Arawa, Papua New Guinea Travel Guide

Discover Arawa, Papua New Guinea's hidden gem, where lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and a rich cultural heritage await to enchant and inspire every traveler.

Nestled on the eastern coast of Bougainville Island, Arawa is a city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Once the bustling heart of Bougainville's mining industry, Arawa now stands as a tranquil escape, surrounded by lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and captivating landscapes. Arawa is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The nearby Panguna mine, though no longer operational, provides a dramatic backdrop to the city and offers adventurous hikes with stunning views. The surrounding rainforests are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a fantastic destination for bird watchers and eco-tourists. The beaches near Arawa are untouched and serene, perfect for a quiet day of sunbathing or a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. Cultural experiences in Arawa are equally enriching. The local market is a vibrant hub where you can find traditional crafts, fresh produce, and mingle with the friendly locals. The city's history and the resilience of its people are palpable as you explore. Engaging with local guides will provide deeper insights into the unique culture and history of Bougainville, including the impact of the civil conflict and the community's road to recovery. Whether you are an adventurer, a history buff, or someone seeking peace and tranquility, Arawa offers a unique and memorable experience. Its natural beauty and cultural depth make it a hidden gem worth discovering.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Arawa.

Visit the local market early in the morning for the freshest produce and unique crafts.
Hire a local guide to explore the history of the Panguna mine and understand its significance.
Bring insect repellent for hikes in the rainforest to ensure a comfortable experience.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting villages or cultural sites.
Cash is essential as ATMs and card facilities are limited in Arawa.

Explore Arawa: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Arawa

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Adventure Park PNG

Experience thrilling rides and family fun at Adventure Park PNG, a must-visit theme park in the heart of Central Province, Papua New Guinea.

4.3

Bomana War Cemetery

Discover the profound history of Bomana War Cemetery, a serene military memorial in Port Moresby honoring the sacrifices of World War II heroes.

4.7

Varirata National Park

Explore Varirata National Park, a stunning state park in Central Province, Papua New Guinea, renowned for its rich biodiversity, scenic trails, and incredible birdwatching opportunities.

4.4

WWII Admiral Yamamoto crash location

Explore the historical significance of the WWII Admiral Yamamoto crash location on Bougainville Island, a poignant reminder of the past amidst stunning landscapes.

4.9

Best landmarks in Arawa

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New Guinea

Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultures of New Guinea, an island paradise filled with adventure and natural wonders.

4.1

Bougainville Island

Discover the untouched beauty and rich culture of Bougainville Island, a hidden treasure in Papua New Guinea's Autonomous Region.

4.3

Arawa Town Vegetable Market

Explore the vibrant Arawa Town Vegetable Market in Bougainville, where fresh produce, local culture, and friendly vendors await every visitor.

3.9

Jomik Supermarket

Explore the vibrant Jomik Supermarket in Arawa for local treasures, fresh produce, and a taste of Bougainville's rich culture.

4.4

Best restaurants in Arawa

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Bebek Gazebo

Experience authentic Indonesian cuisine amidst stunning natural beauty at Bebek Gazebo in South Sulawesi.

4.4

Savannah Bistro

Experience the vibrant flavors of Papua New Guinea at Savannah Bistro, where every dish tells a story in Port Moresby's culinary scene.

4.1

Asia Aromas Harbour Side West PNG

Experience authentic Chinese cuisine at Asia Aromas Harbour Side West PNG, where every dish tells a story amidst breathtaking harbor views.

4.0

Tandoor on the Harbour

Experience authentic Indian cuisine at Tandoor on the Harbour in Port Moresby, where stunning views meet vibrant flavors.

4.3

Best bars in Arawa

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Poonang Nava Inn

Experience the warmth of Bougainville at Poonang Nava Inn, a cozy guest house in Arawa perfect for cultural exploration and relaxation.

3.7

Gold Dust Inn

Gold Dust Inn: Your Comfortable Retreat in Arawa, Papua New Guinea, Blending Local Charm with Modern Comfort.

3.9

Bovotel Hotel

Experience comfort and local charm at Bovotel Hotel, your ideal stay in Arawa, Bougainville, rich in culture and natural beauty.

4.3

Arawa Travellers Inn

Discover the serene beauty of Bougainville Island with a stay at Arawa Travellers Inn, your cozy lodge amidst stunning landscapes.

4.0

Best nightclubs in Arawa

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Rising Sun Lodge

Discover the serene beauty of Bougainville at Rising Sun Lodge, your perfect guest house getaway in Arawa.

4.0

DJ Garden Lodge

Discover the tranquil oasis of DJ Garden Lodge in Arawa, Bougainville, where comfort meets nature for an unforgettable escape.

3.7

Hangers Tavern

Experience Arawa's vibrant nightlife at Hangers Tavern, the premier bar for delicious drinks and lively entertainment.

3.2

Rays' Tavern

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Rays' Tavern in Arawa, a perfect spot for drinks and mingling with locals in Bougainville.

4.0

Best shops in Arawa

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Arawa Town Vegetable Market

Discover the vibrant Arawa Town Vegetable Market, a cultural gem in Bougainville filled with fresh produce and local flavors.

3.9

Jomik Supermarket

Experience the essence of Bougainville at Jomik Supermarket, your one-stop shop for local goods and authentic souvenirs in Arawa.

4.4

STI Shopping Centre

Explore the vibrant STI Shopping Centre in Arawa, where shopping meets local culture, dining, and community events.

4.2

Bougainville Agrotech Limited

Explore Bougainville Agrotech Limited in Arawa for top-notch hardware and gardening supplies, blending local charm with quality tools.

3.5

Explore Arawa on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Arawa, mapped for you.

Arawa Essentials

Arawa is located on the eastern coast of Bougainville Island in Papua New Guinea. The nearest international airport is Buka Airport on Buka Island, which is a short flight from Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea. From Buka Island, you can take a ferry to mainland Bougainville or a domestic flight to Aropa Airport, which is closer to Arawa. Once on Bougainville, you can travel to Arawa by road using local buses, taxis, or private car hire.
In Arawa, public transportation mainly consists of PMVs (Public Motor Vehicles) and taxis. PMVs are minibuses that run on fixed routes and are an affordable way to get around. Taxis are available but can be more expensive. For more flexibility, consider renting a car. Be aware that road conditions can vary, and driving can be challenging due to the rugged terrain. Walking is also a practical option within the town itself.
The official currency in Papua New Guinea is the Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK). Credit cards are not widely accepted in Arawa, so it is advisable to carry cash. ATMs are available but may not always be reliable, so withdrawing sufficient cash in larger towns or cities before arriving in Arawa is recommended. Ensure you have small denominations, as change can sometimes be an issue in smaller shops and markets.
Arawa is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur, so keep your belongings secure. Some neighborhoods may have higher crime rates; consult local advice to know which areas to avoid. Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of an emergency, dial 111 for police assistance or 000 for medical emergencies. Arawa has a local police station and a hospital with basic medical facilities. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people and religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient; public transport can be crowded and schedules may not be punctual. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. A friendly greeting in the local Tok Pisin language, 'Yu orait?' (How are you?), is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food offers graciously. Don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.
To experience Arawa like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Explore the natural beauty of the surrounding areas, including the Panguna Mine site and the nearby beaches. Learning a few phrases in Tok Pisin, the local language, can go a long way in building rapport with residents.

When is the best time to visit Arawa?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Arawa

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Arawa. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloKam na
  [kam nah]
- GoodbyeKam na
  [kam nah]
- YesEe
  [ee]
- NoTao
  [tao]
- Please/You're welcomeLukim yu
  [look-eem yoo]
- Thank youTenkyu
  [ten-kyoo]
- Excuse me/SorrySori
  [soh-ree]
- How are you?Yu stap gut?
  [yoo stap goot]
- Fine. And you?Mi stap gut. Na yu?
  [mee stap goot. nah yoo]
- Do you speak English?Yu save toktok long Tok Pisin?
  [yoo sah-veh tohk-tohk long tohk pee-seen]
- I don't understandMi nogat save
  [mee noh-gaht sah-veh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi laik lukim menu, plis
  [mee lake look-eem menu, plees]
- I don't eat meatMi no kaik kaukau
  [mee noh kigh-kigh kow-kow]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
- I would like to pay, pleaseMi laik pai, plis
  [mee lake pie, plees]
- Help!Help!
  [help]
- Go away!Go long!
  [go long]
- Call the Police!Kolim Polis!
  [koh-leem poh-lees]
- Call a doctor!Kolim dokta!
  [koh-leem dohk-tah]
- I'm lostMi lus
  [mee loos]
- I'm illMi sik
  [mee seek]
- I'd like to buy...Mi laik baim...
  [mee lake bighm]
- I'm just lookingMi tasol lukim
  [mee tah-sol look-eem]
- How much is it?Em i stap long hamas?
  [em ee stap long hah-mahs]
- That's too expensiveEm i stap long hamas
  [em ee stap long hah-mahs]
- Can you lower the price?Yu inap lusim pres?
  [yoo ee-nahp loo-seem press]
- What time is it?Wanem taim nau?
  [wah-nem tah-eem now]
- It's one o'clockEm i wan
  [em ee wahn]
- Half past (10)Long hap pasten
  [long hahp pah-sten]
- MorningMornin
  [mohr-neen]
- AfternoonApinun
  [ah-pee-noon]
- EveningEvenin
  [ee-veh-neen]
- YesterdayDei igo
  [day ee-goh]
- TodayTudei
  [too-day]
- TomorrowTomoro
  [toh-moh-roh]
- 1Wan
  [wahn]
- 2Tu
  [too]
- 3Tri
  [tree]
- 4Fo
  [foh]
- 5Faiv
  [fah-eev]
- 6Sikis
  [see-kees]
- 7Seven
  [seh-vehn]
- 8Eit
  [ayt]
- 9Nain
  [nine]
- 10Ten
  [tehn]
- Where's a/the...?Wanem ples em i stap...?
  [wah-nem ples em ee stap]
- What's the address?Wanem adras em i stap?
  [wah-nem ad-rahss em ee stap]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Yutupela inap soim mi long maemap?
  [yoo-too-peh-lah ee-nahp soy-eem mee long mah-map]
- When's the next (bus)?Taim bai nambawan bus i kam?
  [time bai nahm-bah-wahn bus ee kam]
- A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket (long ....)
  [wah-n tee-keht long]

History of Arawa

Arawa, located on the island of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea, began as a small settlement inhabited by the indigenous Nasioi people. The region's rich natural resources and fertile land supported a thriving agricultural community long before European contact.
In the late 19th century, Arawa and the entirety of Bougainville became part of German New Guinea. The German administration focused on exploiting the island's resources, particularly copra, leading to increased interactions between the indigenous population and European settlers.
Following Germany's defeat in World War I, Bougainville was administered by Australia under a League of Nations mandate. During World War II, the island became a strategic location and witnessed significant military activity, including the Battle of Bougainville, which saw Allied forces fighting Japanese occupiers.
After World War II, Arawa experienced considerable growth, particularly with the discovery of vast copper deposits in the Panguna region. The establishment of the Panguna mine in the 1970s transformed Arawa into a bustling town, attracting workers from various parts of Papua New Guinea and abroad.
The economic benefits of the Panguna mine were coupled with environmental degradation and social unrest among the indigenous population. Tensions escalated into the Bougainville Civil War (1988-1998), a brutal conflict that led to significant loss of life, displacement, and the eventual closure of the Panguna mine.
Following the peace agreement in 2001, Arawa has been in a period of rebuilding. The establishment of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville has given the local government greater control over its affairs. Efforts are ongoing to restore infrastructure, promote economic development, and address the scars left by the civil war.
In recent years, there has been a strong focus on reviving and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Arawa and Bougainville. Traditional music, dance, and crafts are being promoted, and cultural festivals attract visitors eager to experience the unique customs and traditions of the region.