BAZflyer: Trans Niugini Tours

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is like no other place you’ve ever been. It’s a diverse country of tropical beaches, picturesque islands, volcanos, rain forests, great river systems and high mountainous terrain. It was 42 years ago this month when the Bazflyers first arrived in PNG and made the country their home for a decade. Bazflyer1 covered every nook and cranny of the country flying helicopters and airplanes. Bazflyer2 taught in schools. Their children grew up. It is no coincidence then that PNG occupies a special place in the Bazflyer archives.

There were several reasons why the highlands settlement of Mount Hagen was chosen by the Bazflyers for their PNG stopover. It is conveniently located for a comfortable seven and a half hours flight out to Guam, the next port of call on RTW 2019. Being just 5 or so degrees south of the equator and at an altitude of some 5,500 feet, Mount Hagen has a relaxing year-round temperate climate that is close to idyllic. But, the real compelling reason to touch down at Mount Hagen was to renew a long standing acquaintance with local legend...Bob.

Bob hails from Australia but for more than fifty years PNG has been his home. Bob’s entrepreneurial talent has a visible legacy in Trans Niugini Tours but not so widely known is his lifetime of aviation. For those who know Bob well enough, he is synonymous with Beechcraft Baron, P2-BOB. The two have been an item for a very long time. However, only a few of the people who know Bob are also aware of his equally legendary aviation adventures. Many of them chronicled at Bob’s Flights.

Bob’s exploits extend far beyond tourism and flying. He is an accomplished road and bridge builder as well as a master property builder....yes, ‘Bob the Builder’ does come to mind! Bob’s building prowess is well showcased with his six unique tourist lodges culturally sited around the PNG mainland, plus his amazing river vessel the Sepik Spirit.

Like each of Bob’s properties, Rondon Ridge Lodge, where the Bazflyers are presently staying, is typically unique in its design and culture. It sits at 7,100 feet above sea level with panoramic vistas overlooking Mount Hagen and the surrounding highlands. Wonderful friendly staff. A truly special place....but then the whole Trans Niugini Tours enterprise is the epitome of a very special person. It’s a privilege to know you ...Bob!

Sky road from Horn Island (YHID) to Mount Hagen (AYMH) in Papua New Guinea

Bazflyer at Rondon Ridge Lodge. Like no other place you’ve ever been...add Trans Niugini Tours to your ‘bucket list’...