Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says Papua New Guinea is a land of remarkable eco-tourism potential, blessed with diverse cultures and pristine natural environments across the nation.
PM Marape, who is also the Member for Tari-Pori in Hela Province, made these remarks after sharing lunch and a friendly chat with Sir Bob Bates — the legendary owner of Ambua Lodge, one of PNG’s oldest and most renowned eco-tourism destinations.
He noted that Sir Bob Bates, who owns Trans Niugini Tours and several lodges across Papua New Guinea, has not only run Ambua Lodge for four decades but also helped promote eco-tourism, create employment, and foster harmony with both the environment and the people of Hela.
Opened in 1985 by Sir Bob Bates and located just 20 minutes’ drive from Tari town, Ambua Lodge is nestled within the scenic Ambua Gap overlooking the iconic Tari Basin. The lodge has become an enduring symbol of Hela’s peaceful and authentic hospitality.
40 Years of Peace and Authentic PNG Hospitality
Speaking from the lodge on a serene Saturday afternoon following the Sabbath, Prime Minister Marape reflected on his childhood in the Tari Valley and the peaceful coexistence of Ambua Lodge with the local people and their environment.
“When our nation celebrates 50 years of independence this year, Ambua Lodge will also celebrate 40 years of continuous operation,” the Prime Minister said. “This place stands as a living testament that hospitality industry and community can coexistence and thrive even in places the world sometimes misunderstands.”
He emphasised that for 40 years, Ambua Lodge has operated without barbed-wire fences, electric gates, or security walls — maintaining its reputation as a safe haven for visitors.
“There are no fences here — not even a strand of barbed wire,” PM Marape said. “For 40 years, there have been no hold-ups, no rapes, no rascalism. That tells a powerful story about the true heart of Hela and its people.”
The Prime Minister said the 30 boutique bungalows that make up the lodge embody the spirit of eco-tourism, demonstrating that harmony between people, culture, and the environment can create lasting peace and economic benefit.
A Conversation with Tourism Pioneer Sir Bob Bates
Prime Minister Marape hosted a luncheon at Ambua Lodge for staff of the Hope Institute in Tari, thanking them for their continued commitment to education in Hela Province. Coincidentally, Sir Bob Bates was also visiting the lodge that day, and the two men held a warm and friendly discussion about the future of tourism in Tari — particularly in light of new developments such as the groundbreaking of the Hela Heritage Hotel.
“Look at this place — 40 years ago, who would have thought a lodge like this would open up in the middle of nowhere? Back then, there was no Highlands Highway, just a bush track. Access to Tari was only by air, with small planes landing at the old airstrip. Now we have a modern airport with regular flights by Air Niugini and PNG Air,” said PM Marape.
“Today, this place marks 40 years of continuous operation. And unlike the stereotypical perceptions about law and order in our country, Ambua has proven that peace is possible. Tourists from all over the world — Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Japan — have come here and always felt welcome.”
The Prime Minister fondly recalled his youth in 1991 when he worked as a tour guide at Ambua during school holidays.
“I vividly remember a young couple diving into the spectacular waterfalls and pools around Ambua. This place depicts the real, authentic Papua New Guinea — with its many distinct cultures, people, and natural beauty. Here, there are more than 13 species of Bird of Paradise that attract birdwatchers from all over the world.”
Honouring a Legend of PNG Tourism
Prime Minister Marape paid heartfelt tribute to Sir Bob Bates for his vision and lifelong contribution to Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry.
“I want to give commendation to the great, the legend himself, Sir Bob Bates, who has established five similar lodges throughout our country — Bensbach (Western Province), Karawari (East Sepik), Malolo Plantation (Madang), Rondon Ridge (Western Highlands), and of course Ambua Lodge here overlooking the Huli Basin,” he said.
“What a wonderful testament this is to foresight and commitment. For 40 years, Ambua has never needed fences or closure and has lived peacefully with its people. God bless Sir Bob Bates, the owner and proprietor of Trans Niugini Tours and Ambua Lodge. We want this kind of vision to continue.”
The Prime Minister said the potential for eco-tourism, business, and small enterprises in Papua New Guinea remains immense, and that many expatriates who have chosen to live in the country understand its true character and potential far better than those who only hear negative stories from afar.
Expanding PNG’s Tourism Frontiers
PM Marape also commended other tourism operators and provinces that are helping to build PNG’s tourism brand.
“I give commendation to many others — for instance, Walindi Beach Resort and the people of West New Britain, and of course the resorts, hotels, and guest houses in Rabaul, East New Britain, Manus, New Ireland, Madang, Miline Bay and Bougainville. These are all regions with great tourism potential,” he said.
He emphasised that the upgrading of the Highlands Highway from Lae to Tari and the Port Moresby–Alotau coastal route will create major tourism corridors showcasing PNG’s incredible diversity.
“PNG is a living museum of languages, cultures, and landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world,” the Prime Minister said. “Ambua Lodge’s 40 years of success is proof that when we work with our people and protect our environment, we can build a global tourism brand rooted in peace and authenticity.”
Concluding his reflections, Prime Minister Marape said Ambua Lodge’s 40-year record of peaceful coexistence is an inspiration for the rest of the country.
“Forty years on, Ambua stands tall — a symbol of hope, peace, and pride for Hela and Papua New Guinea,” he said. “It tells the story that our people, when given respect and opportunity, can preserve peace and create world-class experiences for visitors.”
As Ambua Lodge prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary on 31 December 2025, the Prime Minister described it as “a national treasure” and encouraged more Papua New Guineans to embrace eco-tourism as part of the nation’s journey into the next 50 years.