World War II Heritage Sites

World War II Sites

East New Britain contains numerous significant World War II sites including bunkers, aircraft wrecks, and fortifications from the Pacific Theater. History enthusiasts visit to explore these preserved sites and learn about the region's crucial role during the war.

Things to do

• Explore Rabaul War Museum — Visit the museum in Rabaul town to view artifacts, photographs, and exhibits documenting the Pacific Theater campaigns and local wartime history.
• Tour Japanese Underground Bunkers — Descend into preserved concrete bunkers and tunnel systems built by Japanese forces around Rabaul, many still bearing original markings and battle scars.
• Visit Bita Paka War Cemetery — Pay respects at this solemn cemetery containing graves of Australian and other Allied servicemen who died in the New Britain campaigns.
• Dive Aircraft Wrecks — Explore underwater wreckage sites of World War II planes and ships in the waters around Rabaul with certified diving operators.
• Inspect Coastal Defense Fortifications — Walk through preserved Japanese coastal gun positions and defensive structures overlooking Rabaul's harbors.
• Tour Kokopo War Relics — Discover Japanese artillery pieces, fortification remnants, and memorial sites scattered throughout the Kokopo district.

Food to try

• Fresh Coconut Crab — This local delicacy, unique to Papua New Guinea, features sweet tender meat and is often prepared grilled or in coconut-based dishes at waterfront restaurants.
• Sago Pancakes — Traditional starch-based pancakes made from sago flour, typically served with honey or fresh tropical fruits for breakfast or snacks.
• Bougainvillean Fish Curry — Fresh-caught reef fish cooked in a rich coconut curry sauce flavored with local spices and served with rice or taro.
• Taro Root Dishes — Starchy taro prepared boiled, mashed, or fried as a staple carbohydrate throughout East New Britain's local cuisine.
• Betel Nut and Lime — A traditional stimulant combination chewed socially throughout Papua New Guinea, combining areca palm nut with lime and betel leaf.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect War Memorials Solemnly — Cemeteries and memorial sites are sacred spaces; approach quietly, dress modestly, and ask permission before photographing graves or ceremonies.
• Hire Local Guides — Engage East New Brit guides who witnessed wartime or whose families have oral histories, providing authentic context and safer navigation of remote sites.
• Check Weather and Access — Many bunkers and fortifications are accessible only during dry seasons; confirm road conditions and site availability with Rabaul tourism offices before visiting.
• Learn Basic Tok Pisin — While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning simple Tok Pisin phrases shows respect to locals and enhances interactions in villages near heritage sites.

Nearby

• Observation Point — 4 km
• Matupit Island — 4 km
• Gazelle Peninsula — 6 km
• Rabaul — 7 km