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Situated lagoon-side by Peava village, Gatokae Island, at the southeastern tip of the Western Province, the wilderness lodge features traditional construction using sago palm leaf, wild bitalnat palm and village-sawn hardwood with exotic timber and pandanus mat interior.
Catering for a maximum of eight guests, the lodge has been designed to meld the atmosphere of the Gatokae rainforest and ocean with the lifestyle of the neighbouring small village whilst retaining Western comforts and convenience.
You have some of the world's best diving,most prolific and varied fishlife, lush tropical rainforest, and spectacular scenery right on your doorstep.
The lodge has prime access to the three wild and uninhabited islands of Bulo, MaleMale, and Kicha, the 2900 foot jungle-clad peak of Mt Mariu, and ancient fortified villages and ceremonial sites.
The surrounding ocean provides freediving opportunities unsurpassed anywhere on Earth - pristine unexplored reefs with caves, swim-throughs, abyssal dropoffsand an extraordinary array of life from the tiniest exotics and crustaceans to wahoo, sailfish, and tuna.
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Wilderness Lodge is unique
 Now with two private oceanfront bungalows each offer two queen size beds with privacy curtains for two couples, and a foldout sofa bed for families. Traditional sago palm leaf roofs created by local artisans and hardwood floors combine with timber and glass louvered walls and sliding glass doors to provide the ultimate in cool tropical living. Exotic hardwood interiors feature ensuite vanity & toilet and kitchenette, and solar arrays provide AC power for the personal fans and laptop and camera charging. Comfortable canvas and timber deck and steamer chairs enjoy epic ocean views from the wide open timber beachfront verandas and decking. Outdoor hot water showers in stonework enclosures provide an unforgettable way to cool down after long days in the sun, sea and rainforest. Lodge accommodation comprises a large sleeping area with two double and four single beds, perfect for families, scientific and student groups, and diving and fishing clients.
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Bushwalking
From half hour walks along marked trails winding through lush rainforest and coral beaches to multi day guided hikes around jungle clad volcanic peaks, we can help you explore the real Melanesia and some of nature's richest ecosystems. A day spent walking Gatokae with a dip in a cool mountain stream along the way, followed by a snorkel on a spectacular coral wall - you'll really feel alive.
A typical days' walking takes you through many different types of rainforest, ancient ngali nut and sago palm groves, along cliffs with views over the reef and ocean, visiting skull shrines, ancient ceremonial and village sites, mountain streams and waterfalls. The terrain varies from the level raised coral terraces that rise to approx 300 feet to the steep hillsides of the volcanic peaks, cut by precipitous river valleys.
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Snorkelling
Coral and fish life begins at the lagoon fringing reef and drop off within swimming distance of the lodge, just grab your mask and you’re surrounded with marine life. 26–32°C water and excellent visibility year round means no wetsuit.........how snorkelling is meant to be. Wide, safe swim steps on the Lodge jetty access the tame fish around our small Marine Protected Area, the fish species count for the that small inshore area alone stands at approx 210, and the total count for Peava 612 species
Bulo Island, a short boat ride from Peava has coral gardens, swim-throughs and walls with overhanging tropical rainforest and hidden skull shrines. Follow schools of huge bump-headed parrotfish and hawksbill turtles through tunnels and surface to hear the heavy wingbeat of a hornbill overhead and the heady smell of orchids.
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