Things to do in Rabaul
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PNG Diabetic Centre
Laugh all your want, but PNG Diabetic Centre is a treasure trove for artefact-hunters, with masks, necklaces, shells, carvings and other souvenirs aplenty. It's run by Paul Schwartz, who also works as a 'diabetes counciller', policeman and, should you need to boost your morale, a psychotherapist.
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Kabaira Dive Rabaul
It's almost too good to be true: Simpson Harbour offers several first-class wreck dives, while the reefs off the western tip of Gazelle Peninsula are totally unspoiled and positively festooned with healthy, hard and soft corals, sponges, gorgonians and a dizzying array of tropical fish: a perfect combination. Run by the capable Stephen Woolcott, Kabaira Dive Rabaul is based at Kabaira Beach Hideaway, a few finstrokes from splendid reefs.
The main drawback is the location; if you're based in Rabaul, you'll have to fork out about A$40 for transfers, or take a PMV (40 minutes). If you're a keen diver, it's best to base yourself at the Kabaira Beach Hideaway. Good snorkelling…
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Phoenix Room
When it comes to Asian cooking, chef Solis knows his stuff. Chinese specialities are served with absolute proficiency - the fluffiest foo yongs (omelette) in PNG, guaranteed! The sweet-and-sour pork is another hot favourite. Western dishes, such as pork chops or beef stroganoff, also feature on the menu. There are a good choice of vegetarian options too; rare in PNG.
If the service is longish, you can always gaze at some risqué oriental paintings on the walls or at the huge tabu (sacred) wheel hanging from the ceilings.
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A
New Guinea Club & Rabaul Museum
Just next door to Admiral Yamamoto's Bunker is New Guinea Club & Rabaul Museum. Established in 1933, this club was a businessmen's club with strict guidelines for membership. It was destroyed in WWII and rebuilt in the 1950s to its former glory only to be destroyed again by fire in 1994. It has been partly restored and is now home to a small museum. Ask at the Rabaul Hotel for the key.
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Chinese Restaurant
Not really a place to lift your spirits. The building is depressing, the dining room is oppressing (think bare, peeling walls and neon lighting) and the Chinese specialities are just average, judging by the braised chicken. But it's the only independent restaurant in town.
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Admiral Yamamoto's Bunker
There are countless tunnels and caverns in the hillsides around Rabaul. Admiral Yamamoto's Bunker (locked) is interesting although austere, and the placards near it are informative. There's a map on the ceiling for plotting world domination.
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Queen Emma Restaurant
Don't let the swinging '70s frilly curtains and neon lighting bring you down. This good honest restaurant serves good honest meals. If you need to assuage carnivorous cravings, try the well-presented and tasty black pepper steak.
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Vulcanology Observatory
A worthwhile site is the Vulcanology Observatory, about 900m off Tunnel Hill Rd, from where you can enjoy million-dollar views over the bay and the volcanoes.
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Kabaira Beach Hideway
Offers fishing trips, bushwalking in the Baining Mountains, village visits and 'survival-type' camping trips on offshore islands.
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E
Rabaul Bakery
The place to head to in case of hypoglycaemia, although you have to get your timing right (early morning) to find pastries.
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Yacht Club
Has burgers, pork chops, chicken and beef dishes. Vast, airy surrounds.
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