Overlooking a bay of reef-fringed, deep blue water and framed by stands of tall tropical trees and the occasional fruit tree, is an outdoor setting that can be enjoyed while sipping post-dive drinks or watching the resident pod of dolphins that seem to visit the bay every day. Tawali is located in a secluded area of Milne Bay, surrounded by local fishing villages and accessible only by boat. Built on a limestone bluff eighty feet above the water, Tawali offers guests a private retreat in which to enjoy the wonders of the area. The resort was constructed by local craftsmen, and you will find beautifully carved totems and woodwork in the spacious main lodge and throughout the resort.
Covered walkways connect guest bungalows, each complete with a private balcony overlooking Hoia Bay. The air-conditioned bungalows are spacious, featuring two queen beds and rosewood interiors that include desks, closets, and lounge areas. Each room has a personal safe and coffee-making facilities. The bathrooms are modern, fully tiled, and equipped with solar-heated water.
Outer reef dives in Milne Bay offer divers a chance to explore beautiful pinnacles with abundant and varied marine life, as well as walls with anemones, sea fans, sharks, and other large pelagics. All dives are within a 25 to 40-minute boat ride from Tawali and include three tank dives, with lunch served on the boat or on nearby islands, where guests can explore on their own. Outer reef diving is done from the comfort of a 37-foot catamaran with a maximum of 12 divers.
Coastal Day Dives include the best muck diving in Milne Bay, as well as wonderful walls adorned with soft corals, large sea fans, anemones with clownfish, and large pelagics, such as hammerheads and whale sharks. Trips are scheduled for mornings and afternoons, with two dives per trip. By booking both the morning and afternoon charter (4 dives), guests can enjoy a free night dive.
If you still have the energy after diving, guides will take you on a forty-minute hike through the lush forest to beautiful waterfalls, where guests can take a break for a snack and a dip in the pool before heading down. Alternatively, you can walk through areas dense with beautiful orchids and lush vegetation. Don’t be surprised to see some amazing birds, as there are 269 species of birds in Milne Bay alone.