Rubio Plantation Retreat suits the surf adventurer looking for a new location with guaranteed no crowds. This surf rich East coast of New Ireland Province is unchartered by mainstream surfers and the potential for world class waves is endless. Rubio Plantation offers rustic traditional accommodation and a home-stay vibe.
This idyllic PNG retreat is set on a 76 hectare private plantation located 220 km from Kaveing, down the Buluminski Highway. From Kavieng Airport, New Ireland, it's a relaxed three hour drive to Rubio. After being greeted by your hosts, Shane and Annette Clarke, you are free to explore the vast grounds of your surf retreat. Rubio Plantation starts from the beach and goes up to the mountains. It has many trails to explore and a beautiful cool stream nearby that offers a chance to refresh and cool off. Rubio Plantation Retreat has its own private beach with a barrelling A-frame peak out the front which is best viewed from the dining area. This wave can be surfed on any tide and is a short paddle out. You just need to decide whether to go right or left...
Accommodation
Rubio Retreat accommodation consists of traditional bungalows overlooking the retreat's private beach. The retreat has one standard bungalow, two superior bungalows and two larger two bedroom bungalows. The superior bungalows are equipped with private bathrooms and the other bungalows have shared facilities. All bathrooms have flush toilets and showers and all bungalows have mosquito nets. Solar panels and hydroelectric provide power for the retreat. There is a total of 11 beds (including 8 singles and 3 queens).
You only need a group of 7 to book out the entire surf retreat exclusively for your group.
Meals
Rubio Retreat's local chef serves up three hearty, family-style meals daily in the dining area overlooking the beach and surf break. Meals consist of a combination of European, Asian and local foods. The kitchen bakes home-made breads and pastries daily and tea and coffee are available at all times. Chocolate is Rubio's specialty as they grow their own cocoa beans on the plantation.
Surf Rubio Retreat
The traditional New Ireland surf season is mid October to mid May. There are endless possibilities in the region, with many waves in close proximity to Rubio Retreat. Rubio has a good, consistent break right at their own beach. Surf spots range from mellow long board waves to fast and hollow depending on swell size and direction. Rubio has both rights and lefts and is open to many swell directions.
There are boats and vehicles available to take you out to the many excellent breaks on the offshore islands or along the coast. Rubio Retreat never books more than 10 surfers at one time and with the many available breaks you will never be dealing with a crowd.
Non-Surf Activities
Besides enjoying the surf, beaches and stream there are plenty of other things to do such as Snorkeling, Kayaking, Bushwalking, Chocolate-making, Traditional Dancing and Village Tours.
Visitors come from around the world to catch a glimpse of Papua New Guinea's exquisite birds of paradise. There are also several interesting caves nearby to explore. For hikers, there are many trails along the coast and into the mountains. The retreat has mountain bikes for hire If you feel like taking a ride ... it's a great way to experience the countryside.
Sing Sings (traditional dancing) and Mumus (traditional cooking in an underground oven) can both be arranged with the local village. A boat trip to visit the famous Malangan carvers on Tabar Island can also be arranged.
