Page 136 - Pacific Paradises 2019

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— Papua New Guinea — Papua New Guinea — Papua New Guinea —

THE ISLANDS

The Islands of Papua New Guinea in Rabaul Township and at Kokopo, boiling volcanic pools and mud holes can
are divided into four groups. a number of lodges, guesthouses and be found within.
East and West New Britain, the hotels are now open and provide New Ireland is an island paradise
largest of PNG’s outer islands, excellent accommodation. A highlight of of sandy white beaches, towering
has two main centres: Rabaul in a visit to Rabaul is a visit to Palmalmal mountains and clear springs and rivers
the east and Kimbe in the west. in the Pomio District, the Duke of York that run the entire length of the island.
Islands and the Bainings.
Rabaul is the site of some of PNG’s most A road made from crushed coral links
active volcanoes, Tavurvur and Vulcan. Like its neighbour in the east, West New north to south, but travel is easier by sea.
The last big eruption in 1994 completely Britain is surrounded by a turquoise The Malangan culture in the northern
covered the peaceful town and harbour sea, dotted with reef-fringed atolls and and central part of the island is unique
in ash and forced the residents who adorned with magnificent rainforests, within the Pacific and its people are
remained to move the town to nearby which plunge into white sandy beaches. particularly well known for their
Kokopo. The town has recovered and The fertile volcanic soil in this region is sorcery and shark calling. Diving in this
visitors are assured of a range of quality suitable for growing just about anything region is fantastic and there are several
accommodations and services. and lush plantations stretch from the resorts offering accommodation and
mountains to the sea. diving services.
Diving is still a big attraction here, even The major attraction here is the diving
though the eruption hit many dive sites in Kimbe Bay, accessible from land or The abundance of local seafood
in the harbour quite hard. Ironically, via live-aboards. A chain of dormant translates into gourmet feasts for visitors
the source of the town’s demise has now volcanoes shields the bay from open featuring coconut crabs, crayfish and a
become one of its biggest attractions. ocean conditions, creating a pocket of variety of reef fish. There are a number
Trips to the volcanic observatory and calm on the north coast of the island. of hotels and guesthouses in Kavieng
helicopter tours of the crater are not to The landscape of extinct volcanoes and small guest lodges are located on
be missed. the islands in the harbour.
creates a dramatic backdrop and
There are a number of hotels operational steaming thermal springs, waterfalls, Manus Island is a distant island group

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