Ninigo Islands - Pets

Where are the Ninigo Islands?

The Ninigo Islands is a group of thirty-one islands lying 140 miles north-east of Vanimo and fifty nautical miles northwest of the Hermit Islands.

Many cruisers have described a stop here as one of their standout highlights in sailing the Pacific Ocean. The people are friendly, warm, kind and welcoming.

By nature they will not trade, but will happily share the spoils of their gardens with you, not wanting anything in return. Rainwater, if available, can be obtained.

Having so little, yachts can make a great difference and help in any which way they can. Popular items include clothes, rice, sugar, flour, soap, washing powder, rope, fish hooks, epoxy, tarpaulin and used sails.

Entrance Notes and Cautions:

If travelling the north coast of Papua New Guinea – beware of floating logs and trees in the water between Biak in West Papua, Indonesia and the outer islands including the Ninigo Islands.  Cruisers have reported large pieces of isolated timber and then whole trees in tide lines over 70 nm from the mainland of West Papua. Some of these timber strewn tide lines reported to be over two miles long.  Read the following report from March 2025.

• Floating Logs and Trees Create Navigation Hazard Along the North Coast

Mal

The main island of Mal is located at S1°23.778' E144°10.380. It has a school, small clinic, and even an airstrip, but this is very rarely used. The island has no source of income as the coconut and fishing trade have dried up. It is therefore self-reliant being supported by subsidies from the government.

The nearest town for supplies is Lorengau on the island of Manus, a trip of 200 nautical miles in open and often rough seas which islanders undertake in banana boats using little more than a compass.

The main village is located on the western tip and it is here where the Warden Michael Tahalam lives. Michael looks after the telephone for the island of Mal: +675 2765442. A well-kept sand footpath leads to the other end of the island with some beautiful small villages en-route.

At the other end of the island is the village of Puhipi where Thomas and Richard Ailis keep a log book of all visiting yachts and particularly enjoy hosting yachts.

Islanders use outrigger canoes to commute between the islands to keep in touch. Read about the Great Ninigo Islands Canoe Race which takes place in August and is well worth timing your visit for. See PNG Events.

Other Islands

Other popular islands to visit include Logan Island (ask for Oscar) and Phinun Island.

Position:

01° 23.53'S 144° 10.82'E (anchorage)

Last updated:  March 2025