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POM destination photo
VAI destination photo

POMVAI

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a superior view of the dramatic Star Mountains and a stunning coastal approach into Vanimo near the West Papua border.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🌊

Coral Sea Coast

Deep blue waters and fringing reefs immediately after taking off from Port Moresby.

⛰️

Star Mountains

Incredibly rugged and remote limestone peaks visible as you head toward the Indonesian border.

🛶

Upper Sepik River

Aerial views of the iconic river's oxbow lakes and winding path through the jungle.

☁️

Cloud Forests

Dense, mist-covered tropical canopy stretching across the central highlands.

🏖️

Vanimo Bay

Crystal clear turquoise waters and sandy beaches during the final descent into Vanimo.

Morning flights are highly recommended to avoid the heavy convective clouds that typically form over the highlands by midday. On the descent, the left side captures the best angle of the coastline where the jungle meets the Bismarck Sea.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏔️

Mount Wilhelm

On clear days, PNG's highest peak may be visible in the distance to the east.

🌿

Ramu Valley

Expansive views of the fertile valleys and major river systems of the interior.

🌊

Bismarck Sea

The vast northern ocean comes into view as the aircraft crosses the central range.

⛰️

Bewani Mountains

The coastal range providing a dramatic backdrop as you approach the northern coast.

🏘️

Remote Outposts

Small clearings and villages visible in the vast expanse of the northern rainforests.

The right side is excellent for seeing the sheer scale of the Papua New Guinean rainforest and the massive river systems. If flying later in the day, this side may experience less direct sun glare as you travel north-northwest.

Top Activities in Vanimo
Route Information

Distance: 996 km (619 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 40 min

Departure: POM (-9.44338035583496, 147.22000122070312)

Arrival: VAI (-2.6926, 141.3028)

Route Type: Domestic

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