Normanby Island

Normanby Island is a large mountainous island in the D'Entrecasteaux Islands group of Milne Bay Province, located between Goodenough Island and the mainland. It is roughly 50 km long and covered in tropical rainforest and coconut plantations. The population is around 5,000, living in villages along the coast. The island's administrative centre is at Esa'ala on the northeastern side.

Normanby is one of the least-developed of the major Milne Bay islands. It has no sealed roads, no airstrip of any size (Esa'ala has a grass strip for charters only), and very basic services.

By Boat

Charter boat from Alotau (2–3 hr) or from Esa'ala for nearby islands.

By Plane

Esa'ala airstrip for charter from Alotau.

Walking. PMV trucks on rough tracks. Boats are the main transport between villages.

• Normanby forest — primary lowland and hill rainforest with good birdlife.

• Coastal villages — traditional stilt houses and outrigger canoes.

• Birdwatching — the island holds Milne Bay endemic bird species.

• Village stays — Esa'ala can arrange homestays in coastal villages.

• Esa'ala guesthouse — fish, taro, and coconut. K20–50.

Bottled water.

• Budget: Esa'ala rest house — K60–100/night.

No shops beyond trade stores. Bring supplies.

• Esa'ala — Normanby Island's main settlement.
• Alotau (2–3 hr by boat) — Milne Bay capital.
• Goodenough Island (by boat, 1–2 hr) — neighbouring island.