Siassi

Siassi is a small island district in Morobe Province, located in the Vitiaz Strait between the mainland Huon Peninsula and Umboi Island. The district centre is on Siassi Island (also known as Arop Island or Tuam), a small raised-coral island surrounded by fringing reef. The population is mainly Siassi-speaking and Austronesian in origin — their culture is maritime, oriented toward the sea for transport and subsistence, with traditional knowledge of sailing, navigation, and inter-island trade.

Siassi is extremely remote. It has an airstrip, a health centre, and a market. For travellers, it is a base for exploring Umboi Island, the Siassi Islands group, and the undeveloped reefs of the Vitiaz Strait.

By Plane

Siassi Airstrip on Arop Island has charter flights from Lae (MAF).

By Train

Limited Information available

By Car / Road

Limited Information available

Boat is the only practical transport between the Siassi islands and Umboi. Walking on the islands.

• Siassi Islands — a group of small, palm-fringed coral islands with turquoise lagoons and fringing reefs.

• Umboi Island — a large volcanic island visible from Siassi, with the active Langila volcano and extensive rainforest.

• Snorkelling and diving — the Vitiaz Strait reefs are largely unexplored by recreational divers and offer exceptional coral and fish life.

• Umboi Island day trips — boat trips to Umboi's volcano, crater lakes, and villages.

• WWII relic hunting — the Vitiaz Strait was a major WWII shipping lane; wrecks and debris are found on the reefs.

• Siassi guesthouse — reef fish, taro, and coconut. K20–50.
• Village food — fresh reef fish and sago.

Bottled water and coconut.

• Budget: Siassi rest house or village guesthouse — K50–100/night.

Siassi Market — fish, coconuts, and produce. Limited trade stores.

• Finschhafen (by boat, 4–6 hr) — Huon Peninsula town with WWII history.
• Umboi Island (by boat, 1–2 hr) — volcanic island with hot springs and trekking.
• Lae (charter flight 40 min) — Morobe capital.