Loloata Island. A name that sounds rather unusual to ears unaccustomed to local consonants. Loloata is the union of two words in Motu (a language spoken in the Central Province): Loloa, which means hill, and Ta, which means the number one.

However, rather than a hill, it resembles a thin strip of land lying on the water, just a few miles from the Papua New Guinea coast and less than twenty kilometers from Port Moresby.

ilefabuleuse1 — *Loloata Island – ©️Loloata Dive Resort*

To get there, we have to take a ferry that crosses the body of water in just over half an hour. This gives us plenty of time to admire the surroundings: the coast crowned with mountains wrapped in clouds, the scattered islands, with the very remarkable Lion Island, which gets its name from its distinctive shape that we readily agree with. Indeed, we can easily imagine the "king of the animals" resting like a sphinx, facing the vast ocean.

Finally, we dock and excitedly disembark. Our eyes scan the landscape before us. A small beach in the foreground, followed by a white building, and in the distance, the silhouette of the island fades into the ocean far away.

On the outskirts of the island, between the mangroves, there are cabins on stilts, like little bungalows on the terraces where the resort's residents lazily relax. Indeed, many come to Loloata to enjoy the hotel facilities and its services. It's true that spending the night here is a luxury must.

ilefabuleuse2 — *Loloata Island – ©️Loloata Dive Resort*

All that’s left is to walk the hundred meters of this magnificent dock to finally reach the fabulous hotel lobby. A statue of a Papua warrior greets us, followed by an aquarium where a multitude of tropical fish, including the famous clownfish, swim joyfully. Above, giant fans spin lazily.

Finally, the pool comes into view, making our mouths water. No hesitation, we hurry towards its edge. We spot small alcoves lining the pool, like baskets, in which we can easily imagine lounging. The nap is already planned and located.

On the other side, a giant playground for the kids and a dive club. Hmm, that gives ideas! Finally, in the distance, amidst the crystal-clear water, we can spot kayaks. Yes, the day is shaping up wonderfully!

ilefabuleuse3 — *Loloata Island's beach*

When the sun loses its strength, it’s time to explore the surroundings. We’re told that a walk along the ridge of this long island is possible and will allow us to reach a natural beach at the other end.

Moreover, it seems that a colony of marsupials has made its home in the small groves. Wallabies, the little cousins of kangaroos, are comfortable on the steep slopes of the island. That’s enough to convince us to climb the few steps of the staircase that rises along the hill.

ilefabuleuse4 — *A much sought-after shade on Loloata Island*

As we climb, a grand landscape unfolds: a scattering of islands here and there, and the sight of an endless expanse of water in all directions. We have the incredible feeling of being on a piece of land that has detached from the coast.

In the distance, hidden by an unshakable band of clouds, the peaks of the mountains where the Varirata National Park is nestled, a place we know well. It’s likely that next weekend, we’ll be there, and will recognize Loloata from the lookout, thanks to its distinctive shape.

ilefabuleuse5 — *On the heights of Loloata Island*

Finally, in front of us, the path begins to take shape. It’s a single trail bordered by cliffs on both the right and left. Our thirst for discovery leads us to embark on it without the slightest hesitation.

At certain points, the trees completely cover us, and we could believe we’re in a ‘classic’ forest. The rest of the time, the view opens up completely, and the impression is entirely different. Like tightrope walkers, we move along the trail, gazing to our left and right at the vastness of the sea. We could think we’re walking on the waves, so narrow is the path and so steep the surroundings.

Suddenly, a sound comes from the bushes below, surely a wallaby fleeing. We quickly approach and spot one of them, slower than the others, allowing us to admire it. Feeling watched, it dashes off and disappears into the bushes. What agility! The terrain is steep, but no doubt the animal will avoid falling into the abyss.

We continue along our path, eventually reaching the end. When we reach the barrier marking the end of the trail, we are suddenly overwhelmed by the wind that lashes at our faces. It’s hard to stay any longer, yet the view is literally... breathtaking. After a quick photo, we turn back because the island is simply too narrow to justify a second trail.

Back at the resort for a well-deserved ice cream by the pool and a long-awaited nap. Then, the time to return has come. We board the 5:00 PM boat (the last of the day) that will take us back to a much larger island, the island of New Guinea.

Loloata Island: The treasures of a fabulous island!

Koitaki Country Club: A haven of peace!