Lofoten Islands, but to enter it is necessary to pay in cash or by credit card the amount of 50 NOK.

11. In theory, to access the North Cape by any means (car, camper, bicycle, on foot, etc.), it is necessary to pay 400 NOK, but if you arrive before 7.30 in the morning there is likely to be no staff and then you enter for free;

12. Admission to Siida, The National Museum of the Finnish Sámi in Inari in Finland costs 10 Euros. Open until 7pm in summer.

13. Finland is one hour ahead of Sweden and Norway;

 

 

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

http://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2018/03/viaggio-nelle-isole-lofoten-capo-nord.html

 

How to get Ivory Coast Tourist Visa

 Entry visa: necessary, to be requested at the diplomatic / consular offices of the Ivory Coast in Italy or abroad. It is possible to apply for an entry visa online and collect it upon arrival at Abidjan airport. For the procedures relating to registration and payment, consult the website: www.snedai.com, where it is necessary to enter the travel data, upload the passport scan, the return flight booking and the hotel reservation (it is online booking through classic sites such as booking.com is sufficient, even for the first night only). Then you have to proceed with the payment of Euro 73.00, by credit card. In this way, after about 2 or 3 days, the E-VISA is received, to be printed and presented at Abidjan Airport, where after having fingerprinted and photographed, the actual visa is obtained on the Passport.

 

Then at another desk, you get the entry stamp in your passport.

 

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

https://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2019/04/viaggio-in-costa-davorio-abidjan.html

TRAVEL REPORT TO PAPUA NEW GUINEA (Wewak, Pagwi, Sepik River, Korogo, Chambri Lakes, Wombun, Aibom, Kanganaman, Palambei, Yentchen, Suapmeri, Maprik, Port Moresby and Koki), SOLOMON ISLANDS (Honiara, Savo Island, Vila, Mamara, Turtle Beach, Bonegi, Ruaniu, Bura, Tana, Tamboko, Ndoma, Vilu, Aruligo, Chapuru, Visale, Veuru, Lambus, Tetere, Kukum, Peace Memorial Park, Barana, Monte Austen, Bloody Ridge and Lungga), VANUATU ( Port Vila, Erakor Island, Mele, Mt Yasur Volcano, Loanengo, Lenakel, Imanaka, Iririki Island, Tamanu Beach, Pang Pang, Epau, Bethel, Epule, Onesua, Takara, Napara, Emua, Saama, Siviri, Samoa, Chenal Hilliard, Mangaliliu, Tamate and Bauerfield), FIJI (Wailoaloa, Sigatoka, Sigatoka Sand Dunes Park, Nadi and Lautoka), HONG KONG (Kowloon, Central Hong Kong), MACAO (Macau).

 

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

 

Punctual as never before leaves from Terminal 1 of Milan Malpensa Airport at 19.05, my Airplane no. LX1623, of the Swiss Company, in the direction of Zurich International Airport (Switzerland), (return price, booked with the Austrian Company, including taxes: Euro 659.39).

 

A small snack is served on the aforementioned aircraft.

 

The duration of the flight is approximately 1 hour.

 

Punctual arrival at 20.05 at Zurich International Airport (Switzerland).

 

There is no time zone difference, with Italy.

 

At Zurich International Airport (Switzerland), there is no security check for those entering the transit area. On the other hand, for those who go to Hong Kong, there is logically the Passport control that can also be done alone with the Passport scanner system.

 

Punctual as never before leaves from Zurich International Airport at 10.40 pm, my plane no. LX138, of the Swiss Company, in the direction of Terminal 1 of the Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong, (return price, booked with the Austrian Company, including taxes: Euro 659.39).

 

Dinner and breakfast are served on the aforementioned aircraft.

 

The duration of the flight is 11 hours 50 '.

 

Punctual arrival at 4.30 pm, at Terminal 1 of Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong.

 

There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.

 

If at Terminal 1 of Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong, you need to take a flight of another company than the one you arrived with and you have an online reservation, you can get the Boording Pass without leaving the transit area by going to the Transfer Desk at Level 5 of the Airport, located not far from the border. Here you go to the counter of the chosen Airline (there are several), in my case Air Nuigini (Desk E1) and you get the boarding pass so quickly, which is printed for free by the friendly employee (who speaks English), after have presented your passport and flight booking.

 

Then from there to go to the gates you have to go through security. Keep in mind that the same is very quick.

 

Punctual as never before leaves from Terminal 1 of Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong at 20.45, my plane no. PX19, of the Air Niugini Company, in the direction of the International Terminal of Jacksons Airport in Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea), (multi-route price Honk Kong - Port Moresby, Port Moresby - Wewak, Wewak - Port Moresby, Port Moresby - Honiara) including taxes: HKD 6,933).

 

Dinner and breakfast are served on the aforementioned aircraft.

 

The duration of the flight is 6 hours 45 '.

 

Punctual arrival at 5.30 am, at the Jacksons Airport International Terminal in Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea).

 

There are 8 hours of time zone, compared to Italy, when summer time is in force in Italy, 9 hours when winter time is in force.

 

To enter Papua New Guinea you need an entry visa, both for tourism and for work.

The tourist ticket (valid for 60 days of stay) can be obtained directly at Jacksons Airport in Port Moresby and not at any other airport in the country. The same is free and can be obtained very quickly by presenting the passport with six months of residual validity on the date of entry into the country and the completed form indicating the address where you intend to stay. Keep in mind that the Visa takes up a whole page of the Passport, on which the entry and exit stamps are affixed.

 

Keep in mind that, in Papua New Guinea below 2,000 meters of altitude, Malaria is present (high risk), especially in the Sepik River area.

 

In Papua New Guinea, cell phones with Italian cards work, except in the most remote areas, such as in some areas of the Sepik River.

 

In Papua New Guinea there is the Left Hand Drive, in English.

 

At the International Terminal of Port Moresby International Airport (Papua New Guinea), it is possible to withdraw money at ATMs, but it is also possible to exchange cash (Euros, US Dollars, Australian Dollars, Solomon Dollars and many other currencies), at the following rate exchange rate (1 Euro = 3.16 PGK, 1 USD = 3.12 PKG). From this it is clear that in Papua New Guinea it is clearly advantageous to exchange US Dollars against Euros.

 

Keep in mind that there are very few vehicles on the roads of Papua New Guinea, with the exception of large cities such as Port Moresby.

 

In Papua New Guinea, even in the dry season it is possible that it rains mainly at night.

 

On Sundays PMVs (minibuses) and taxis generally do not circulate in Papua New Guinea, except in the capital, where public and private transport is very limited but not entirely absent.

 

If you are visiting Papua New Guinea, the first thing you will notice is the bright red teeth and lips of the local men and women. The cause of this particular color is betel nuts, which the locals call "buai". Green betel nuts are a fruit that grows in the tropical climates of Southeast Asia and is very popular in the islands of the South Pacific. most important social events, but also in everyday life. Betel nut has a mildly stimulating effect and, in addition to traditional reasons, the locals chew it to reduce stress, increase alertness and suppress hunger.

 

Languages: English (mainly in offices and commercial areas), tok pisin (English Melanesian pidgin) in the Highlands and some cities, hiri motu on the coast. In addition, over 800 local languages ​​are used. Papua New Guinea is the country with the highest diversity of languages ​​in the world, due to the very limited means of communication.

 

Religions: Christian majority (90%), although ancestral animist beliefs are still strongly rooted.

In Papua New Guinea the police are generally polite to foreigners and do not bother them with requests for money.

 

In Papua New Guinea, there are many Filipinos and Indonesians working there.

 

If you have a Domestic flight, please note that the Domestic terminal is located approximately 50 meters from the international one. However, it can be reached from the outside.

 

Punctual as never before leaves from the Domestic Terminal of the Jacksons Airport in Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea) at 9.00 a.m., my plane no. PX140, of the Air Niugini Company, in the direction of Wewak Airport (Papua New Guinea), (multi-route price Honk Kong - Port Moresby, Port Moresby - Wewak, Wewak - Port Moresby, Port Moresby - Honiara), taxes included: HKD 6,933).

 

A snack is served on the aforementioned aircraft.

 

The duration of the flight is 1 hour 20 '.

 

Arrival on time at 10.30 a.m. , at Wewak Airport (Papua New Guinea).

 

From Wewak Airport (Papua New Guinea), located about 5 km south-east of the city center, to reach it you need to take a taxi or a minibus that passes on the adjacent main road. Arriving on Sunday, bear in mind that there are no taxis (20 PGK) or minibuses (1 PGK) and therefore I have stocked a free pass to the staff of the Boutique Hotel, one of the most beautiful hotels in Wewak. The journey takes about 10 minutes.

.

One of the cheapest solutions to sleep in the center of Wewak is to stay overnight at the Warihe Guest House, located on the Hill, 200 meters away. Approximately from the Boutique Hotel and just 500 meters from the Central Post Office which is the heart of the city. Cost for a room with single bed and shared bathroom: 100 PGK per night. Wifi and mosquito net not present. Breakfast not included. Night watchman present.

 

Wewak, Sunday appears deserted.

 

To tour Wewak, I borrowed a mountain bike for free from a friend of my hotel staff. There is a beautiful and long beach, quite popular especially on weekends.

 

If you want to reach Pagwi from Wewak, you have to take the PMV (minibus) n. 3 - 8. Usually there is one a day early in the morning, which picks up people in front of the house. I booked it through my hotel and in fact at 8.30 he came to pick me up at the Warihe Guest House. Cost of the ride: 50 PGK. You pay at the end of the same. Duration of the trip: about 6 hours.

 

Another solution to reach Pagwi is to take one of the many PMV (minibuses) n. 3 - 10, bound for Maprik departing every day, except Sunday, from sunrise to sunset, from the Piazzale, adjacent to the Central Market in Wewak, 100 meters. abundant west of the Post Office. It starts when full. Cost of the ride: 20 PGK. You pay the driver. Duration of the trip: about 4 hours.

 

Once in Maprik it is necessary to take one of the rare PMVs (minibuses), bound for Pagwi departing every day except Sunday, especially in the morning (rarely in the afternoon) from the center of Maprik. It starts when full. Cost of the ride: 15 PGK. You pay the driver. Duration of the trip: about 2 hours.

 

The road that runs between Wewak and Maprik is in poor condition, while the road that runs between Maprik and Pagwi is in good condition.

 

One of the cheapest solutions to sleep in the center of Pagwi is to stay overnight at the Sangra Guest House, located 50 meters away. from the mooring of the pirogues on the Sepik River and from the point of departure and arrival of the PMVs bound for Wewak and Maprik. The Guesthouse is on a stilts. Cost for a room with a single bed and shared bathroom (often without running water): PGK 50 per night. No wifi. Mosquito net present. Breakfast not included. Energy supplied with the generator from Sunset until just after midnight. Also present the fan.

 

Pagwi is the easiest and most popular access point to take a Tour on the Sepik River, which is the most popular tourist attraction for those coming to Papua New Guinea.

 

To visit the Sepik River, there are 3 possibilities:

 

1. Organize everything on your own. In this case, the costs are very low, but you need to have plenty of time and patience as the boats that connect one village to another are infrequent and do not run at set times. In addition, it is necessary to have a very high travel experience as it is necessary to ask for permits from the various village leaders before entering, taking photographs, ect. In short, this is an economic alternative but difficult to implement;

2. Contact a guide who organizes the trip and accompanies you for the entire duration of the trip. This is a very expensive solution but the most used by travelers;

3. Relying on a Papua New Guinea Travel Agency that organizes your trip from A to Z. This is the easiest solution but also the most expensive and therefore not much used by travelers;

 

Most travelers choose solution number 2 by relying on an expert Guide from the Sepik River area.

 

Below are the names, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and prices of a tour on the Middle River Sepik of some of the Guides I consulted:

 

 

 

1

Please note the correct e-mail address for Joseph Kone is:

joseph.kone6@gmail.com

(it is a 'dot' between his name di lui, not a hyphen)

and here are his current phone numbers if you need them (he lives in Ambunti but his internet di lui is in Wewak so there is often a delay in his response time):

675-71214829

675-76276092

After being contacted by email Steve Kone refused to give me a Middle Sepik River Tour Price as the cost for one person is too high.

 

2

Norah Dicky. Email address: omenenze1@gmail.com

 

Cost of a one day dugout tour on the Middle Sepik River, excluding food and drinks, through the following locations: place: 1. Start from Pagwi; 2. Korogo; 3. Suapmeri; 4. Abom; 5. Wombun; 6. Palambei; 7. Kanganaman 8. Yentche; 9. Finish to Pagwi;

 

1 Cost guide * distance travel K150

2 Hire K250 Boat 250

  K100 skipper / driver

Crew +2 = K50.00 each

3 1Drum Zoom 200litre cost K1100 completely 9 villages dry season traveling long distance no short cut

4 others fee estimate Depends on types of activities K1000

 

Total inclusive K2950.

 

Cost of a 4-day and 3-night dugout tour on the Middle Sepik River, including accommodation for the night, excluding food and drinks, with departure and arrival at Wewak Airport:

 

A trip per  person who wants complete  arrangements will cost as follow boat hire  K500.00 per day

Guide K100 per day

Total cost per day K600.00

Fuel Drum cost K1100.00

100  liters xK5.00 perfect liters =K500

Total cost overall  day including fuel

K600+Fuel K1100+K500=K2200.00

Total cost 4days K5,000.

Food excluding

Bringing mosquitoe net back pack possible  your advance payment and arrangements  will make possible  other tourists have been here at current  confirm but will look forward any schedule available in your request Will  be made know.

 

3

 

Mathew Kaka phone numbers

1.         digicel : ++675 7378 6776 2. b-mobile : ++675 76 22 76 58

(if possible :additional call by call number for lower phone rates )

e-maill : wagulake@googlemail.com

(Mathew has no direct contact to the internet in Wagu , European friends of him open

his e-mail box and have contact to him by MAF post to Ambunti ( see later point ),where

he pick up the post and can answer – this connection is additional to the mobile possibility

 

He did not make himself available for the day tour.

 

Cost of a 4-day and 3-night pirogue tour on the Middle Sepik River, all inclusive, with departure and arrival at Wewak Airport:

EXTRACT FROM EMAIL No. 2:

Thank you I understand the cost of K7.000 is to much for you now I have K5.000 meet wewak take PMV to Pagwi that's the best cost I can h.help you with.

 

EXTRACT FROM EMAIL N. 1:

 

Thank you very much for your email with the interest for middle sepik tour 4 days. I am very happy to help you in this tour its great that your date of arrive is confirm.

 

I will meet you in wewak on the ……………… get the private car to pagwi and boat down to middle sepik area.

 

The cost for the tour is K7.000 because the petrol is very expensive. I can also send you the itinerary of the tour if the cost is possible with you.

 

 

4

PNG FRONTIER ADVENTURES

 

CONTACT US

EMAIL: info@pngfrontieradventures.com

POST: P.O.Box 51, Wewak, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

LANDLINE:+ 675 456 1584

MOBILE: + 675 738 31 130 + 675 736 64 075

 

Cost of a 5 days and 4 nights pirogue tour on the Middle Sepik River, all inclusive, with departure and arrival at Wewak Airport:

 

EXTRACT FROM THE EMAIL

Hi Riccardo,

We have no tours being run on your quoted dates that you could join. But if you are looking for a solo trip we could run one on the dates you want but solo trips are expensive like US$3,500 to US$4,000 for a 5 days/ 4 nights on the river and two nights in the best Wewak  hotel.

Kind regards,

Richard Baker PNG Administrator.

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

Albert Lumut. E_mail: alumut2746@gmail.com

Cellulare: +57673662828

Cost of a one day dugout tour on the Middle Sepik River, excluding food and drinks, through the following locations: place:1.       Start from Pagwi;2.       Korogo;3.       Suapmeri;4.       Abom;5.       Wombun;6.       Palambei;7.       Kanganaman 8.       Yentche;9.       Finish to Pagwi;

ESTRATTO DALL’EMAIL N. 2:

 

Hey pay day k300 for the out boat motor vehicle and the driver

Guide fee K200 pay day

Fuel K1000

Helper 2 K50 pay day

Guest house  k50 pay day

Spirit house K10 pay head

And my company 20/percent

I start my tour in 7.30am and finished 4.00.pm

 

Cost of a 4-day and 3-night pirogue tour on the Middle Sepik River, all inclusive, with departure and arrival at Wewak Airport:

 

EXTRACT FROM EMAIL No. 1:

Hey good night thank you I received your email now and this is my itinerary for 3 nights 4days tour in middle sepik …….  arive in wewak you going straight to pagwi jump on our hire boat we going straight to korogu village visit the spirit house see the traditional singsing and the boombu flute or secret flute 2 man going to blowing the boombu flutes and  we going to over night in korogu guest house  …….. we jump on our hire boat and we going straight to palimbe village visit 2 spirit house and we at on to my village kanganamun visit 2 spirit house and we see Casowary dancing mash and 2 spirit dancing mash and 7.30pm we have our dinner and we going for Crocodile hunting at night 9.00pm we coming back to the guest house and we over night ……  we jump on our hire boat and we going straight to Aibom pottery village visit the pottery and we at on to chambri lake visit the spirit house and we at on to kamanibit village visit the caving shop and we going straight to my village kanganamun and we over night

…… we jump on our hire boat and we going straight to pagwi jump on our hire car and we going straight to wewak boutipue hotel and  you over night ……….. hotel bus will drop you off

This is my costing for 3 nights 4days tour in middle sepik

Total Cost  K6900

 

06

Wewak-based guides

Cyril Tara (email: sepikarts@yahoo.com.au) - (Phone: +67571110089/+67574313790)

Costo di un tour in Piroga di 4 giorni e 3 notti sul Medio Sepik River, tutto compreso, con Partenza e arrivo all’Aeroporto di Wewak:

ESTRATTO DALL’EMAIL N. 2:

 

Hi Riccardo,

Thanks again for your reply.

The itinerary will be followed as i email you earlier on.

 

Depart Wewak to Pagwi  we can use heir car 1way. On the ……………. from Pagwi transfer to Wewak we can go on the pmv.

So now i reduce the price to pkg 2,400.

I  give you my very best offer.

 

Hope to hear from you soon

Best regards

Cyril

 

EXTRACT FROM EMAIL No. 1:

Hi Riccardo,

Thanks very much for your email requesting for visiting middle sepik river.

I don't have any tourist on the ………….that i can put you on.

Here i can give you the itinerary and costing for ……………. 4days and 3nights .

Itinerary

Day 1: meet you at the airport on your arrival and transfer to Pagwi then transfer to waiting motorized canoe overnight at Korogo.

 

Day 2:Depart Korogo visit Palimbe ,Kanganamun,Kararau and overnight at Kamanibit.

 

Day 3:Visit walindimi Spirit house at Wombu village ,Chambri lake,pottery village of Aibom,Bowie arts center overnight and overnight Kamanibit.

 

Day 4:Depart Kamanibit visit Yanchen then to Pagwi transfer to your hotel at Wewak end off the trip.

 

Day 5: Depart to your destination

 

Cost includes:

Hire car,fuel,food and water,accommodation,entry fee to spirit house,motorized canoe,drive and guide. Cost for 4days 3nights @Pkg 3,000

Hope to hear from you soon as possible.

Best regards

Cyril

 

Keep in mind that the Cyril Tara Guide although it charges a much more favorable price than all the other Sepik River Guides, has a bad reputation on the web. In fact, some travelers who relied on him then posted a review on the internet in which they complained that they were left to fend for themselves even before halfway through the journey as Cyril Tana had disappeared with their money.

 

 

07

In the end I entrusted myself to the guide JOHANNES TEVENS OF AMBUTI - TELEPHONE: 6757760, E-mail: johannesteven1@gmail.com.

 

Cost of a one day dugout tour on the Middle Sepik River, excluding food and drinks, through the following locations: place: 1. Start from Pagwi; 2. Korogo; 3. Suapmeri; 4. Abom; 5. Wombun; 6. Palambei; 7. Kanganaman 8. Yentche; 9. Finish to Pagwi;

PKG 1.200. They only accept cash. I paid 1,000 PKG the night before departure and 200 PGK at the end of the tour along with a 20 PKG tip to my guide.

Eventually Johannes Tevens, subcontracted this day tour to Albert Lumut, who in turn subcontracted to Duglus, who owns the small grocery shop which is located near the Guesthouse Sangra Guest House in Pagwi, who has assigned to one of his employees who drove the pirogue (helped by a boy) and also acted as a guide. He spoke English.

 

The motorized pirogue tour started at 7.00 and ended at 18.40. Everything went well and I didn't encounter any hitch. In one day I saw everything that can be seen in a 4 days and 3 nights tour and precisely:

1. Korogo Village on Middle Sepik River, with its Spirit House which costs 10 PKG to enter;

2. Wombun Village on Lake Chambri, with its Spirit House which costs 10 PKG to enter;

3. Abom village on Lake Chambri, where they make ceramic pots. There are no Houses of the Spirit here;

 

EXTRACT FROM EMAIL No. 1:

Hey good night thank you I received your email now and this is my itinerary for 3 nights 4days tour in middle sepik …….  arive in wewak you going straight to pagwi jump on our hire boat we going straight to korogu village visit the spirit house see the traditional singsing and the boombu flute or secret flute 2 man going to blowing the boombu flutes and  we going to over night in korogu guest house  …….. we jump on our hire boat and we going straight to palimbe village visit 2 spirit house and we at on to my village kanganamun visit 2 spirit house and we see Casowary dancing mash and 2 spirit dancing mash and 7.30pm we have our dinner and we going for Crocodile hunting at night 9.00pm we coming back to the guest house and we over night ……  we jump on our hire boat and we going straight to Aibom pottery village visit the pottery and we at on to chambri lake visit the spirit house and we at on to kamanibit village visit the caving shop and we going straight to my village kanganamun and we over night

…… we jump on our hire boat and we going straight to pagwi jump on our hire car and we going straight to wewak boutipue hotel and  you over night ……….. hotel bus will drop you off

This is my costing for 3 nights 4days tour in middle sepik

Total Cost  K6900

 

06

Wewak-based guides

Cyril Tara (email: sepikarts@yahoo.com.au) - (Phone: +67571110089/+67574313790)

Costo di un tour in Piroga di 4 giorni e 3 notti sul Medio Sepik River, tutto compreso, con Partenza e arrivo all’Aeroporto di Wewak:

EXTRACT EMAIL N. 2:

 

Hi Riccardo,

Thanks again for your reply.

The itinerary will be followed as i email you earlier on.

 

Depart Wewak to Pagwi  we can use heir car 1way. On the ……………. from Pagwi transfer to Wewak we can go on the pmv.

So now i reduce the price to pkg 2,400.

I  give you my very best offer.

 

Hope to hear from you soon

Best regards

Cyril

 

EXTRACT EMAIL N. 1:

 

Hi Riccardo,

Thanks very much for your email requesting for visiting middle sepik river.

I don't have any tourist on the ………….that i can put you on.

Here i can give you the itinerary and costing for ……………. 4days and 3nights .

Itinerary

Day 1: meet you at the airport on your arrival and transfer to Pagwi then transfer to waiting motorized canoe overnight at Korogo.

 

Day 2:Depart Korogo visit Palimbe ,Kanganamun,Kararau and overnight at Kamanibit.

 

Day 3:Visit walindimi Spirit house at Wombu village ,Chambri lake,pottery village of Aibom,Bowie arts center overnight and overnight Kamanibit.

 

Day 4:Depart Kamanibit visit Yanchen then to Pagwi transfer to your hotel at Wewak end off the trip.

 

Day 5: Depart to your destination

 

Cost includes:

Hire car,fuel,food and water,accommodation,entry fee to spirit house,motorized canoe,drive and guide. Cost for 4days 3nights @Pkg 3,000

Hope to hear from you soon as possible.

Best regards

Cyril

 

Keep in mind that the Cyril Tara Guide although it charges a much more favorable price than all the other Sepik River Guides, has a bad reputation on the web. In fact, some travelers who relied on him then posted a review on the internet in which they complained that they were left to fend for themselves even before halfway through the journey as Cyril Tana had disappeared with their money.

 

 

07

In the end I entrusted myself to the guide JOHANNES TEVENS OF AMBUTI - TELEPHONE: 6757760, E-mail: johannesteven1@gmail.com.

 

Cost of a one day dugout tour on the Middle Sepik River, excluding food and drinks, through the following locations: place: 1. Start from Pagwi; 2. Korogo; 3. Suapmeri; 4. Abom; 5. Wombun; 6. Palambei; 7. Kanganaman 8. Yentche; 9. Finish to Pagwi;

PKG 1.200. They only accept cash. I paid 1,000 PKG the night before departure and 200 PGK at the end of the tour along with a 20 PKG tip to my guide.

Eventually Johannes Tevens, subcontracted this day tour to Albert Lumut, who in turn subcontracted to Duglus, who owns the small grocery shop which is located near the Guesthouse Sangra Guest House in Pagwi, who has assigned to one of his employees who drove the pirogue (helped by a boy) and also acted as a guide. He spoke English.

 

The motorized pirogue tour started at 7.00 and ended at 18.40. Everything went well and I didn't encounter any hitch. In one day I saw everything that can be seen in a 4 days and 3 nights tour and precisely:

1. Korogo Village on Middle Sepik River, with its Spirit House which costs 10 PKG to enter;

2. Wombun Village on Lake Chambri, with its Spirit House which costs 10 PKG to enter;

3. Abom village on Lake Chambri, where they make ceramic pots. There are no Houses of the Spirit here;

 

4. Kanganaman Village on Middle Sepik River, with 2 Spirit Houses (one old and one new) which cost 10 PKG each to enter. To reach it it is necessary to walk 5 minutes;

5. Palambei village on the Middle Sepik River, with 2 Spirit Houses (one old and one new) which cost 10 PKG each to enter. To reach it you need to walk a good half hour;

6. Village of Yentche on the Middle Sepik River, with its Spirit House which costs 10 PKG to enter;

7. Suapmeri Village; on the Middle Sepik River. There are no Houses of the Spirit here; To reach it you need to walk 5 minutes and cross an unstable wooden bridge.Keep in mind that it is important to bring sunscreen to avoid sunburn and keep in mind that the Sepik River area is highly malarial.

 

As for the costs, logically these can be reduced if there are more people and then, bearing in mind that I did the Tour in the dry season, if it is done in the rainy season the cost of fuel (which represents the largest share of the trip), is much lower as the water level of the river is much higher and therefore it is possible to implement several shortcuts that allow you to save a lot of fuel. 96 liters of fuel was consumed for my day tour.

 

If from Pagwi you want to reach Wewak, you have to take the PMV (minibus) n. 3 - 8. Theoretically there should be one a day (except Sunday), early in the morning (50 PGK, about 6 hours), or take one for Maprik and then another for Wewak.

On the recommendation of the Sangra Guest House, I showed up at 8.00, near the Pirogues dock in Pagwi, but I waited in vain for 3 and a half hours without finding even a PMV for Wewak or Maprik. So I stocked a ride to a private minibus bound for Maprik which was carrying a group of French tourists, whose Guide asked me for 50 PGK, but in the end on his kind permission I gave him 25 PGK. The trip lasted blind 2 hours.

 

Maprikk, is a small town. From dawn until about 4.30 pm, from Monday to Saturday, PMV (minibuses) n. 3 - 10, pass on the main street, and stop to pick up passengers interested in reaching Wewak. The aforementioned PMV leaves Maprik only when all seats are occupied. Cost of the ride: 20 PGK. You pay for it during the trip. Duration of the same: about 4 hours. Once you arrive in Wewak, the driver will take you in front of your hotel.

 

One of the cheapest solutions for sleeping in the center of Wewak is to stay overnight at the CBC Guest House, located on the road that goes up to the Hill, about 250 meters from the Central Post Office which is the heart of the city. Cost for a single bed room in dormitory with shared bathroom: PGK 60 per night. Wifi and mosquito net not present. Breakfast not included. Night watchman present.

 

From the road adjacent to the Wewak Central Post Office (the one that goes to the Central Market), frequent minibuses (one is number 2) leave from dawn to dusk, from Monday to Saturday, heading south - east, which stop, on request, also on the main road adjacent to the airport. The journey takes about 10 minutes. The cost of the ride is 1 PGK. It is paid to the attendant during the trip.

 

Keep in mind that at Wewak Airport, there is no security check on hand baggage and checked baggage.

 

At 13.10., On time as never before, my plane no. - Honiara), including taxes: HKD 6,933).

 

A snack is served on the aforementioned aircraft.

 

The duration of the flight is 1 hour 20 '.

 

Punctual arrival at 2.30 pm, at the Domestic Terminal of Jacksons Airport in Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea).

 

From Jacksons Airport in Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea), located about 6 km southwest of the city center, to reach it you need to take a taxi or a minibus that passes on the main road, not too far from it.

 

One of the cheapest solutions to sleep in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea is to stay overnight, through the site "Booking.com" at Holola Apartment (e-mail: hoholaapartments@gmail.com, whatsapp # is 675 73887709, Phone 3239133, Mobile 71605340), located in the Holola district, about 4 km south - west of the airport and 2 km north - east of the city center. Cost for a single bed room with ensuite bathroom: PGK 150 per night. Wifi and mosquito net not present. Air conditioning and television present. Night watchman present. Well kept and spotless accommodation.

 

Koiro Taureka, the kind owner of the Holola Apartment, offers free transportation to and from the Airport and on request also a free tour by car to the City of Port Moresby and it is good to take him to one of the most dangerous Capitals in the world. It is good to send him a whatsapp the day before, to remind him to pick you up at the airport, to prevent him from forgetting, as happened in my case.

 

 To leave Papua New Guinea it is necessary to present the completed form to the Airport Authorities, thus obtaining the exit stamp.

 

SALOMOINE ISLANDS

 

At Jacksons Airport in Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea), at the Check in of the Air Niugini Company, for the flight to Honiara, they asked me to show them the Airline booking attesting to leaving the Solomon Islands.

 

Punctual as never before, my plane no. PX80, operated by Air Niugini, in the direction of Honiara Henderson Airport (Solomon Islands), (multi-leg fare Honk Kong - Port Moresby, Port Moresby - Wewak, Wewak - Port Moresby, Port Moresby - Honiara), taxes included: HKD 6,933 ).

 

A sandwich and a drink are served on the aforementioned aircraft.

 

The duration of the flight is 2 hours 20 '.

 

Punctual arrival at 12.15 p.m., at Honiara Henderson Airport (Solomon Islands).

 

There are 9 hours of time zone, compared to Italy, when summer time is in force in Italy, 10 hours when winter time is in force.

 

To enter the Solomon Islands it is not necessary to have an entry visa, for tourism up to 90 days. To easily obtain the entry stamp, it is necessary to present a passport with six months of residual validity on the date of entry into the country and the completed form indicating the address where you intend to stay.

 

Keep in mind that in some areas of the Solomon Islands, Malaria is present (high risk).

 

In the Solomon Islands there is the Guide on the Left, in English.

 

In the Solomon Islands, many are tattooed.

 

In the Solomon Islands mobile phones with Italian cards do not work, except that of Vodafone which sporadically allows you to send a text message in Italy but not to call.

 

At Honiara Henderson Airport (Solomon Islands), it is possible to withdraw money at ATMs, but it is also possible to exchange cash (Euros, US Dollars, Australian Dollars and many other currencies), at unfavorable exchange rates compared to the city center, where in Via main (Mendana Ave) there are some banks that change currency. I exchanged it at the Bank "N ° 1 currency" at the following exchange rate (1 Euro = S $ 7.77, USD 1 = S $ 7.93). From this it is clear that in the Solomon Islands it is clearly advantageous to exchange American Dollars against Euros.

 

Keep in mind that there are very few vehicles on the roads of the Solomon Islands, with the exception of large cities such as Honiara.

 

In the Solomon Islands, even in the dry season it is possible that it rains mainly at night.

 

If you are visiting the Solomon Islands, the first thing you will notice is the bright red teeth and lips of the local men and women. The cause of this particular color is betel nuts, which the locals call "buai". Green betel nuts are a fruit that grows in the tropical climates of Southeast Asia and is very popular in the islands of the South Pacific. They can be found at every corner in the country's streets and are chewed as a key part of the most important ones. social events, but also in everyday life. Betel nut has a mildly stimulating effect and, in addition to traditional reasons, the locals chew it to reduce stress, increase alertness and suppress hunger.

 

Languages: English and local languages

 

Religions: Protestant.

In the Solomon Islands the police are generally kind to foreigners and do not bother them with requests for money.

 

In Papua New Guinea, there are many Filipinos and Indonesians working there.

 

The roads on the island of Guadalcanal are in poor condition (except the road that runs from the capital to the airport), especially in the north-east. Keep in mind that only the northern part of the aforementioned island can be easily visited.

 

From Honiara Henderson Airport (Solomon Islands), located about 10 km east of the city center, to reach it you need to take a taxi or a minibus that passes on the main road 200 meters away. about from the Terminal. The taxi costs about S $ 100 while the minibus costs S $ 5. You pay the attendant after getting on. The ride takes about 20 minutes and ends in the main street (Mendana Ave) near the central market.

 

One of the cheapest solutions to sleep in Honiara is to stay overnight at St Agnes Union House, located on the hillside, 5 minutes walk from the main street (Mendana Ave). I booked by e-mail at the following address: stagnes@solomon.com.sb. Cost for a double room with ensuite bathroom: S $ 381 per night. Mosquito net not present. Fan present. Air conditioning and television not present. Wifi, present but not available to guests. Shared kitchen available. Breakfast not included. Night watchman present. Well kept and spotless accommodation.

 

Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, is great on foot and appears quite safe during the day. After sunset, however, it is convenient to travel by taxi.

 

If you want to visit the House of Parliament, the symbolic building of the capital, located on the hill above the city, you need to book.

 

Keep in mind that if you want to visit Tenaru Falls or Mataniko Falls, located a few kilometers south of the capital, it is necessary to hire a mandatory guide, booking it at the Honiara Tourist Office, at least the day before.

 

The Honiara Tourist Office, located on the main street (Mendana Ave), opposite the National Museum, has a website. Although he never replies to e-mails, if you go personally during the opening hours he has very friendly and kind staff who can give you useful information and can help you find a guide or a boat.

 

To go to the island of Savo, located just a few kilometers north of the island of Guadalcanal. To reach it keep in mind that there are no public boats.

 

I relied on the website www.solomonislands-hotels.travel, through which I booked an overnight stay at the Savo Sunset Lodge, located a step away from the sea in the Village of Sakaleki, on the Island of Savo and managed by the former Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Mr. Allan Kemakeza. Cost for a double room with shared bathroom: S $ 150 per night. Mosquito net not present. Air conditioning and television not present. Wifi, not present. Breakfast not included. Electricity supplied by a generator from dawn to dusk.

 

Since the Savo Sunset Lodge has neither email nor whatsapp, but only the following telephone number: (677) 7238977, through solomonislands-hotels.travel, through the email bookings@solomonislands-hotels.travel, I remedied transport from Honiara to Savo Sunset Lodge, by car to Vila and then by boat to Savo Sunset Lodge at a cost of S $ 600 (round trip).

 

In the morning at 8.30 a.m. the very young Son of the former Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Mr. Allan Kemakeza came to pick me up at my hotel and drove me to Vila, a small village located on the north-west part of Guadalcanal Island, which is the closest point to the island of Savo. From there a small motor boat was waiting for me to tackle the turbulent Solomon Sea to the Savo Sunset Lodge in Sakaleki Village. The not easy crossing takes about half an hour.

 

Once you reach the Selvaggia, the staff of the Savo Lodge offers you some activities, all for a fee, and described below:

 

1. Excursion by boat (30 'round trip) and then on foot (30' round trip) to see the Vutusuala Volcano. In addition to the boat rental (cost for 1 day S $ 100) and the Guide (cost for 1 day S $ 50), you must pay the Village Chief 20 S $, for the permit to moor on the boat, 20 S $, to cross Volivolila Village, 20 S $, to cross the Kodola Village and 40 S $, to be able to see the Succitato Volcano.

2. Boat excursion (40 ') to see the Dolphins. In addition to the boat rental (cost for 1 day 100 S $) and the Guide (cost for 1 day 50 S $), you have to pay 40 S $ tax.

 

3. Hike (scarce 2 hours round trip) to see KoPapuarail Falls. Keep in mind the route is articulated on the bed of the stream and therefore is slippery and demanding. In addition to the cost of the Guide (cost for 1 day 50 S $), you must pay the entrance fee to the falls of 40 S $.

 

4. Boat excursion (30 'round trip) to see the Megapods and its eggs. In addition to the boat rental (cost for 1 day S $ 100) and the Guide (cost for 1 day S $ 50), you have to pay S $ 80 to the Village Chief of Enagatoga.

 

On Guadalcanal Island, keep in mind that all of the major easily accessible tourist attractions are located on the north coast to the east and west of Honiara. To see them take into account that with minibuses it is very difficult to reach them and therefore you need to hire a private taxi in Honiara at a cost of S $ 100 per hour. Just stop any one on the road.

 

Usually the most beautiful beaches, which are located west of Honiara have an entrance fee but my taxi driver knew the owners and let me in for free.

 

I had to pay instead:

 

• S $ 100, for the Vilu War Museum, which houses WW2 planes, commemorative monuments, ect.

• S $ 50, for the WWII Museum, which houses numerous amphibious vehicles from the 2nd World War.

• Free, US War Memorial of Honiara;

• S $ 50, for the Solomon Peace Memorial Park;

• S $ 100 for the visit of Mount Austen;

• S $ 50 for the Bloody Ridge;

• Free Henderson Airport Memorial Garden;

 

 

 To leave the Solomon Islands it is necessary to present the completed form to the Airport Authorities, thus obtaining the exit stamp.

 

VANUATU

 

At the Honiara Henderson Airport (Solomon Islands), at the check in desk of the Solomon Airlines Company, for the flight to Port Vila, they asked me to show them the Airline booking attesting to leaving Vanuatu.

 

Punctual as never before leaves from Honiara Henderson Airport (Solomon Islands) at 15.15., My plane no. IE702, by Solomon Airlines, in the direction of Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila (Vanuatu), (price one way, including taxes: AUD 246.20)

 

Lunch is served on the aforementioned aircraft.

 

The duration of the flight is 2 hours.

 

Punctual arrival at 5.15pm, at Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila (Vanuatu).

 

There are 9 hours of time zone, compared to Italy, when summer time is in force in Italy, 10 hours when winter time is in force.

 

To enter Vanuatu you do not need an entry visa, for tourism up to 90 days. To easily obtain the entry stamp, it is necessary to present a passport with six months of residual validity on the date of entry into the country, the completed form indicating the address where you intend to stay and the Airline booking certifying the exit from Vanuatu.

 

Keep in mind that in some areas of Vanuatu, Malaria is present, with moderate risk.

 

In Vanuatu there is a guide on the right, in the French style.

 

Vanuatu is a former British and French colony.

 

In Vanuatu mobile phones with Italian cards work.

 

At the Bauerfield Airport International Terminal in Port Vila (Vanuatu), it is possible to withdraw money at ATMs, but it is also possible to exchange cash (Euros, US Dollars, Australian Dollars, Solomon Dollars and many other currencies), at the following exchange rate ( 1 Euro = 126.58 VT, 1 USD = 109.89 VT), which is more or less the same as you can find in the City.

 

Keep in mind that there are very few vehicles on the roads of Vanuatu, with the exception of the large Port Vila cities.

 

In Vanuatu, even in the dry season it is possible that it rains mainly at night.

 

Languages: English and French (official), bislama (local language)

 

Religions: Mostly Christian, in the various denominations.

 

In Vanuatu the police are generally kind to foreigners and do not bother them with requests for money.

 

In Vanuatu, there are many Filipinos and Indonesians working there.

 

The roads on the island of Efate are in fair condition.

 

From Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila (Vanuatu), located approximately 5 km north of the city center, to reach it you need to take a taxi (2,000 VT) or a minibus which stops in front of the Domestic Terminal at a cost of 200 VT. You pay the driver after getting on. The ride takes about 20 minutes and ends in the main street (Lini Hwy Ave) near the central market.

.

One of the cheapest solutions to sleep in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu is to stay overnight, through the site "Hostelword.com" at the City Lodge (e-mail: citylodge@vanuatu.com.vu,, Phone +678 26826) , located in the center, in front of the Central Market. Cost for a bed in a mixed dormitory with shared bathroom: VT 1,770 per night. Wifi available only in front of the reception.

 

Mosquito net not present. Air conditioning and television absent. Shared kitchen. Well maintained and very clean accommodation.

 

Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, is good on foot and appears quite safe both during the day and after sunset.

 

The most important attraction in Port Vila is the National Museum which costs 1,000 VT without a guide or 1,500 VT with a guide.

 

 To reach the Island of Erakor it is necessary to take, from sunrise to sunset, one of the many minibuses, with the red letter B on the front plate (150 VT, 10 minutes) which stop in front of the Central Market and get off near the beach near the Nasama Resort. From here a boat departs for free 24 hours a day and shuttles free of charge to the island of Erakor.

 

Whether you stay 10 minutes or stay 1 full day, the entrance to the Island of Erakor is 1,500 VT, including 1,000 VT to spend at the Restaurant to drink and eat, although it must be borne in mind that the Buffet breakfast costs 1,950 VT.

 

Back on dry land, I took a bus to Mele Beach for the price of 300 VT. Duration of the ride: half an hour.

 

A boat that shuttles free of charge to Hideaway Island departs from here 24 hours a day.

 

Whether you stay 10 minutes or stay 1 full day, the entrance to Hideaway Island is 1,500 VT, including 1,000 VT to spend at the Restaurant to eat and drink although it must be borne in mind that the Buffet breakfast costs 1,250 VT.

 

From Mele Beach I walked for about 1.5 km before reaching the Secret Gardens whose entrance costs 1,500 VT, including the Guide.

 

From the Secret Gardens I walked about 1km before reaching the Mele Falls which entrance costs 2,000 VT. Opening hours: every day from 8.00 to 16.30.

 

From the entrance to reach the Falls you have to walk uphill for about half an hour and the last 5 minutes have to be done barefoot in the water.

 

From the Falls of Mele I took one of the many minibuses to the central market of Port Vila. Fare: 300 VT. Duration: 20 minutes.

 

On the main street (Lini Hwy Ave) near the Central Market minibuses stop for the Domestic Terminal of Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila (Vanuatu). Cost of the ride: 200 VT. Duration: 20 '.

 

Keep in mind that in Vanuatu for all Domestic Flights, you must pay the 200VT fee at the dedicated Desk before boarding. This is not included in the air ticket. The receipt is stapled to the plane ticket.

 

Please note that at the Domestic Terminal at Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila (Vanuatu), there is no security check on hand and checked baggage.

 

Punctual as never before leaves from the Domestic Terminal of Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila (Vanuatu) at 2.30 pm, my plane no. NF238, of the Air Vanuatu Company, in the direction of Tanna Airport (Vanuatu), (multi-route price Port Vila - Tanna, Tanna - Port Vila, Port Vila - Nadi), including taxes: 501.10 AUD).

 

Nothing is served on the aforementioned aircraft.

 

The duration of the flight is 40 '.

 

Arrival on time at 3.10 pm at Tanna Airport (Vanuatu).

 

 

From Tanna Airport, a driver sent from my hotel and paid for 3,000 VT, took me in about 1 hour along terrible roads (initially paved, then cemented and finally dirt) at the foot of Mount Yasur mt. 361 above sea level, where I joined the other tourists for the excursion to the crater of the most accessible active volcano in the world. The cost of the same is 9,750 VT (payable only in cash before going up the Volcano), which includes transport by off-road to the square just below the crater. (here there is also the only mailbox in the world located on a volcano). From there it is necessary to walk for about 15 minutes, until you reach the mouth of the volcano about 30 minutes before Sunset. There you can stay for about 1 hour, that is up to half an hour after sunset, to witness the spectacular eruptions that occur at regular intervals of about 5 minutes. It is usually very windy and very cold, but the organization (Tanna Volcano Safari Tours), provides free wind jackets. At the end of the excursion, we return to the base for a refreshment based on fruit and biscuits offered by the organization.

 

One of the cheapest solutions to sleep near the Mount Yasur Volcano on Tanna Island, is to stay overnight, through the "Booking.com" site at Volcano Island Paradise Bungalows (e-mail: volcanoislandparadise@gmail.com, Mobile + 678_7717460), located in the Loanengo Village, which offers an excellent view of Mount Yasur. Cost for a Bungalow with double bed, with shared bathroom: 1.676 VT per night. Wifi for a fee. Mosquito net present. Air conditioning and television absent. Electricity guaranteed with generator for a few hours in the evening. Breakfast included.

 

Keep in mind that that is a very rainy area as the Volcano makes the climate very rainy. In fact I had planned to take a car tour the next day on Tanna Island for the price of 8,000 Vt, but early in the morning after the heavy rains of the night I had to hurry to leave my accommodation to reach the Airport in how soon the road for the same would become impracticable. The 1 hour trip cost 3,000 Vt to me and 3,000 Vt has a French tourist.

 

When I arrived at Tanna Airport, I asked to be able to take the morning flight (11.50am) as mine would leave in the afternoon (3.50pm). It was granted to me, as there was still a free seat left on the plane.

 

Keep in mind that in Vanuatu for all Domestic Flights, you must pay the 200VT fee at the dedicated Desk before boarding. This is not included in the air ticket. The receipt is stapled to the plane ticket.

 

Keep in mind that at Tanna Airport (Vanuatu), there is no security check on hand baggage and checked baggage.

 

Punctual as never before leaves from Tanna Airport at 11.50 am, my 20-seat plane, of the Air Vanuatu Company, towards the Domestic Terminal of Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila (Vanuatu), (multi-route price Port Vila - Tanna, Tanna - Port Vila, Port Vila - Nadi), including taxes: AUD 501.10).

 

Nothing is served on the aforementioned aircraft.

 

The duration of the flight is 40 '.

 

Punctual arrival at 12.30 p.m., at the Domestic Terminal of Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila (Vanuatu).

 

From the pier located behind the Port Vila Central Market, a 24-hour ferry leaves for Iririki Island, where there are Bungalows, a Casino, a beach and sports and leisure facilities. I visited it for free just before sunset, but I had the feeling that it is necessary to pay to visit it (you need to get a Pass at the Reception, located just beyond the pier).

 

To go around the island of Efate I hired a taxi, addressing the only taxi driver who stopped near the Central Market. I paid 8,000 VT.

 

I also made a stop at the Siviri Cave, where I took a short Kayak excursion among the bats. Cost: 1,000 VT.

 

To leave Vanuatu it is necessary to present the completed form to the Airport Authorities, thus obtaining the exit stamp.

 

FIJI

 

At the International Terminal of Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila (Vanuatu), at the check-in desk of the FIJI AIRWAYS Company, for the flight to Nadi, they asked me to show them the Airline booking attesting to the exit from Fiji.

 

Punctual as never before leaves from the International Terminal of Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila (Vanuatu) at 16.50, my plane no. NF 040, of the FIJI AIRWAYS Company, in the direction of the International Airport of Nadi (Fiji), (multi-route price Port Vila - Tanna, Tanna - Port Vila, Port Vila - Nadi), taxes included, booked with the Air Vanuatu Company: 501 , 10 AUD).

 

A snack is served on the aforementioned aircraft.

 

The duration of the flight is 2 hours 15 '.

 

Punctual arrival at 20.05, at Nadi International Airport (Fiji).

 

There are 10 hours of time zone, compared to Italy, when summer time is in force in Italy, 11 hours when winter time is in force.

 

An entry visa is not required to enter Fiji, for tourism up to 120 days. To easily obtain the entry stamp, it is necessary to present a passport with six months of residual validity on the date of entry into the country and the completed form indicating the address where you intend to stay.

 

Keep in mind that in Fiji, there is no Malaria.

 

In Fiji there is the Guide on the left, in English.

 

In Fiji, mobile phones with Italian cards work.

 

At Nadi International Airport (Fiji) it is possible to withdraw money at ATMs, but it is also possible to exchange cash (Euros, US Dollars, Australian Dollars, Solomon Dollars and many other currencies), at the following exchange rate (1 Euro = 2 , 28 F $, 1 USD = 1.98 F $). However, there is a fee of F $ 10.

 

Languages: Fijian, Hindi, English.

 

Religions: Christian (53%), Hindu (38%), Muslim (8%).

 

In Fiji, the police are generally kind to foreigners and do not bother them with requests for money.

In Fiji, there are many Filipinos and Indonesians working there and many German tourists and volunteers.

 

The roads on the island of Viti Levu are in good condition.

 

From Nadi International Airport (Fiji), located about 9 km north - east of Nadi Old City and about 6 km from the New City, you can take a taxi (20 F $) or a minibus to reach the Old City at a cost of F $ 1.30. You need the rechargeable card to pay for it. The ride takes about 20 minutes and ends at the Bus Station.

 

To reach the New Town, you can take a taxi (13 F $) or a minibus to the Old Town at a cost of 1.30 F $. You need the rechargeable card to pay for it. Get dropped off on Queens Road at the crossroads for the new city and hang up another minibus that connects the old city with the new city from 7 in the morning until 17.00, every day except Sunday. Cost of the ride: 1 F $.

 

Keep in mind that all budget hotels are located in the new city, located just behind the landing strip of the International Airport.

 

One of the cheapest solutions to sleep in the New City of Nadi is to stay overnight, through the site "Hostelword.com" at Bamboo Beach (e-mail: bula@travellersfiji.com, +679 6723322, Whatsapp +679 8912976), Cost for a bed in a mixed dormitory with shared bathroom: F $ 14 per night. Wifi present. Mosquito net not present. Air conditioning absent. Restaurant, television in common areas, beach, volleyball court, ping pong table. Well kept and spotless accommodation. Breakfast not included. Free transport from the airport to the hostel. There is also a travel agency that can help you find organized transport and tours. Deposit for the electronic key of 10 F $, which will be returned upon check out.

 

The old town of Nadi is good for walking and appears quite safe during the day. After sunset, take a taxi.

 

To go anywhere in the country you need to go to the Bus Station located in the center of the Old City of Nadi.

 

Keep in mind that to go from the New Town to the Old Town of Nadi it is necessary to take a minibus that runs every half hour from 7 in the morning until 17.00, every day except Sundays and holidays. Cost of the ride: 1 F $.

 

On Sunday you have to walk for about 2 and a half kilometers (or take a taxi) until you reach Queens Road and wait for any bus coming from Lautoka and going to the Nadi Bus Station. Cost of 0.66 F $. You need the rechargeable card to pay for it. I didn't have one but they let me on anyway and I paid in cash.

 

From the Nadi Bus Station, every day including holidays, numerous buses leave for the capital Suva, of different companies that stop after 1 hour also in Sigatoka (from 5 to 7 F $).

 

Sigatoka, you can get around well on foot.

 

From Sigatoka I took a taxi for F $ 5 to reach the Dune Park.

 

You can visit the park of the dunes by yourself. There are 2 routes. 1 hour and 2 hours. The cost of the ticket is 10 F $.

 

From Sigatoka Dunes Park I took a taxi to Tavuni Hill Fort for 12F $. Journey time: 30 minutes.

 

Entry to Tavuni Hill Fort costs F $ 20.

 

Taxi from Tavuni Hill Fort to Sigatoka Bus Station costs 7 F $.

 

Back in Nadi, keep in mind that the Old City is good for walking.

 

From the Nadi Bus Station, every day including holidays, buses leave every 15 minutes, from sunrise to sunset, for Lautoka. Trip duration: 1 hour scarce. Cost of 1.55 F $. You need the rechargeable card to pay for it. I didn't have one but they let me on anyway and I paid in cash.

 

Lautoka turns well on foot.

 

From Bamboo Beach, located in the New Town of Nadi, I took a taxi at 4.00 am to reach the International Airport. Cost of the ride: 13 F $.

 

To leave Fiji it is necessary to present the completed form to the Airport Authorities. The exit stamp is not issued.

 

HONG KONG (CHINA)

 

At the International Airport of Nadi (Fiji), at the check in desk of the FIJI AIRWAYS Company, for the flight to Sydney (Australia), they asked me to show them the Airline reservation that certifies my return to Italy.

 

Punctual as never before leaves from the International Airport of Nadi (Fiji) at 7.00 a.m., my plane no. FJ 917, of the FIJI AIRWAYS Company, in the direction of Kingsford Smith Airport in Sydney - Australia (one way price Nadi - Hong Kong), including taxes, booked with the Qantas Company: F $ 1,122.20).

 

Breakfast is served on the aforementioned aircraft.

 

The duration of the flight is 4 hours 55 '.

 

Punctual arrival at 09.55 at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (Australia).

 

There are 8 hours of time zone, compared to Italy, when summer time is in force in Italy, 9 hours when winter time is in force.

 

If, as in my case, you stay in the transit area of ​​Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (Australia), you do not need a visa.

 

At Kingsford Smith Airport in Sydney (Australia), there is a security check (sometimes with a scanner) for those entering the transit area.

 

Punctual as never before leaves from Kingsford Smith Airport in Sydney (Australia), at 14.20 a.m., my plane no. QF 117, of the QANTAS Company in the direction of Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong (price one way Nadi - Hong Kong), taxes included, booked with the Qantas Company: 1,122.20 F $).

 

On the aforementioned aircraft, lunch is served and then a pizza.

 

The duration of the flight is 9 hours 40 '.

 

Punctual arrival at 22.00, at Terminal 1 of Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong.

 

There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.

 

To enter Hong Kong, which is an Autonomous Region of China, it is not necessary to have an entry visa, for business, study and tourism purposes up to 90 days. To enter the country, you must present a passport with six months of residual validity on the date of entry into the country (3 months for stays of up to 30 days) and the completed form indicating the address where you intend to stay. Keep in mind that the entry stamp is not affixed to your passport but you are given the receipt which you will then have to return when you leave the country.

 

Keep in mind that in Hong Kong, Malaria is not present.

 

In Hong Kong there is the Guide on the left, in English.

 

In Hong Kong, cell phones with Italian cards work.

 

At Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong (China) it is possible to withdraw money at ATMs, but it is also possible to exchange cash (Euros, US Dollars, Australian Dollars, Solomon Dollars and many other currencies), at the following exchange rate (1 Euro = 8.50 HKD, 1 USD = 7.34 HKD).

 

Languages: Chinese and English. However, the most widely spoken language remains Cantonese.

 

Religions: Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The majority of the population refers to the Taoist and Buddhist religion; a significant minority (about 536,000 faithful) recognize themselves in the Christian religion (300,000 Protestants and 236,000 Catholics). In addition, about 80,000 Muslims of Chinese, Pakistani, Indian, Malay and Indonesian origin, as well as 15,000 Hindus live in Hong Kong. Finally, there are small Sikh and Jewish communities.

 

In Hong Kong the police are generally kind to foreigners and do not bother them with requests for money.

The streets of Hong Kong are in excellent condition.

 

From Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong (China), located on Chek Lap Kok Island to reach the center of Hong Kong, the fastest solution, the most used, but not the cheapest, is to use the Airport Express Train which stops at Tsing Yi Island (70 HKD), Kowloon (105 HKD) and Central (130 HKD). Journey time 25 minutes to Central. Departures every 10-12 minutes from 6.00.a.m. at 1.00 a.m. Tickets can be bought at the desk or at the automatic machines. There are also various passes and season tickets.

 

From Kowloon subway station, I took a taxi to reach the Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, paying 30 HKD. The taxi meter was active

 

The Tsim Sha Tsui area is very busy and safe even at night and can be easily explored on foot.

 

From Tsim Sha Tsui Metro Station, I took the metro to reach Central. Duration of the ride 10 minutes. Departures every 5 minutes from 6.04.a.m. at 00.54 a.m. The ticket which costs 11 HKD can be bought at the desk or at the automatic machines. There are also various passes and season tickets.

 

The Central area is frequented only during business hours. Then it empties. Despite this, it appears safe even at night and can be walked well.

 

MACAO (CHINA)

 

To go to Macau from Hong Kong the fastest solution is to take a ferry. There are 2 companies that make this trip: Turbo Jet and Cotai Water Jet. Both have frequent connections every day, while at night only Turbo Jet operates from the Macau Ferry Terminal on Hong Kong Island.

At the Macau Ferry terminal it is necessary to pass the very fast passport control, handing the Receipt that was delivered to me at the Airport to the attendant.

Punctual as never before leaves from the Macau Ferry terminal of Hong Kong Island at 4.15 a.m., my Ferry, of the Turbo Jet Company, in the direction of the Macau Ferry Terminal in Macau (price one way, including taxes, booked through the internet: 211 HKD). I bought the ticket online, having already obtained the boarding pass but of course you can also buy it at the ticket office on site, bearing in mind that, however, especially on Sundays, ferries sometimes sell out.

 

The duration of the crossing is approximately 1 hour.

 

Punctual arrival at 05.15 am at the Macau Ferry Terminal in Macau.

 

There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.

 

To enter Macau, which is an Autonomous Region of China, it is not necessary to have an entry visa, for business, study and tourism purposes up to 90 days. To enter the country it is necessary to present a passport with six months of residual validity on the date of entry into the country (3 months for stays up to 30 days). Keep in mind that the entry stamp is not affixed to your passport but you are simply scanned anyway and then you are given the receipt certifying entry into the country which you will not have to return when you leave the country.

 

Keep in mind that in Macau, Malaria is not present.

 

In Macau there is a guide on the right.

 

In Macau, mobile phones with Italian cards work.

 

Macau's currency is the Pataca (MOP). The exchange rate is around 1 EURO for 8,97 Patacas. However, there is no need to change as the Hong Kong dollar (HK $) is accepted everywhere.

 

Languages: Cantonese. Mandarin Chinese is the official language along with Portuguese (although the latter is very little widespread). The English language is not very widespread.

 

Religions: Taoism and Buddhism for the majority of the population; there is a Christian minority.

 

In Macau the police are kind to foreigners and do not bother them with requests for money.

 

The streets of Macau are in excellent condition.

There are countless casinos in Macau.

Just outside the Macau Ferry Terminal, there are several Buses that run to the City Center. I took number 1B and got off in front of the Macau building: the Grand Lisboa Casino. The cost of the ride is 6 MOP. Of course, you can also pay with the Hong Kong dollar. You have to put the money in the box near the driver, bearing in mind that the same does not give change.

Macau is very good on foot and at least during the day it appears very safe. Its historic center has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

If you are heading from Macau by ferry to Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong (China), please note that when you check in with the ferry company you must hand over your airline electronik ticket so that you, at the aforementioned airport, can go directly to the gate without going through the Passport control.

To go to Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong (China) from Macau the fastest solution is to take a ferry. There are 2 companies that make this trip: Turbo Jet and Cotai Water Jet. Both make frequent connections every day, while they do not operate at night.

At the Macau Ferry terminal in Macau it is necessary to pass the very fast passport control, showing the Passport.

Punctual as never before from the Macau Ferry terminal in Macau at 9.30 am, my Ferry, of the Turbo Jet Company, in the direction of Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong (China) (one-way price, including taxes, booked through the internet: 270 HKD). I bought the ticket online, but of course it is also possible to buy it at the ticket office on site, bearing in mind that, however, especially on Sundays, the ferries sometimes sell out.

 

The duration of the crossing is approximately 1 hour.

 

Arrival on time at 10.30 am, at Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong (China), where by staying in the transit area you can check in, embark your luggage and obtain your boarding pass.

 

Then, after having passed the security check, you must go to the Desk for a refund of the 120 HKD fee, delivering the appropriate receipt that was given to you at the Check in Desk by your airline.

 

This leads to the gates.

 

Punctual as never before leaves from Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong (China) at 13.15, my plane no. OS68, of the Austrian Company, in the direction of Vienna Airport (Austria), (return price, booked with the Austrian Company, including taxes: Euro 659.39).

 

Lunch and breakfast are served on the aforementioned aircraft.

 

The duration of the flight is 12 hours 00 '.

 

Punctual arrival at 7.15 pm at Vienna Airport (Austria).

 

There are no time zone hours, compared to Italy.

 

At Vienna International Airport (Austria), there is no security check for those entering the transit area.

 

With a delay of 2 hours my plane no. 10 leaves from Vienna Airport (Austria) at 10.30 pm, instead of 8.30 pm OS 517, of the Austrian Company, in the direction of Terminal 1 of Malpensa Airport (Va), (return price, booked with the Austrian Company, including taxes: Euro 659.39).

 

A small snack is served on the aforementioned aircraft.

 

The duration of the flight is 1 hour 25 '.

 

I arrive 2 hours late and then at 11.55 pm at Terminal 1 of Malpensa Airport (Va), where my journey ends.

 

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

https://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2019/01/viaggio-in-papa-nuova-guinea-wewak.html