New Ireland has perfect white-sand beaches and rivers of clear water tumbling down from the ruggedly forested central Schleinitz Range. In the remote south is the spiritual home of Tumbuan culture. In the north are the intriguing traditions of the Malagan, while Kabai culture dominates in the central areas.
New Ireland is a beautiful, friendly and easy going place and, although little known and rarely visited is easily accessible to those looking for that special once in a lifetime adventure. Long, narrow and mountainous, New Ireland boasts undeniable beauty, peaceful people, never ending beaches, the popular Malagan Show, the unique traditions of Shark Calling, exhilarating sports fishing, excellent sailing grounds, world-class surfing and is one of the most diverse diving destinations on the earth.
New Ireland people had been so blessed with rich and varied cultural practices and values that blend well with the environment. The people of New Ireland are Melanesian and speak 22 local languages. Traditional clan power is wielded by chiefs, but clan rites and land claims are passed on in a matrilineal system.
The traditional art of calling sharks is practiced along the coasts of New Ireland, but particularly on the West Coast around Kontu and Tembin where certain men have the ability to call up sharks. The unfortunate shark swims up to the caller’s boat where they can be speared and netted. Alternatively the shark propeller is used – a noose is hung with half coconut shells which make a rattling noise, attracting the shark up through the noose. A rope attached to the noose is connected to a wooden propeller which is spun round to tighten the noose and simultaneously pull in the rope. The shark, unable to keep moving, effectively drowns.
The people of New Ireland have three distinct culture or traditional practices: Malagan, Kabai and Tumbuan. While Malagan and Kabai are unique only to New Ireland including "traditional shark hunting", Tumbuan which is a men's sacred society and widely practiced by the Tolais in East New Britain Province, actually originated from the southern area of New Ireland in the Lak/Kandas area where it is mostly practiced. New Ireland’s culture is rich, colourful and intricate.
KAVIENG
Kavieng is situated at the northern tip of New Ireland. It has a large, beautiful harbour and is surrounded by a spray of Islands with beautiful sandy beaches, coral reefs and reef breaks. Along the edge of the harbour is Nusa Parade, a gently curving road, shaded by huge trees, which passes many points of historical interest, the main market and the port. The traditional art of Shark Calling is practiced along the west coast and the main Kavieng Market is situated on the foreshore and is a central hub of activity most days of the week, except Sundays.
There is a fantastic variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh and smoked fish, live mud crabs, baskets of sunga and kina shells (types of molluscs like pipis and cockles), and of course plenty of buai (betel-nut). Also found in large quantities are huge trays of tapioca slice made with coconut milk, sago slice, donuts, rice balls and other local delicacies. Although generally a produce market, you will also find woven baskets, locally printed lap-laps, and hand-made bilums (bags) available for sale.
Sea breezes keep Kavieng cool and it’s a pretty and peaceful place to wander around, with very friendly and welcoming people. The Kavieng Hotel however is famous for its Friday Night Seafood Buffet with what seems like an unlimited amount of mud crabs and crayfish, as well as plenty of fish and other seafood, salads and vegetable dishes. The Kavieng Club has a large bar and a billiard room, and is a relaxing place for a drink after a game of golf on their 9-Hole Golf Course or a quick snack for lunch or dinner.
LISSENUNG ISLAND
Picture a small private island with a white sandy beach, tall palm trees, beautiful flowers, magnificent sunsets and traditional bungalows. Surrounding this beautiful hideaway are some of the most colourful reefs and the best fish life this planet has to offer. Lissenung Island is located a 20 minute boat ride away from Kavieng. The resort, which was started in early 1996, is all there is on the island.. Other than a handful of local staff, you won't see another soul. You can easily circumnavigate the entire island in about 10-15 minutes.
All buildings are built in the traditional style, most of them with thatched roofs and from bamboo woven walls. The local "building materials" are surprisingly strong and withstand even the strongest rainstorms. Some local artifacts, which are also for sale, complete the picture and give the buildings that great PNG atmosphere. Lissenung specializes in diving for the discerning diver.
Deckchairs and a bottle of wine on the beach at sunset time are the perfect way of ending an exciting day of diving.
NUSA ISLAND
Nusa Island is just off the coast of Kavieng. An idyllic sandy island point and surrounded by superb swimming beaches with crystal clear, coral encrusted lagoons that are teeming with marine life, not to mention the World War II ship and plane wrecks that are also nearby. It is the perfect Papua New Guinea location to base yourself for activities such as surfing, diving, fishing, kayaking, or exploring and cultural activities of any kind. Nusa Island Retreat is low impact and eco-sensitive with accommodation in the form of traditional island style bungalows. Most of the bungalows are set on the water's edge an all have great views.
For surfers looking for somewhere uncrowded different and remote, Nusa Island Retreat is surrounded by an unspoilt natural playground which boasts an excellent variety of numerous surf breaks and waves throughout the surf season.
For experienced divers, Papua New Guinea is also home to world class scuba diving all year round - the waters surrounding Nusa Island and Kavieng have excellent wreck diving, drift diving as well as caves and pelagics aplenty. The sports fisherman is not going to get bored here either. This is a fishing paradise with plenty of ways to get you out on the ocean chasing your favourite sports fish. It was voted one of the ten best beaches in the world, so it is the perfect place to relax, unwind and chill out and experience Papua New Guinea. You will be enchanted by it's magic ...
