Visit New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea
Rabaul, one of PNG’s most attractive towns, was a main base for the Japanese during the Second World War and fascinating reminders of this turbulent time are everywhere.
War relics at the museum, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
New Britain Province
Papua New Guinea
Rabaul, the old capital of PNG’s largest island, was devastated in 1994 by the explosions of the Tuvurvur and Vulcan volcanoes.
One of PNG’s most attractive towns, it was tragically destroyed and is now all but deserted. Businesses and homes moved a short way along the coast to Kokopo and this new town enjoys impressive vistas of Blanche Bay, idyllic tropical islands and the distant volcanoes.
Recent history
East New Britain Province encapsulates many of PNG’s great natural and cultural experiences in one area. Rabaul was a main base for the Japanese during the Second World War and fascinating reminders of this turbulent time are everywhere.
Local culture
The welcoming Tolai people live traditional lives where ornate masks, spirits and shell money retain their cultural importance. The Warwagira Festival is celebrated in the first two weeks of July when masked Baining Fire dancers perform and the forest spirits emerge at dawn from the sea.
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