The history of Rabaul is one of wreckage and regrowth. Modern historians will find a treasure trove of World War 2 relics, tunnels and caverns to explore within driving distance of Rabaul. Close to the now thriving centre of Kokopo, are the remnants of Gunantambu mansion, built in the 1880s by the legendary Queen Emma. After the eruption of Tavurvur and Vulcan in September 1994, most Rabaul services were relocated in Kokopo, which is strung along the edge of Blanche Bay. The town has grown rapidly and the busy market, selling fresh produce, local cigars and betel nut, is located on the main road from Tokua Airport near Supabake Bakery. The waterfront is the place to find boats for travel to the outer islands or for a spot of fishing.

The drive from the airport, now located at Tokua about an hour from Rabaul, is along a narrow road winding its way around the glittering waters of the Gazelle Peninsula. Through the coconut trees villages of thatched huts surrounded by colourful flowerbeds and tropical fruit trees look out over calm waters. East New Britain has a fascinating World War 2 history and visitors can explore Japanese caved systems, barged tunnels, aircraft wrecks and submarines.

Culture
The people of East New Britain have been seen as culturely diversified with rich and unique traditions. The "tumbuan" seen above signifies spiritual dancers and traditional cermonies that demonstrates a history well kept and used in todays society. The Tolai people of the Gazelle Peninsulla have continued to use the traditional shell money called "tabu". They use the tabu as a contribution to the Tolai male secret society of tumbuan and dukduk, for distribution to people at death ceremonies, as payment of a bride price, for settling disputes, to purchase land or even garden food from local markets.

Flora and Fauna
The tropical nature of the province, with its evergreen rainforest vegetation and rugged mountain ranges, the imposing volcanoes which surrounds the town of Rabaul and the beautiful Simpson harbour have made East New Britain an attractive and adventurous place to visit. The marine resources are diverse and the tropical environment provides opportunities for bush trekking, mountain trekking, mountain climbing and cave exploration.

Attractions
War wrecks also litter the surrounding reefs. 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 lagoons around this historical group of islands provide all-weather canoeing, wind surfing and water skiing and are a haven for visiting yachts.

Things to see

Vunapope Catholic Mission: Pleasant views and old colonial buildings in the hospital grounds are interesting. The mission is located at the eastern end of Kokopo.

Bitapaka War Cemetery: The graves of more than 1000 allied war dead are in these well-kept grounds and gardens. Located several kilometres inland, turning off the coast road past Vunapope.

Malmaluan Lookout: Fantastic views over the volcanoes surrounding Simpson Harbour can be enjoyed from this inland highpoint. Take Burma Road, off the Kokopo-Rabaul Road.

Japanese Barge Tunnels: At Karavia Bay between Kaluana Point and Vulcan are a network of tunnels and tracks connecting barges and buildings dating back to the war. In the main tunnel are five barges lined up end to end. Take a torch.

Rabaul: Some parts of Rabaul still function but most of it remains an eerie desolate wasteland covered by metres of ash. Beautiful Simpson Harbour is still the main port, guarded by the grumbling volcanoes. A market and a few shops still operate at the eastern end of town.

Tunnels and war relics: Some of the 580km of tunnels built by the Japanese are still open and aircraft wreckage can be seen beyond the old airport.

Duke of York Islands: These beautiful islands are undeveloped but are easily visited. Some have accommodation and tiny Mioko Island has an interesting history. Swimming, snorkelling and canoeing are good.

Things to do

Climb a volcano: The island of New Britain is dominated by both active and dormant volcanoes, some of them bellowing great clouds of black ash-laden smoke. All the volcanoes, except Tavurvur, can be climbed. Be aware that heavy rain can make the ground slippery and cause landslides. Vulcan is best tackled on the northern side, and the deep fissures can make it a difficult climb. Take plenty of water.

Canoeing: Taklam Tours in Kokopo can arrange paddling experiences around the Duke of York Islands.

Fishing: Sport fishing for blue and black marlin, sail fish and dog-tooth tuna is good in the waters around New Britain and the Duke of York Islands. Baia Sports Fishing www.baiasportfishing.comhas a lodge at Open Bay. The Blanche Bay area is good for casual line casting. Boats operate from Rabaul and hotels and guesthouses can organize trips.

Swimming: Beaches near Kokopo are good. Hotels in Rabaul have pools and there are good beaches at Pila Pila and Ratung villages in Talili Bay north of Rabaul.

Trekking: Suggested areas are the Bainings Mountains, the Pomio area, where you can walk from Pomio to Navu, and the Wide Bay area, walking between Milim and Sampun or Tokua and Merai. Contact Ecotourism Melanesia, phone 323 4518, web www.em.com.pg

Click here to view accommodation listing in the East New Britain Province

 Air Niugini and other third-level airlines provide flights to Tokua Airport from Port Moresby. They also provide connections to Tokua from other centres in PNG

For more information about the East New Britain Province, visit the East New Britain Tourism Bureau website: www.eastnewbritain.com