REGARDED as one of the tourist hotspots of the country, embedded with fascinating sites and the imminent threat of active volcanoes, East New Britain is a must-go destination whether for business or leisure.
East New Britain consists of the north-eastern part of the island of New Britain and the Duke of York Islands. The capital of the province is Kokopo, not far from the old capital of Rabaul, which was largely destroyed in the twin volcanic eruptions of 1994. The province shares a land border with West New Britain Province to the west and a maritime border with New Ireland province to the east. It is home to much of Papua New Guinea’s historical sites from World War II.
A recent visit to the province was a wonderful experience and an eye-opener for me as it gave me a whole new perception of the value of culture and tradition.
The province is not just a home to scenic locations and historical sites, but it’s probably by far one province that keeps intact its legends, rituals and traditions. Their traditional beliefs and practices have been kept for generations before the start of the colonial era.
It was on a Sunday (12th February) when we arrived at Tokua Airport, about 45km southwest of Rabaul. The overcast sky made landing a bit difficult but the pilot negotiated the obstacle and put us down on the tarmac to the rousing welcome of locals waiting to receive the delegates to the inaugural Information Communication and Technology Dialogue in Kokopo set for the following day (Feb 13th, 2023).
It was already raining as we disembarked but that didn’t stop the locals from putting on an array of dances and choral harmonies. From the airport, we were taken to our accommodations at the Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort to settle in before making our way to the Malapau Beach Resort, where a welcome reception for the delegates was hosted. And I must say, no visit to East New Britain would be complete without sampling some of the local cuisine. I tried a wide variety of traditional dishes, including taro, yams, and fresh seafood, all of which were delicious, including the famous local delicacy aigir, ku’a and many more.
After the one-day meeting, we had the privilege of sightseeing and immersed in the province’s rich culture and natural beauty. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the warmth and hospitality of the local people, who were eager to share their stories and traditions with us.
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the famous hot springs at the foot of Mount Tavurvur. The hot springs in East New Britain are a natural wonder and a must-see for anyone visiting the province. Located near Rabaul, the hot springs are a series of geothermal springs that bubble up from the ground and flow into a small pool. We were able to witness firsthand locals cooking eggs in the hot spring and engaged with vendors who were there to sell their handcrafts.
Another memorable experience was visiting the Volcano Observatory in Rabaul, which monitors the tectonic activity of Mt Tavurvur. The observatory provides valuable information to the local community, as well as scientists and researchers studying the volcano. The lookout provides a magnificent view of Rabaul, the harbour and the volcano.
Aside from the natural wonders, East New Britain is also home to a rich history. The province is home to numerous historical sites, such as the Rabaul War Cemetery, where many soldiers who fought during the war are buried. The province is also home to the Bitapaka War Cemetery, which is the final resting place of many Australian soldiers who fought during World War II. There are also about 300 to 500 kilometers of Japanese tunnels from WWII along the coastline.
Meanwhile, ENB Governor Michael Marum said the province receives a lot of visitors and thanked the team for choosing the province for the meeting. He said he hoped that there will be many meetings of that sort to be hosted in the province.
Overall, East New Britain is a fascinating destination, with a unique blend of natural wonders, rich history and vibrant culture. It is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty and diversity of Papua New Guinea.
