West New Britain Province

Introducing West New Britain Province

If you read this section, there’s a great chance that you’re a diver heading to Kimbe Bay. Kimbe Bay has become a byword for underwater action, with an amazing array of marine life and sensational reefs brushing the surface. However, there is life above the water as well, with some spectacular volcanoes brooding in the background and a handful of WWII relics. WNB has the country’s greatest proliferation of volcanoes – five active and 16 dormant – and you can literally smell the sulphur in the air. It’s also PNG’s highest timber and palm-oil exporter with consequent tension between the province’s villagers and settlers.

Getting There & Away

Air

Hoskins airport is well serviced by the first- and second-level airlines, but beyond here you must either spend a lot of money flying to tiny airstrips or catch banana boats and trade boats along the coast and stay in villages.

From Port Moresby, Air Niugini (983 5287) flies to and from Hoskins (K518, once daily) and Kokopo (K330). There are also two weekly flights to Kavieng (K373) and three to Lae (K436).

Airlink used to fly to Rabaul and Lae, but the airline was not operating at the time of writing. Check it out while you’re there – another airline might have re-opened these routes.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009