Accommodation Goroka

[Luci]

My husband and I will be traveling to Goroka September 11 to 18.

I am looking for safe accommodation that is NOT in a fancy hotel. Budget accommodation, Easy going places, Accommodation with locals, a place that is relatively close to the Festival would be great.

Any suggestions?

New to PNG - Luci

[muppie]

Are you referring to the Goroka Festival? I heard some rumours that this year's festival is going to be cancelled. I'll ask someone who knows better and let you know.

[Luci]

Yes, Goroka Festival. That would be so disapppointing. A similar one is supposed to take place in Mt Hagen...?

[aussie]

Definitely NOT CANCELLED

The show will be hosted on the 17,18 & 19 September.If you need to book accomodation or transportation, we can arrange or book your hotel rooms.

[Luci]

Happy New Year 2004, Gail !

Many thanks for your reply, aussie. We will be looking for accommodation, but do not wish to stay in a fancy hotel.
So far, I was told of the Lutheran Guest House and the Goroka lodge offered as more modest residences.
I have also heard of staying with local families which would be an even more desirable alternative, but have received no replies from enquiries I have made around. Are you familiar with this type of arrangement?
Looking forward to visiting Papua,
thanks for your help.
Luci

[aussie]

Good morning Gail,

My family and I live in Goroka Town and will be more than happy to
accommodate them if they want to live in town and do their site visits.

However if they want to stay in a typical village setting, I can arrange
that as well.

It may be a good idea to talk to this lady and find out what she and her
family wants or are looking for in terms of accommodation and than take it
from there.

Can you find from her and advise me or better still, get her to contact me.

Cheers,
FIVA

[Luci]

Hi aussie,
Hello Fiva!

Here are more details about our visit to Goroka.
We (only my husband and I) plan to be in Papua from approximately September 11 to 19, 2004.
Ideally, we would like to experience a village stay for about 4 days and then, be in Goroka for the festival on Sept. 17, 18, 19.

Our accommodation needs are simple : basic, clean and safe environment is fine. In Goroka, proximity to the festival would be a plus. Hotel accommodation is not required.
We usually enjoy local food, walking around and getting to know people living in the area. I would much appreciate communicating with Fiva.

Cheers.
Luci

[aussie]

Hi Luci, I have just sent you a private message giving you his email address.....

Let us know if you are still experiencing any problems...

[Able]

I visited the Goroka Lodge over Christmas and it looks clean and tidy but the approach to it leaves a lot to be desired especially for someone who hasn't experienced the back streets of suburban PNG.

You would definitely need to have transport to get to and from the show if you stayed there. I would go for the “home stay” with Fiva.

I went to the show last year (2003) on the first day and it was a mud bath. I was glad I had taken some very old shoes with me to wallow in the mud.

I recommend paying the K100 for a "photographers" pass. It allows you at least half a day direct access to the arena until the locals sneak past the security.

[Luci]

Thanks very much for the kind advice, Able. The suggestion of a photographer's pass is appreciated as well.

I definitely wish to go for the stay with a family living in the area idea, I think both parties stand to learn a lot from each other.

Where else did you go/what else did you do in PNG?

Cheers,
Luci