Theo's Guide & Wantok Tours

27/02/2024

For ecotourism workshops and how to incorporate agriculture and tourism into a SME business, please email: [email protected]
We look forward to provide tourism capacity at all Ward and District Levels.

25/02/2024

Another milestone! This is to inform our valued clients and industry partners that we are now listed on Discover PNG - a Corporate Member of the PNG Tourism Industry Association and BreakFreePNG platform.
You are now assured of all our tours in Madang, Sepik and the rest of PNG.
For tour enquiries email: [email protected] or Mobile: +675 79756166 /WhatsApp.

Theo's Guide & Wantok Tours specialized in organizing advance logistical support for eco-friendly tours and arranging trips for nature and cultural village experiences within Madang province. Tours include Cultural & Nature tours, Hiking & tropical forest walk, Full-day & half day tour programs, Min...

25/02/2024

Did you know?? Madang uses 173 languages - Making it the province with the highest number of languages in Papua New Guinea. 🇵🇬🇵🇬🇵🇬

“Gude na Halo”

Today we celebrate International Day of Mother Tongue.

Papua New Guinea is the most linguistically diverse country in the world with a record 840 languages are spoken in PNG. Tok Pisin and Hiri Motu being the most used.

Did you know?
🔸 Madang uses 173 languages – making it the province with the highest number of languages. Some of these languages have less than 1000 speakers.

🔸The language of Rotokas in North Bougainville, is known to have only 11 letters. This makes it the smallest alphabet.

Below is a link to a map outlining where different languages are located across PNG.
https://www.muturzikin.com/cartesoceanie/oceanie2.htm

25/02/2024

Flash back 4 yours ago, it was a honour to have handled one of our high class clients from PNG TPA.. A testimony and comment from Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority: "Thank you Theo's Guide & Wantok Tours for providing our agents a memorable experience.."

13/02/2024

We are now offering tours to the Sepik region. If you are interested to take an adventure on a Sepik River Expedition in a dug out canoe or to witness an Initiation Ceremony or simply to visit a House Tambaran (Spirit House) and it's cultural significance, then you have come to the right page.
For our 2024 tours or enquiries please email [email protected]

We encourage group tours of atleast 5 to 9pax.

13/02/2024

A glimpse of the coastline of Astrolabe Bay.
On 13-14th October 2023, my team and I was
previliged to be given the opportunity to scout a remote part of Rai Coast District at Bugadjip to promote a neglected tourism site of historical significance. This request was first made possible through our second time participation in one of Divine Word University's Liklik Diwai Tourism Expo in 2019.

As a local registered tour operator, I was also able to give exposure and capacity to my local team of guides from Rai Coast, Sumkar/Bogia and Madang Districts. Theo's Guide & Wantok Tours was asked to do a write up and a possible tour itinerary to further develop and market couple of historical sites sharring history with Russia and Germany. It was a no mistake and under our initiative of 'Kirapim Tourism Madang', we did not wait for funding but to help the people freely who asked for our services to help promote and redevelop the sites and as a recovery program from the global pandemic. One of these sites was at Garagassi where a first European voyager made first contact with the people of Madang some 150 years ago.
The first European to spend any length
of time on the PNG mainland was a Russian
biologist Nickolay Miklouho-Maclay who arrived at Astrolabe Bay, south of the present
site of Madang in 1871. He stayed for 15
months before leaving to regain his health,
which was badly affected by malaria. He then
came back on two more visits, one in 1876 and the last of his visit was in 1883.
Maclay lived with Gorendu-Bongu people to help humanity and record the unique cultural heritage of the people along the Maclay (Rai) Coast. With his fame, the district of Rai Coast was named in his honor.
For tours, weekend village getaways or excursions, email: [email protected]

30/09/2023

Now, here's the real Will Smith who just arrived in Papua New Guinea's New Ireland province.
As an industry player, I once advocated for film tourism to be boosted in our country during my Tourism Fellowship Program in Hawaii and Washington DC and participated with other young global leaders from around the world. Seeing Will Smith's feeds going viral on many of PNG's social media pages makes me proud of our country's stance and support for the film industry and it's relationship to promoting tourism at a higher level.
Back in October 2019, I had the previlige to meet with some of the Hollywood Film Crews in Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii where they film most of the famous Hollywood movies like Jurrasic Park, Godzilla, Skull Island, Mysterious Island, King Kong and the list. During my second day in Kualoa, I had a chance to witness crews acting the famous TV series of The Magnum PI film. The film Location Manager, Mr. Kevin Foster and I had a good discussion on PNG's huge potential in tapping into movie production and film tourism. Kevin pointed out that our country has a huge potential for film industry and to attract big players like Hollywood. Given the abundant natural resources with rich cultural diversity and the exotic geographical locations we have on the equator.
For Will Smith and his film crew, it is not a mistake to have set foot on PNG soil as this will further boost networking in the film industry through National Film Institute and in partnership with Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority with local industry players to promote tourism in PNG through the filming industry.
Welcome to the Land of the unexpected. Welcome Will Smith! 👍🇵🇬🇺🇸

27/09/2023

It's a World Tourism Day today. Happy World Tourism Day to all our vauled tourism families and network!

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐃𝐚𝐲! 🌍

We're sharing a message from our WFTGA Board. As tourist guides, we are truly honoured to be ambassadors of our countries and guiding regions, telling compelling stories, sharing unique cultures, languages and heritage. May we remain resilient and continue to practice our craft with professionalism and an infectious enthusiasm!

You're welcome to tag us in your photos today and don't forget to use the collaboration function on Instagram.

12/08/2021

Had an opportunity to meet with the Australian High Commissioner, his Excellency Jon Philp and his deligates over a morning breakfast at the Madang Resort Hotel. Thank you Australia Awards and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for highlighting our story and some of the challenges we are going through due to the global pandemic.

01/02/2020

My kids on the weekend out, enjoying the fast flowing, clear crystal pool so chilled and refreshing after a trek through the Ikomandu EcoMountain Adventure. Surrounded by the tropical jungle and thick Moses and fans that is truly authentic in nature and serenity.

If my kids can do it, you can do it too! Come and experience the ecomountain adventure for yourself!

26/01/2020

"Look deep into nature, you will understand everything better."
~Einstein~
Photos from Ikomandu-Halopa EcoMountaun Adventure.

20/01/2020

Garamut drums are traditional instruments used traditionally as medium of communication and as iconic musical instruments in the northern areas of Papua New Guinea.
They are carved from a tree trunk hollowed out via the narrow slit along the top to create the resonating chamber.
They are pounded with blunt sticks to create complex rhythms, which act as a communicative but codified language capable of transmitting information over many kilometres between villages to announce visitors, a person’s death, and invitations to festivities or to issue warnings.

Today, I was given a previlige to witness the festivity of a newly carved garamut which will be used to give signal of incoming tourists into to the villages for the EcoMountain Adventures. It will also be used as an iconic traditional musical instrument. See video footage of and photograph of our newly carved garamut ready and on standby to showcase to interested ecotourists.

Theo's Guide & Wantok Tours, promoting, preserving and reviving our authentic cultures through the reach of tourism!
For tours, email: [email protected]

11/01/2020

Thank you PNG Australia-Alumni Association and the Australia Awards for giving us an exposure to market rural ecotourism destination through our SPV strategy:

04/01/2020

For nature and authentic cultural experience, email: [email protected]
A proud Registered Member of the PNG Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA).
Services highlights:
EcoTours| Ecotourism development|Ecotourism Workshops |Educational EcoTours for School Excursions |Diving |Snorkeling |Hiking |EcoMountain Adventures |Mini Caving | Waterfall experiences |Birding |Village Stays |Traditional Pottery |Traditional Pig Killing | Koniak (Kava) Tasting |Tropical Butterfly Farm | Cultural Sing Sing entertainment | Bamboo Band Entertainment |Local Taditional Cousine | Historical Tours |Guided Tours | Escorted Tours |Scouting & Advance Tour Planning |Memorable Experience

30/12/2019

Thank you PNGTPA for twitting Theo's Guide & Wantok Tours on your PNG Journey Twitter's page. It was awesome indeed that your agents had an authentic cultural experience connecting with our local tribes in Madang! Stay connect for 2020 tours in Madang and PNG :)

https://twitter.com/pngjourneys/status/1182539889797148672

28/12/2019

As a new rivalry, we would like to take this time to thank all our Followers, Fans and Friends for your great support in expanding our network reaching the unreach through the power of responsible tourism.
We have now reached over 300 Likes without any sponsored advertisements or boosts.
Thank you all for been part of our 2019 Journey!!
We look forward to traveling with you all with beautiful rays in the upcoming year and wish you a very Prosperous 2020! :)

24/12/2019

As an 100% locally owned Tourism SME, Theo's Guide & Wantok Tours would like to wish and acknowledge all its industry partners in 2019 mainly PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, PNG Tourism Industry Association, Melanesian Tourist Services, Niugini Dive Adventures, Madang Resort Hotel, Jome Hire Cars, West Aitape Inland Grassroots Development, Snow Pass Ecolodge, and all its local key stake holders and international clients a very Mery Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

May tourism be a driving change for Papua New Guinea with a concerted collaborative effort by all to make the industry more conducive, vibrant and accessible to all in the coming year 2020!

Photograph here is a magnificent sunrise view from the beautiful Aitape District, West Sepik Province of PNG. Captured today on 24th December 2019.

09/12/2019

While in the United States and other developed countries, Hollywood stars would be bombarded by the paparazzi, where as in Papua New Guinea the Hollywood stars are surrounded by the friendly local people and a little much privacy in their own world.

PNG as the 'LAND OF THE UNEXPECTED' in the last couple of days has been given a surprise of a Hollywood star as a special visitor into the country, and that is none other than Zac Efron.
On his travels in the remote areas and the love for the nature and the geographic environment of the land of the unexpected, the Hollywood star is said to do his own scouting with the help of his guide Cyril Tara (my network of guides in the Sepik) to do his next movie production in Papua New Guinea.

The New York Post reports that Efron will be "going into survival mode with his new Quibi series, ‘Killing Zac Efron'."
The new adventure show, starring and executive produced by Efron, will feature the East High School alum venturing "deep into the jungles of a remote, dangerous island to carve his own name in expedition history".
"In true ‘Man vs. Wild' fashion, Efron is ready to go all in and rid himself of all luxuries, falling off the grid for 21 days with nothing but basic gear, a guide partner and a will to survive," as reported by the New York Post.

The actor looks forward to thrive under extreme circumstances and seeks out opportunities that would challenge him on every levels. Efron is excited to explore uncharted territory and discover what unexpected adventure really means!

PNG as the unique country of a million journey that has over 800 languages and diverse cultures, with world's second largest forest to that of the Amazon, is not a mistake for the Actor Zac Efron to step on shores of Papua New Guinea!

14/10/2019

Have you ever seen a 'green lizard'? Have you ever tasted a 'green coconut' to 'dried coconut' (Copra)? or simply get to learn how the coconut is harvested and dried in the mill as part of the cash-crops for some of our host communities? Or simply take a relaxation near the sea-side or go take a tropical forest hike and swim in a cool refreshing pool or take a mini-caving expedition or simply observe the early morning sunrise or sunset? Or visit some of the historical sites and sites of significance! Such sites include places where English film director, Pierce Brosnan directed his movie Robinson Crusoe and acted some of the scenes in this part of our world! With Theo's Guide & Wantok Tours, you have the chance to see it all or even get to mix around with the locals enjoying a totally different culture and authentic experience in a true local, PNG hospitality!
Theo's Guide & Wantok Tours, creating positive impact on the local host communities.

03/10/2019

With the support from the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) and in partnership with PNG Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA), it was a great honor to handle nature, cultural and scuba-diving tours for our very high profile clients from the Asian Markets prior and during the 7th Lukim Nau PNG Expo in Madang province, Papua New Guinea.

The Scuba Diving Tour included 3 Boat Dives for scuba diving with Padi Dive Masters in partnership with Niugini Dive Adventures and MTS.

The full two-day tours included visits to our very own Nettai Butterfly Farm, Traditional Pottery & Demonstration, Botanical Gardens & Sulfuric Creek, and two authentic cultural performances from Hobe and the Mudug Tribe in the South Ambenob LLG with a visit to a mystical pool and mini-caving expedition!

The International Agents on tour included;
President, Shanghai Chenchuzangji Culture Spreading Co. Ltd | Shnghai Asia American International Travel Co.Ltd
| Shanghai Media Group Ltd and Oriental Pearl International Travel | Ocean Diver Centre | Dive Expert | and PNGTPA's agent Cery He

Thank you PNGTPA and your Asian Market Division for building credibility and entrusting Theo's Guide & Wantok Tours for conducting and successfully executing the tour for the international agents!

02/10/2019

As the implementer of PNG Village Travel as a marketing platform for rural tourism, we were privileged to have our story published on The National (26 July 2019). Thanks to PNG Australia Alumnae Association and the Australia Awards for filming and airing our story and concept to another level!






https://www.thenational.com.pg/blog-plans-on-marketing-rural-destinations-to-tourists

28/09/2019

Having saw an EMTV news online (August 8, 2019) about Balek WildLife & Sanctuary's decline in the number of tourist visits, we have decided to engage DWU 2nd year Tourism students to pay a visit to the tourism site as part of their educational excursion trip to address the negative perception of visitors into Madang. With our strong bond and connection with the local resource custodians, we were privileged to give practical exposure to the DWU tourism students as part of their learning experience for the unit TH215 Tourism Planning & Development.

The sulfuric creek is locally known as Smell Wara (meaning Smelly Water - which gives off bad smell from the natural Sulphur). The natural blueish creek springs out from the base of a limestone cave. The locals use the water as medicine for healing bruise and cuts.

At this location, you also have the chance to witness welcoming tortoise/turtles, eels and fish. The area is surrounded by exotic tropical plants and walled by tremendous limestone rock. The area was also used to film part of a scene depicting burial of Man Friday (acted by late William Takaku) from the well-known film titled “Robinson Crusoe” and directed by the famous European film director, Pierce Brosnan.










PC: Vanessa Gelimbing & EMTV Online

12/08/2019

Tourism is a cross-cutting edge. It addresses the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of our vision and mission in promoting safer model villages, we are now delivering green energy to the rural tourism villages. At this juncture, we would like our rural village school kids to have access to quality portable study lights in their respective LLGs and Wards in Madang province.
To drive education forward in the rural areas, we need quality solar study lights that can enable children to study more effectively than using dim kerosene lights or candles which can cause harm to kids' eyes using candle lights. The portable solar lights are of quality, water resistance and IFC certified for distribution in the developing countries like Papua New Guinea.

*Get 70+ hours of solar lantern light off one full charge with low, normal, or turbo lighting modes to get just the right amount of light.
*Built-in solar panel and detachable stand makes stashing it just about anywhere simple and easy.
*At 150 grams this rugged, compact design is perfect for camping, backpacking, emergency survival kits, or anyone on the go.
*Perfect balance between durability, performance and affordability.
*Designed to meet basic lighting needs in households around the world
*Five times brighter than kerosene lamps. It features a long-lasting battery with its 50 lumen, neutral LED light
*Yields up to 72 hours of light from a single sunny day of solar charging.
*It's resistant to water and a rough and tumble lifestyle

If you would like to know more, visit us during Divine Word University's Liklik Diwai Tourism Expo next month on 20th September, 2019 or email us at [email protected] to place your order for your local schools.

Theo's Guide, empowering rural communities through green travel approach!

02/07/2019

Congratulations to our Founder for taking the role as the newly elected President for the Madang-Chapter PNG-Australia Alumni Association. Congratulations once again and to the new executives. We look forward to collaborating with you all for another 3years to serve in the remote places of Madang, connecting people to people and to foster a sound development through the powerful reach of ecotourism in PNG.

Congratulations to the newly elected Executive and Provincial Executive! The new executives will serve a term of three years from June 2019-July 2022.

Find out who your new executive are by clicking this link: http://bit.ly/2XEDSkJ and the Provincial Executives by clicking this link: http://bit.ly/2JlNIi4

15/06/2019

Today, we are previliged to witness the misty morning fog drawing in from the valley behind our village stay. In this location, you also have the chance to hear and see wild cockatoos, parrots and even get to see the huge hornbills flying across the valley. The Papua New Guinea's rare and unique Birds of Paradise could also be heard in the thick jungles of Ikomandu village in the Adelbert Range of Madang province. There are lots of cascading falls and refreshing pools that you can take a cool off while hiking or trekking the thick tropical forest that also leads you to an astaunding and magnificiant waterfall! For trekking, hiking or 2-3nights village stay, please email: [email protected]

30/05/2019

Sculptures of traditional significance:
The images captured in these photos are of traditional stone axes and a ceremonial paddle. These items, we believe are over 120 years old and we would like to help return these items to their place of origin (homeland). It is believed the stone axes are from the highlands of Papua New Guinea whereas the traditional ceremonial paddle could be from the coast. The paddle has traditional designs which have been captured at a close-up shot. Any comments or clues would be very much appreciated. If you would like to correspond further or want to return some of the old and ancient artifacts belong to Papua New Guinea, please e-mail: [email protected]

26/03/2019

After two years of hard work, from launching of Kumura Foundation and Opening of Snow Pass Eco-Lodge, PNGTPA finally supports Bundi Komba Festival! Congratulations Vincent P. Ambane Kumura and your team!
The Bundi Komba Festival is set to run from April 2 - 4, 2019 in the upper Bundi district of Madang province, Papua New Guinea.

"PNGTPA Supports Bundi Komba Festival"
Situated on the Bismarck Ranges in the foothills of Papua New Guinea’s highest peak Mount Wilhelm – the Bundi Komba Festival - is a melting pot of unique and diverse cultures from the four land bordering provinces of Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, Jiwaka and Madang.

On March 28, prior to the actual festival, more than 20 motorbike riders from the Simbu Bikers Association will depart Kundiawa town for Bundi to signal the arrival of the 2019 Bundi Komba Festival which runs from April 2 – 4, 2019. The bikers will be accompanied by a local film crew to produce a video promoting adventure and cultural tourism potential in the land of a hundred mountains.

Tourism Promotion Authority Chief Executive Officer Mr Jerry Agus said the festival has the potential to be a major tourism attraction for the region and TPA was proud to support the festival for the first time with a K30,000.00 sponsorship in 2019.

Mr Agus said with TPA’s limited funding for cultural events in 2019, TPA was always happy to sponsor such community initiated festivals which has being staged for two consecutive years without any outside support and where communities use their own resources to stage and promote events over time.

Bundi Komba Festival chairman Vincent Ambane Kumura was overjoyed by the support from TPA saying this was the very first outside sponsorship since inception in 2017.

For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/kumurafoundation/

24/03/2019

Photograph here is one of our Russian visitors who had an enjoyable day tour visiting some of the iconic and attraction sites in Madang province. Photo captured is a stopover visit to Nettai Butterfly Garden. At this location, you will have the chance to witness some the rare species of tropical butterflies surrounded by beautiful flowers and orchid garden. You also have the chance to witness local women making traditional clay pots at the same location.... With Theo's Guide & Wantok Tours, Madang tourism has more to offer...If you are traveling in group, a family or an independent traveler, or a cruise ship visiting Madang, you will not regret to have made a choice to visit Madang.

22/02/2019

Our travel blog (PNG Village Travel) is also listed on Milne Bay's AlphaBlue Ltd. Thank you AlphaBlue and Milne Bay tourism for recognizing our work and presence on the World Wide Web!

http://www.alphablueltd.com/tour-ops-accom-in-milne-bay/

Find accommodation and tours in Milne Bay. This is a free community service listing. AlphaBlue Ltd is not liable for issues on service quality, communications, nor any mishaps that may be experienced during your dealings with any of the operators below, thank you.

22/02/2019

Way forward PNGTPA! This attraction is part of Papua New Guinea's national heritage also listed on world's UNESCO website and should be given special consideration such as the Kokoda Trail. It is long overdue that such be considered to other provinces as well that have the potential as tourism destinations to better develop iconic attractions in the respective provinces in PNG.