Rabaul a favoured destination

RabaulAbout New Britain

Rabaul is located in the province of East New Britain. A 90 minutes flight from the capital Port Moresby, East New Britain is separated from the Mainland of PNG, and known predominantly for its live volcanoes. After the eruption of Tavurvur and Vulcan volcanoes in September 1994, most Rabaul services were relocated in Kokopo.The Gazelle Peninsula offers glittering waters, coconut trees and villages of thatched huts surrounded by colourful flowerbeds and tropical fruit trees.

East New Britain offers modern historians will find a treasure trove of World War 2 relics, tunnels and caverns to explore within driving distance of Kokopo. Close by are the remnants of Gunantambu mansion, built in the 1880s by the legendary Queen Emma, and visitors can explore Japanese caved systems, barged tunnels, aircraft wrecks and submarines.

Culture

The people of East New Britain have been seen as culturally diversified with rich and unique traditions. The Tolai people of the Gazelle Peninsulla continue today to use traditional shell money called “tabu”, as a contribution to the Tolai male secret society of tumbuan and dukduk. The “tabu” is distributed to people at death ceremonies, as payment of a bride price, for settling disputes, to purchase land or even garden food from local markets. East New Britain also has the annual Mask Festival each July.

Flora and Fauna

East Britain is a tropical area offering rugged mountain ranges and evergreen rainforest vegetation. Surrounding the town of Rabau are the imposing volcanoes – why not take a cruise on the beautiful Simpson harbour to enjoy these amazing spectacles. The marine resources are diverse and the tropical environment provides opportunities for bush trekking, mountain trekking, mountain climbing and cave exploration.

RabaulAttractions

War wrecks also litter the surrounding reefs. The Bitapaka war cemetary is a must and the excellent visibility makes this an exciting dive spot all year round. Dive trips, day tours as well as charter boats for fishing can be organised through any of the accommodations or tour operators.

Forty five minutes by boat from Kokopo are the Duke of York Islands offering sport diving, snorkelling and picnics under the coconut trees. The Duke of York Islands, part of the Bismark Archipelago, are a small group of low-lying islands located within the St George’s Channel — the narrow stretch of water that separates the large islands of New Britain and New Ireland.

The islands form a tight cluster consisting of three main islands and 11 smaller islands with a combined land area in the region of 60 km². Formerly known as Neu Lauenburg, the lagoons surrounding the Duke of York Islands are spectacular for snorkelling. You will enjoy basic accommodation and wonderful hospitality as you learn about village life in Papua New Guinea.