Destinations/Papua New Guinea/Ambua Lodge
Ambua Lodge
7000 feet up in the Hela Province — home to the famous Huli wigmen and 13 different species of Bird of Paradise.
Ambua Lodge is situated at 7000 feet (2100 metres) up in the Hela Province of Papua New Guinea. It is home to the famous Huli wigmen, with their human hair wigs adorned with colorful bird of paradise feathers. The main lodge building houses the bar, dining and lounge areas and a cozy central fireplace.
About the lodge
Ambua was the recipient of the 1991 Pacific Asia Travel Association’s Pacific Heritage Award, which cited Ambua Lodge as a superb example of culturally sensitive and ecologically responsible tourism. Ambua has 24-hour, eco-friendly electricity, provided by its own hydroelectric power plant that generates clean, natural energy from a nearby mountain stream.
Accommodation
Guests are accommodated in thirty round houses, set amongst landscaped gardens and built almost exclusively from natural materials. Each unit features 180-degree picture windows to soak in the view, and en-suite bathrooms. Guests can also be accommodated in a two-story block of 18 modern hotel rooms. Electric blankets and continental quilts are provided for the cool highland evenings.
Birdwatching
A favored destination amongst birders, Ambua’s rainforests have been the star of many a wildlife documentary. An incredible 217 species have been recorded here, and Ambua is home to 13 different species of Bird of Paradise. Ambua employs knowledgeable local birding guides and caters for all interest levels — from early morning birding excursions for guests on more culturally orientated tours, keen to catch a glimpse of these spectacular birds, to fully specialized birding tours tailored to the seasoned enthusiast.
Huli villages and hiking
The lodge arranges culturally based excursions to nearby Huli villages, where one can learn about and observe the everyday life of the Huli, as well as the peculiarities of their traditions and beliefs. Guests tour in comfortable Toyota Hiace and Coaster buses and are accompanied at all times by experienced and knowledgeable Huli guides from the local area, so as to make the experience all the more educational and rewarding. Besides birdwatching, hiking is also a popular activity.
Around Ambua Lodge
A round house room, a Huli wigman and a Blue Bird of Paradise.
Ready to stay at Ambua Lodge?
Tell us your dates and party size and we’ll build it into your Papua New Guinea itinerary.