Misima

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Misima was one of the most prosperous islands in the region, providing employment for many islanders at the local gold mine until it closed a few years back. Today, it remains one of the most developed parts of the region, and Bwagoia provides key infrastructure for the entire region.

Bwagoia Harbour

Approximate Location: Lat/Long: 10°42'S / 152°51'E

Anchorage

Bwagoia Harbour provides good holding in thick mud and is reasonably sheltered. Beware of vessels berthed at the wharves, as they often have anchor lines extending into the bay. Also be careful of the depths north of the dinghy pontoon and close to the mangroves on the eastern side of the bay. There are several underwater obstructions which are usually marked by sticks or buoys in the shallow northern part of the bay, and the mangroves to the east appear to be growing in mud on a rocky ledge.

It is advisable to thoroughly secure your boat when going ashore as there have been thefts reported from yachts at Bwagoia.

If there are many yachts in the anchorage, it may be best to set a stern anchor as there is only enough room for a few yachts to swing. Shallow draft multi-hulls can anchor fairly comfortably bow-in to the eastern mangrove bank, however mono-hulls will find it more comfortable to lie with the the bow pointing towards the harbour entrance due to the small swell that sometimes rolls through the harbour.

Facilities

Bwagoia offers the following facilities:

• flights to/from mainland PNG
• fuel (diesel, unleaded, zoom)
• general store
• police station & lockup
• hospital
• guesthouse
• bakery
• post office
• farmer's market
• Westpac bank (local accounts and foreign exchange only)

Bwagoia Harbour

Activities

Walks

Starting at the fuel depot there is a nice short walk along the waterfront to a rocky point close to the harbour entrance.

People

• Joel runs the local fuel depot. His rastafarian style dreadlocks and cheerful grin make him fairly easy to find on the Bwagoia waterfront.
• Keith Parascos runs the Misima Guesthouse and Bakery. Keith is a prominent local figure, and the organiser of the annual Showcase Misima cultural festival.

Pem Pewa Ceremony at the Misima Showcase 2009

Other Villages & Anchorages

Misima is a very large island, and provides numerous anchorages around its perimeter.