Photo: Madang’s new inter-island ferry service
The Melanesian Tourist Services (MTS) welcomes its newest motor vessel Kalibobo Express to Madang. During the launch ceremony, the vessel adorned members of the Madang business community, MTS clients and proud staff of the Madang Resort Hotel to an introductory cruise around Madang’s picturesque harbour. The ferry vessel, based at Madang Resort’s marina will soon offer Madang business houses, government departments, and visiting tourists regular inter-island scheduled services to nearby islands and destinations of the Bismark Sea.
The 22m aluminum catamaran, was custom built in Pattaya Thailand under the guise of seasoned business man Sir Peter Barter, MTS Managing Director. Sir Peter, a long-time catalyst and front runner in PNG tourism has long offered, branded and locally renowned Discovery Cruises and Expeditions as part of MTS tour packages under the Madang Resort and Niugini Dive Adventures. However, the new, Kalibobo Express brings a new focus to alternate PNG travel.
The ferry will see affordable sea transfers between the islands of Karkar, Bagabag and Manus aswell as competitive fares to Wewak via Manam island out of Madang. Built for comfort and style, Kalibobo Express boasts speed and safety and will commence services in June carrying up to 140 passengers with crew. Fares are now selling, catering for adults and children accompanied with a competitive baggage allowance of 30kilos, with additional excess baggage and onboard freezer storage for perishable goods.
The double story vessel is built with internal air-conditioned seating aswell as outdoor and an internal VIP cabin for that corporate client. Traveling within the Madang-Momase, Kalibobo Express will run on a weekly basis with the schedule out now.
