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Misima rest house
Misima is across a valley from the Kokoda Trail, about 21 km from Kokoda airstrip and a half-day's walk from Isurava. It's an ideal place to stay if you wish to walk a small part of the Trail, yet still have time to rest and enjoy the magnificent scenery and bird life (including hornbills and birds of paradise). Over 50 species of birds live in the area around Misima and nearby Hagutawa. There are also tree kangaroos, cassowarries and cuscus in the area.
For those who are interested, there are also WW2 relics and locations rarely visited by package tour trekkers. These include the recently-discovered "fuzzy wuzzy" cave, where an Australian soldier sought safety after being separated from his unit. While there he wrote a letter praising the local "fuzzy wuzzy" people who helped him survive.
Misima consists of five houses, with about 30 people living there. The rest house has been a popular place for visitors. The new guest house (not shown) has room for up to 15 overnight visitors. Misima's children attend Abuari Elementary School and Kokoda Primary.
Hillside gardens are where most of the village's food is grown, including potatoes, yams, beans, bananas, onions, corn, taro, cucumbers and other greens.
Misima offers magnificent scenery and birdwatching opportunities. Bushwalks (3 to 7 hours) can be arranged. These require a good level of fitness because of the terrain and the need to climb over logs, cross log bridges and negotiate steep tracks.
Activities
• Day walk to a recently discovered cave where an Australian soldier hid from the enemy. While there he wrote a letter praising the "fuzzy wuzzy" people who came to guide him back to his unit. Very few people have ever visitied this spot.
• Crafts. Visitors are welcome to join villagers in craft activities such as making bilums.
• Short bushwalks (3-7 hours, reasonable fitness required)
• Caves, waterfalls
• Short trekking to see WW2 relics
• Bird watching
• Butterflies
• Mountain top scenery
• Possible sightings of tree kangaroos
Cost
There is an all-inclusive charge of K100 per person per night which includes shelter, food, porter, day walks, activities, etc.
crossing a bridge near Misima
Maeka Falls
Suggested Misima walks
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