East New Britain Province is a tropical paradise of lush secondary rain forest vegetation common to the wet tropical lowlands. Wonderful displays of colourful plants and flowers thrive on the rich volcanic soil, attracting all kinds of insects and wild life to their perfume and brilliance.
The People of East New Britain are of Melanesian descent, speaking Austronesian languages of which there are sixteen on the island. “Kuanua”, which the Tolai speak, is the main language of the Gazelle Peninsula. The Peninsula is inhabited by five major ethnic groups consisting of Tolai, who dominate the Peninsula, followed by the Baining, Sulka, Taulil and Pomio. The population of East New Britain at the 2000 census was 220,133.
RABAUL
Rabaul is set below two volcanoes in a magnificent harbor. It radiates a mystical ambiance as Mt Tarvuvur continues to smoulder and great clouds of ash billow from its depths. Hot springs bubble fueled by volcanic activity and this is all set on a beautiful harbour to frame the magnificent view and scenery of the Gazelle Peninsula.
The town and countryside is host to an intricate network of tunnels dug by the Japapnese for refuge against allied bombing. Some of these tunnels carry Japanese writing and are visible from the roadside. Rabaul offers crystal clear warm waters, expansive islands, numerous wrecks and virgin coral reefs make diving the jewel in New Britains crown. The waters teem with everything from colourful coral fish to deep-water Marlin. Two World Wars in the area has left a litany of warcraft, both navy & airforce, wrecked on the sea floor- some only 5 metres from the shore line. Facilities exist for snorkelling from most sea-side accomodation.
Rabaul offers spectacular coral and wreck dives, Marlin, Black Bass and reef fishing, volcanoe harbour cruises WW2 history tours with an abundance of tunnels, relics and fabulous museum. You can even trek across the Baining mountains on the same route the Allied forces fleed from the Japanese. After the eruption of Tavurvur and Vulcan in September 1994, Kokopo developed as the service centre, along the edge of Blanche Bay. It is now the main centre, with busy produce markets, selling fresh produce, local cigars and betel nut, is located on the main road from Tokua.
The drive from the airport, now located at Tokua about an hour from Rabaul, is along a narrow road winding its way around the glittering waters of the Gazelle Peninsula. Through the coconut trees villages of thatched huts surrounded by colourful flowerbeds and tropical fruit trees look out over calm waters. East New Britain has a fascinating World War 2 history and visitors can explore Japanese caved systems, barged tunnels, aircraft wrecks and submarines.
It is truly an amazing place that has so much diversity and beauty to offer.
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