Market in Kokopo
Kokopo Market
The buzzing Kokopo market is also well worth a stroll. It’s best on Saturday. Buai (betel nut) and its condiments, daka (mustard stick) and cumbung (mineral lime, which looks rather like cocaine in its little plasti…
Observatory in Rabaul
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. Ask to see inside where numerous informative posters exp…
Cemetery in From Kokopo To Rabaul
Bita Paka War Cemetery
This poignant war cemetery contains the graves of over 1000 Allied war dead, many of them Indian slaves. The gardens are lovely. It’s 8km off the main road towards the airport; the turn-off (signposted) is about 2km…
Waterfront in Buka
Passage
A particular highlight in Buka is the passage, which refers to the channel that separates Buka Island from Bougainville Island. The water runs at about 6 knots when the tide is fast, making deep undulations on the w…
Cultural Centre in West New Britain Province
Mahonia Na Dari Conservation Centre
Everything you need to know about Kimbe Bay's marine environment and coral reef habitats should become clear at the Mahonia Na Dari Conservation Centre, next door to the Walindi Plantation Resort. This marine resear…
Museum in Kokopo
East New Britain Historical & Cultural Centre
The interesting East New Britain Historical & Cultural Centre has a fine if deteriorating collection of historical objects. There are fading photographs and numerous WWII relics, including massive guns, torpedoe…
Historic Site in Around Rabaul
Submarine Base
For a picnic spot, nothing can beat the Submarine Base at Tavui Point. The Japanese used to provision submarines here during the war. There are tunnel and rail track remnants below and guns and relics in the hills. …
Island in Buka
Sohano Island
The most easily accessible of the islands near the southern mouth of the passage is Sohano, a few minutes by boat (K2) from Buka. It was the provincial capital from WWII until 1960. It’s a beautiful place with colon…
Island in Around Rabaul
Matupit Island
The 1994 eruption should have destroyed little Matupit Island but the prevailing winds brought Tavurvur’s load over Rabaul and left this connected island almost unscathed thanks, villagers say, to the local dukduks.…
Ruins in Kokopo
Queen Emma's Steps
From the Historical & Cultural Centre it's a short walk to the site of Queen Emma's house, Gunantambu, now occupied by of the Gazelle International Hotel and the Ralum Country Club. There's not much to see other…