Adelbert Range Trek

The Adelbert Range Trek is a moderate to hard walk commencing from a point west of Malolo Plantation Lodge in Papua New Guinea. It goes up along old trading trails which were later used by the kiaps and the missionaries to link the coast with the mountain ridges.

The fifteen kilometre walk to our overnight point takes approximately 8 hours, along logging roads and hand cut tracks, with pleasant cooling mountain breezes and magnificent views of the coastline. The trail passes through five villages - Gamdah, Damar, Badimfog, Anabahak and Averah.

Along the way, the vegetation changes markedly from lowland rainforests to hill forests, and as we rise into the higher levels we pass through lower mountaine forest. The trail is abundant with wildflowers, particularly Impatiens, Begonias, Selaginella Fern, Bird's Nest Fern, various species of gingers and certain flowering vines.

Prolific birdlife along the trail includes Birds of Paradise, particularly Lesser and Magnificent Birds of Paradise. We may also see Adelbert's Bower Bird along the trail close to the top.

Your overnight guest house is located in the village of Balbe, and comprises a simple bush material construction, providing comfort and privacy for your stay.

There is a site in the vicinity of Balbe which is believed to be the original birthplace of KULBOB and MANBOB, the legendary heroes of Madang Province. A Kundu drum and a Garamut slit gong, allegedly carved by the brothers is kept there.

At night, you will sit around the fireplace, listening to stories of long ago, and hearing of the traditions and ways of life of these wonderful mountain people.

While in the mountains, you can visit waterfalls, bat caves and other villages in the area.

The walk is ideal for the young, adventurous bush hiker, and offer wonderful opportunities for nature study, historical relics, traditional sacred sites, legends, bush survival techniques and general exploring of the hinterland.