Vanimo is the capital of West Sepik, or Sandaun, province in the Sepik region of Papua New Guinea. You can travel overland to or from the neighbouring Indonesian province of Papua via Vanimo.
A Malaysian-owned forestry company dominates the town's economy. The local hardwood, kwila, is exported mainly to China, but is now in danger of extinction. Vanimo attracts lots of shoppers from the other side of the border and often comes close to running out of basic supplies.
Vanimo is an increasingly popular surfing location. A short drive west of Vanimo finds surfing that is good from September to March, with breakers of up to 3 meters. But this is not an area for the inexperienced.
- Indonesia Indonesia, Vanimo, Sandaun Province, Papua New Guinea (P.O.BOX 39 VANIMO), +675 857 1371, +675 857 1372, +675 70012138.
Indonesia Indonesia, Vanimo, Sandaun Province, Papua New Guinea (P.O.BOX 39 VANIMO), +675 857 1371, +675 857 1372, +675 70012138.
A side trip to Jayapura in the neighbouring Papua province of Indonesia is highly recommended. Indonesia has a consulate in Vanimo that will issue visas, usually within 24 hours.