Star Dancer's home "port" is at the Walindi Plantation & Resort Walindi, located on the shores of Kimbe Bay, Northern New Britain, Papua New Guinea.  New Britain is the largest of Papua New Guinea's Islands and it is from the Walindi Plantation and Resort that the vast majority of the year's cruises depart out of.

Here, fern draped bungalows nestle amongst the rainforest along the beach front. Walindi is not a large Dive Resort and that's the way owner Max Benjamin likes to keep it. Catering to a maximum of twenty-four guests means you receive the undivided attention you deserve, yet the freedom to feel every dive has been made for you alone. Good company, great food, friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere provide a perfect background while you enjoy the delights of Kimbe Bay diving.

Walindi's accommodation consists of 12 self contained, comfortable bure style bungalows spread along the beach front, and surrounded by rainforest gardens. The bungalows are constructed of local materials and timbers, with thatched roofs. They are all fully screened, with private bathroom, a kitchenette with tea and coffee making facilities, and ceiling fans. Laundry service daily is included in the tariff.

The central resort area consist of dining room, lounge and bar area, swimming pool and sun deck, and administration offices. The dining room offers three meals daily (included in the tariff), and fare is Western and Asian style buffet meals, delicious and plentiful, featuring local seafoods, fruits and vegetables. Meals are at set times .... special dietary requests will be accommodated wherever possible, just let the Manageress know of your needs.

There is a large reference library, encompassing marine life and photography books, local terrestrial life and history information, and a small fiction selection.

The bar is fully stocked, and open most of the day. Please note that bar beverages are not included in the tariff.

Walindi Diving has three day dive boats operating from the resort daily.
There are also tennis courts at the resort, and racquets and balls are provided. The resort can also arrange a game of golf at the local Kimbe course, or a visit to the hot springs.

Accommodation: 12 x Beachfront Bungalows with private facilities, available as single, twin double or triple rooms. 3 x Plantation Lodge rooms with bathrooms, available as single, twin, or double rooms.

Lounge and library: Situated in the main Plantation House, with comfortable seating and extensive range of marine, fiction and non-fiction literature.

Bar: Comprehensive with mixed drinks, beer and a selection of wines.

Coffee and tea: Tea and freshly ground coffee available at all times in the dining room. Coffee and tea making facilities also available in bungalows.

Meal times: Breakfast 7:30 am to 9:00 am; Lunch 12:30 pm, Dinner 7:30 pm. Children's meals are available earlier upon request.

Power: 24 hours power supplied by 240V 50Hz generator. Special charging facilities available at dive shop.

Water: Spring water at Walindi is perfectly sound and completely free of added chemicals.

Laundry: Included at no extra charge and laundry bags are provided in each bungalow.

Baby sitting and child minding: Available day or night please inquire.

Recreational facilities:

Swimming pool - next to the lounge area.
Scuba Diving - operates every day on a 2 or 3 dive per day basis.
Comprehensive equipment available for hire from dive shop.
Snorkeling equipment - available for hire.
Swimming - anywhere is suitable - the pool or jetty.
Boating - outboard powered boats available for hire with a driver.
Fishing - available with a guide.
Walking: casual walks with a guide available.
Tennis court - next to main house - racquets and balls available for guest use.
Video: Small library - culture and diving.

Airport:  Hoskins Airport is located 60km from the resort and is a 60 minute scenic drive that allows guests see the surrounding area.
Airport transfers are provided in the resort's air-condintioned mini-busses.  Cost for airport transfers are NOT included in the room rates and are sold separately.

Artifacts: A range of artifacts and souvenirs available for sale.

History: The Plantation that surrounds Walindi was originally established in 1935. The old Plantation was purchased by the current owners, Max and Cecily Benjamin, in 1969. In 1983 Walindi Plantation Resort was born out of the interest of visiting local and overseas scuba divers who recognized the incredible quality of diving that this area has. Since this time Walindi has become world famous for its diving and hospitality

Reservations:  Please ask a Peter Hughes Diving Reservations Agent for assistance with bookings at the Walindi Plantation & Resort.

When the M/V Star Dancer embarks or disembarks at the port of Rabaul on the Gazelle Peninsula, guest may enjoy an extended stay at the Kaivuna Resort or the Rabaul Hotel.

Rabaul Hotel

Located beneath the hills of Rabaul that surround Simpson Harbour, the Rabaul Hotel has been hosting visitors to the area since 1952. Formerly known as The Ascot, it was renamed the Hamamas (happy in Pidgin English) when purchased by the Chan family in the 1970s.

After being severely damaged by fire in 1984 the hotel was rebuilt by the McGrade family in partnership with Sir Julius Chan, then Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. In 2005, the Hotel returned to it's birthright and renamed the Rabaul Hotel for posterity. The Rabaul Hotel is now fully owned and operated by Susie McGrade and her "Adventurer" husband Bruce Alexander.

The Rabaul Hotel is situated 45 minutes from the Tokua Airport in Kokopo. Featuring 34 hotel rooms and catering for all budgets, the hotel's atmosphere reflects a blend of Rabaul culture (the Tolai people), and its more recent Chinese and Australian influences. Rabaul Hotel is perfectly situated for visitors wanting to discover the many unique experiences Rabaul has to offer.

The Hotel is within walking distance to the markets, historical sites, and is just 20 metres from the bus stop providing direct access to the surrounding attractions. Catering for business travellers or visitors with a special interest in war history, volcanoes, indigenous culture, the islands, diving, fishing, trekking or golf, Rabaul Hotel is the perfect base to discover a town shaped by an amazing and dramatic natural and social history.

Hotel Facilities:

• Phoenix Restaurant, Specialising in Asian cuisine. Extensive Western menu also available.
• Lounge Bar with billiard table.
• Casino machines.
• 20m all weather swimming pool.
• Budget Car Hire, Discounts available to in house guests.
• Local Tours catering for all budgets.
• Conference facilities for 150 people.
• Telephone and email.

  The excitement of the "firedancers" and the "dukduk" ceremonies of Rabaul are legendary and well worth seeing. For a real glimpse of the local culture, take a short walk to the "bung wantaim" markets, where Rabaulians trade their crafts and produce.

  Rabaul Hotel - Proprietors are Sue and Bruce Alexander
  

  Please ask a Peter Hughes Diving Reservations Agent for assistance with bookings at the Rabaul Hotel.