An idyllic setting amongst pristine rainforest, dominated by a string of volcanoes some of which are still active. These volcanoes supplying plentiful hot bubbling springs, delicious mud pools and thermal geysers to invigorate the body. It is sparsely populated and remains largely undeveloped! A perfect escape to a tropical paradise you are never likely to meet anyone you know!
At the centre of West New Britain is lush, virgin rainforest. Traditionally this has provided the communities with edible plants, game meats, medicinal plants, and building materials. The elevated rainforest ranges are the source for many of the rivers, both hot and cold, above and below ground, which feed the limestone pools, thermal springs and waterfalls which are dotted prolifically across WNB. On Pangula Island, across from Talasea off the Willaumez Peninsula, is the Valley of Wabua, meaning "Valley of Hot Water", a mass of thermal geysers. Fortunately, there is also a hot river easily accessible to visitors a relatively short drive from Kimbe.
The Hoskins and Kimbe Bay coastline feature soft black sand beaches while the south coast has a white sandy coastline. The north coast, from Talasea and westward, is dotted with mangroves which provide a home for molluscs and mud crabs, the latter a mouthwatering delicacy for visitors.
The diving and fishing of West New Britain have to be experienced to be believed. WNB offers visitors the opportunity to explore war wrecks go bush trekking through virgin rainforest, perhaps to explore a volcanic crater or to go bird-watching.
Garove is the largest of the Witu Islands, located 65 km (40 miles) north of New Britain in the Bismarck Sea. It is not known when Garove volcano last erupted but it could have been within the last few hundred years. Witu Island is a volcanic caldera open on its south side creating a stunning lagoon. The island of Unea offers a rich environment for visitors, with extraordinary archaeological finds, including unique carved stone heads, and a fascinating natural environment.
Many of West New Britain's other remarkable natural attractions remain under-developed and relatively inaccessible. For example, the Muruk cave system in the Nakanai area may be the deepest recorded in the southern hemisphere. A French cave expedition team believe there is a canyon about 1,200 metres below the entrance to the cave. Other cave systems are already prized archaeological sites, showing evidence of use from 3,000 - 10,000 years ago.
KIMBE
Walindi Resort is located on a privately owned oil palm plantation on the shores of Kimbe Bay. The Bay is fringed by volcanic mountains, some still active. Divers can explore volcanic caves draped in staghorn coral and reef drop-offs. The clear blue waters are home to dogtooth tuna, trevally, barracuda, dolphins and dugong and for night diving, the luminescene lights the way.
The most popular site for night diving is known as The Cathedral, a horse shoe shaped reef with a large cave at one end. The floor is covered in white sand and the outside is draped in staghorn and gorgonia coral. Walindi has resident instructors to provide tuition for first time divers. The fishing and snorkelling are excellent.
Non-divers can enjoy the superb natural surroundings. The Muruk cave system in the Nakanai area of West New Britain is believed to be the deepest recorded in the southern hemisphere. A French cave expedition team recently explored the system and believe there is a canyon about 1,200 metres below the entrance of the cave.
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