Arawa: The Hidden Gem of Papua New Guinea

• 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]

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.

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.