Matupit Island

Matupit

A small volcanic island in Simpson Harbor with dramatic recent lava flows and coastal views, heavily affected by the 1994 eruption but now recovering naturally. The island offers insight into volcanic processes and the resilience of local communities.

Things to do

• Lava Flow Trekking — Walk across the dramatic 1994 lava flows that reshaped the island's landscape, observing how vegetation is reclaiming the volcanic rock and learning about the eruption's impact.
• Simpson Harbor Coastal Views — Hike to elevated viewpoints around the island's perimeter to see the sheltered harbor, offshore islands, and the Gazelle Peninsula across the water.
• Volcanic Geology Study — Visit accessible areas where you can observe pumice deposits, ash layers, and cooled lava formations that illustrate the 1994 eruption's power and recent volcanic processes.
• Community Resilience Tour — Visit with local guides to learn how Matupit residents rebuilt their villages and livelihoods after the eruption, seeing reconstructed homes and gardens on recovered land.
• Snorkeling in Simpson Harbor — Explore the shallow reef waters around Matupit where you can observe tropical fish and coral life in the protected harbor environment.
• Bird Watching — Look for endemic East New Britain bird species among the regenerating coastal and volcanic scrub vegetation, particularly in early morning hours.

Food to try

• Kokoda — Fresh raw fish marinated in coconut cream and lime juice, a staple Pacific dish often prepared with locally caught reef fish from Simpson Harbor.
• Taro and Sweet Potato — Locally grown root vegetables, staple carbohydrates prepared boiled or roasted, often served at community meals and family gatherings.
• Coconut Crab Stew — A rich local delicacy featuring coconut crab cooked with coconut milk and island vegetables, reflecting the area's traditional hunting and gathering practices.
• Sago Pancakes — Starch-based pancakes made from sago palm, a traditional carbohydrate source in East New Britain, often served with local honey or banana.
• Fresh Reef Fish — Daily catches from Simpson Harbor prepared grilled or in coconut-based curries, featuring species like snapper and grouper at local eateries.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Volcanic Sacred Sites — Local communities hold spiritual significance for areas affected by the 1994 eruption; ask guides before visiting certain sites and listen to their stories about the disaster.
• Seek Permission Before Photography — Always ask residents before photographing homes, gardens, or people, as the community is still rebuilding and privacy is important to post-eruption recovery efforts.
• Engage with Local Guides — Hiring a community guide is essential for safety, cultural sensitivity, and accurate information about the island's geology and recovery, while supporting the local economy.
• Learn Basic Tok Pisin — While English is spoken, learning basic Tok Pisin phrases shows respect and enhances interaction with residents who primarily speak this lingua franca alongside English.

Nearby

• Tavurvur Volcano — 3 km
• World War II Heritage Sites — 4 km
• Observation Point — 5 km
• Rabaul — 8 km