Rabaul

The provincial capital and largest city in East New Britain, famous for its dramatic volcanic landscape and World War II history. Visitors come for the stunning harbor views, nearby volcanic sites, and vibrant local culture, though the city remains vulnerable to volcanic activity.

Things to do

• Tavurvur Volcano — Hike to the crater rim of this active volcano that dramatically erupted in 1994, reshaping Rabaul's harbor and offering panoramic views of the caldera.
• Japanese War Tunnels — Explore the extensive underground tunnel network built by Japanese forces during World War II, now accessible as a historical museum beneath the town.
• Kokopo War Museum — Visit this museum in nearby Kokopo displaying WWII artifacts, aircraft wreckage, and exhibits documenting the Pacific War in the region.
• Rabaul Harbour Scenic Cruise — Take a boat tour around the iconic horseshoe-shaped harbor to see the volcanic landscape, thermal hot springs, and dramatic cliffs.
• Matupit Island — Visit this island within the harbor to observe active volcanic features, including thermal vents and fumaroles, with views back to the mainland.
• Ralum Plantation — Tour this historic German-era coconut plantation on the peninsula, featuring tropical gardens and insights into colonial agricultural heritage.

Food to try

• Tuna and Coconut Curry — A regional specialty combining fresh local tuna with creamy coconut milk and local spices, reflecting both maritime abundance and Melanesian flavor traditions.
• Sago with Fish — A traditional starch made from sago palms served with locally caught fish, representing a staple carbohydrate preparation across East New Britain.
• Tropical Fruit Platters — Fresh papaya, mango, pineapple, and passion fruit sourced from local markets, often served chilled at waterfront establishments.
• Betel Nut (Buai) — A mildly stimulating preparation of areca nut, betel leaf, and lime traditionally chewed throughout the region as a social custom and mild stimulant.
• Coconut-Based Soups — Hearty broths made with taro, greens, or seafood combined with fresh coconut cream, embodying Pacific island cooking techniques.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Volcanic Activity Warnings — Monitor local alerts from PNG authorities before hiking volcanoes or exploring outlying areas, as seismic activity can change rapidly and unexpectedly.
• Dress Conservatively — While Rabaul is relatively cosmopolitan, visitors should wear modest clothing in town and especially when visiting traditional villages to show cultural respect.
• Learn Basic Tok Pisin Phrases — While English is understood, learning simple greetings and courtesies in Tok Pisin—the lingua franca—builds goodwill with locals and enriches interactions.
• Participate in Market Culture

Nearby

• Observation Point — 3 km
• World War II Heritage Sites — 7 km
• Matupit Island — 8 km
• Tavurvur Volcano — 10 km