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West New Britain
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Explore West New Britain for Kimbe Bay reefs, active volcanoes, wartime history, rainforest journeys and island communities in Papua New Guinea.

West New Britain occupies the western part of New Britain, Papua New Guinea’s largest island, with Kimbe as its provincial capital and principal visitor base. The province stretches from the volcanic mainland to offshore islands including the Vitu group, and its landscapes range from forested mountains and oil-palm country to mangrove-lined shores, coral reefs and black-sand beaches. Travel here is shaped by distance, weather and limited infrastructure, but that relative remoteness preserves a strong sense of place.
Read more about West New Britain
Kimbe Bay is the province’s best-known natural asset. Its sheltered waters contain coral gardens, steep reef walls, small islands and marine habitats frequented by divers, snorkellers and research teams. The bay forms part of the Bismarck Sea, where warm currents and exceptional marine variety support colourful reef fish, turtles and other tropical species. Land-based experiences include village visits arranged through local contacts, forest excursions and journeys along the north-coast road towards Talasea and Bialla.
West New Britain is also a province of volcanoes. Mount Ulawun, one of Papua New Guinea’s highest and most active volcanoes, rises inland from the north coast, while Mount Pago dominates the landscape near Kimbe. Their presence is a reminder that the island is geologically young and still changing. Around the volcanic uplands, dense rainforest, rivers and isolated settlements contrast with plantations and coastal communities linked by the province’s main roads.
The region’s cultural character is equally varied. Communities speak several local languages and maintain distinctive customs, crafts, songs and ceremonial practices; visitors should experience these through properly arranged and locally led encounters rather than arriving unannounced. Markets in Kimbe and other settlements offer garden produce, fruit and cooked food, while provincial cuisine reflects Papua New Guinea’s wider reliance on root crops, greens, coconut, fish and seasonal local produce.
West New Britain also carries the physical and emotional traces of the Second World War. Cape Gloucester, Arawe and other parts of the province were involved in the New Britain campaign, and wartime remnants remain in some coastal areas. A visit therefore combines marine recreation with an appreciation of volcanic geography, island history and contemporary communities whose livelihoods include gardening, fishing, plantations, tourism and public service.

When is the best time to visit West New Britain?

Best: June–August · 32°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January32300
February32250
March32250
April32200
May32200
June (best)32150
July (best)32150
August (best)32200
September32200
October32250
November32300
December32300

Getting to and around West New Britain

How to get there

The principal gateway is Hoskins Airport, located in West New Britain near the coastal settlements of Hoskins and Kimbe, with domestic flights connecting the province to Port Moresby and other Papua New Guinean centres; routes and schedules can change. Kimbe is also reached by road from the airport and by road approaches from other parts of the island, although journeys can be slow. International visitors normally connect through Port Moresby, and should arrange onward transport and accommodation before arrival. Remote destinations such as the Vitu Islands, Cape Gloucester and smaller coastal communities require locally organised boat or road travel.

Transportation

Travel within West New Britain is a mixture of private vehicles, locally operated public motor vehicles, taxis and organised excursions. The north-coast road links the Kimbe area with settlements including Hoskins, Bialla and Talasea, but surfaces, bridges, weather and roadworks can affect journey times. A vehicle with a local driver is useful for exploring beyond Kimbe, while boats are essential for many reef and island trips. Public transport is less predictable outside the main settlements, and visitors should not assume that remote attractions can be reached independently or at short notice.

Top city travel guides in West New Britain

The cities of West New Britain, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in West New Britain

West New Britain’s principal attractions combine marine environments, volcanic landscapes and wartime history. Kimbe Bay is the province’s leading visitor focus, offering guided diving and snorkelling around reefs, walls, channels and islands, with conditions and sites selected according to weather and experience. Inland and along the north coast, journeys reveal rainforest, rivers, gardens and settlements framed by the volcanic peaks of Mount Pago and Mount Ulawun. Talasea and the Willaumez Peninsula provide access to coastal scenery and volcanic terrain, while Lake Dakataua is a notable crater-lake destination reached through locally arranged travel. Offshore, the Vitu Islands offer a more remote island setting where boat logistics and community permission are essential. Cape Gloucester and nearby coastal areas carry reminders of the Second World War, including landscapes associated with the New Britain campaign. Visits to villages, markets and cultural performances can add social and historical context, but should be arranged through local hosts rather than treated as unstructured sightseeing. The province is also suited to birdwatching, reef observation, fishing and forest excursions, although facilities outside Kimbe are limited and independent travel can be difficult.

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Best landmarks in West New Britain

Mount Ulawun is West New Britain’s most imposing natural landmark, rising above the north-coast landscape as one of Papua New Guinea’s highest and most active volcanoes. Its profile is visible from considerable distances, but access and observation must always follow current volcanic advice. Near Kimbe, Mount Pago provides another prominent volcanic presence and helps explain the province’s rugged terrain and fertile soils. Kimbe Bay itself is a geographical landmark as well as a marine destination, with its broad waters, reef systems and forested islands defining the province’s coastal identity. Lake Dakataua, a water-filled volcanic basin on the Willaumez Peninsula, is notable for the contrast between crater landscape, dense vegetation and surrounding coastal settlements. Cape Gloucester is significant for both its distinctive coastal setting and its association with the Second World War. Smaller landmarks include traditional coastal villages, offshore island silhouettes and wartime remnants dispersed through areas that are often difficult to reach. These places are best understood with local guides, who can explain access, customary ownership, environmental sensitivities and historical context.

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Best restaurants in West New Britain

Dining in West New Britain is centred on Kimbe, resort and guesthouse kitchens, markets and roadside food stalls rather than a large restaurant scene. Local meals commonly draw on garden produce such as sweet potato, cassava, taro, banana and leafy greens, with coconut, seasonal fruit and fish featuring strongly in coastal districts. Fresh seafood may be available through accommodation providers or organised excursions, but supply and menus vary with weather, fishing and transport. Kimbe’s markets are useful for seeing the everyday food economy and buying fruit or cooked local dishes, while larger hotels and resorts usually provide a mixture of Papua New Guinean and international meals. Plantation and rural areas may offer simple food through guesthouses or community arrangements rather than formal dining rooms. Visitors should confirm meal arrangements when staying outside Kimbe, especially on islands and in remote coastal settlements, and should carry snacks for long road or boat journeys. Drinking water and dietary requirements should also be discussed in advance with accommodation providers.

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Best bars in West New Britain

West New Britain does not have a large, late-night club circuit. Evening life is concentrated in Kimbe’s established hotels, restaurants and licensed venues, where visitors may find a bar, television, music or occasional organised entertainment. In resort areas around Kimbe Bay, evenings tend to centre on dinner, conversation and preparation for early boat departures rather than nightlife. Local pubs and hotel bars provide opportunities to meet other travellers, but opening arrangements and security advice can change, so follow guidance from accommodation staff and avoid walking alone at night. Outside Kimbe, settlements and villages generally have little formal nightlife; social occasions are more likely to be community-based and private. Alcohol should be consumed responsibly and respectfully, particularly in areas where local regulations or community expectations apply. There are no reliable reasons to expect a substantial nightclub scene in remote coastal or island districts.

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Best nightclubs in West New Britain

West New Britain does not have a large, late-night club circuit. Evening life is concentrated in Kimbe’s established hotels, restaurants and licensed venues, where visitors may find a bar, television, music or occasional organised entertainment. In resort areas around Kimbe Bay, evenings tend to centre on dinner, conversation and preparation for early boat departures rather than nightlife. Local pubs and hotel bars provide opportunities to meet other travellers, but opening arrangements and security advice can change, so follow guidance from accommodation staff and avoid walking alone at night. Outside Kimbe, settlements and villages generally have little formal nightlife; social occasions are more likely to be community-based and private. Alcohol should be consumed responsibly and respectfully, particularly in areas where local regulations or community expectations apply. There are no reliable reasons to expect a substantial nightclub scene in remote coastal or island districts.

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Best shops in West New Britain

Shopping in West New Britain is practical and locally focused. Kimbe has the province’s broadest selection of shops and services, while markets in Kimbe and other settlements sell fruit, vegetables, root crops, cooked food and everyday goods. Visitors may find locally made baskets, carvings, shell ornaments, woven items or other crafts through markets, accommodation providers and community-based cultural programmes, but availability varies and authenticity is best understood by asking the maker about the item. Regional produce, such as tropical fruit and locally grown food, is more meaningful than generic souvenirs, although transport and quarantine rules should be considered before taking food abroad. Shops outside the main centres are limited, so stock up on toiletries, snacks, medicines, batteries and other essentials before travelling to islands or remote coastal areas. Bargain politely where bargaining is customary, pay makers fairly and do not buy archaeological objects, coral, protected wildlife products or wartime artefacts.

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West New Britain essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Papua New Guinean kina, coded PGK. Larger hotels, established tour businesses and some urban shops may accept cards, but facilities can be intermittent and connectivity is not dependable throughout the province. Carry kina in small denominations for markets, public transport, tips and purchases in smaller settlements, while keeping cash secure. Exchange services and reliable payment facilities are more limited outside Kimbe and the main commercial centres.
Safety
Take ordinary precautions with valuables, avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar places and follow accommodation advice about transport and local areas. Road travel can involve potholes, poor lighting, livestock, pedestrians and changing weather, so local drivers are preferable for longer journeys. On the coast, use reputable boat operators, wear flotation equipment and take notice of tides, currents and storms. Diving and snorkelling require appropriate training and surface support. Volcanic activity, heavy rain, landslips and limited communications can affect travel, particularly near Mount Ulawun, Mount Pago and remote coastal districts.
Emergency Situations
Papua New Guinea’s national emergency numbers are commonly listed as 110 for fire, 111 for ambulance and 112 for police, but mobile access and response capacity can vary in West New Britain. Confirm current arrangements with your accommodation or tour operator on arrival, and keep local contact numbers available. For diving, boating, volcanic travel or remote road journeys, tell a trusted person about your plans and carry communications and basic medical supplies. In a serious incident, local authorities, health services and tour operators may need to coordinate evacuation over considerable distances.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly away from beaches and resorts, ask before photographing people or property, and seek permission before entering villages, gardens or customary land. Follow local instructions during ceremonies and do not handle cultural objects without consent. Queue and bargain politely in markets, pay agreed transport or guiding fees, and avoid displaying valuables. Do not collect coral, shells or archaeological or wartime material. In the water, follow operator guidance and avoid touching reefs or marine life. Customs vary between communities, so a local host is the best source of advice.
Local Tips
Plan around the province’s geography rather than attempting to cover it quickly: Kimbe Bay, Talasea, Cape Gloucester and the offshore islands involve different transport arrangements. Dry-season conditions can make some roads and sea crossings easier, although weather remains changeable. The best marine experiences are generally arranged in advance, with time allowed for tides and sea conditions. Visit markets with small notes and coins, learn a few words of welcome from your host’s language where appropriate, and support locally owned guides, boat crews and community projects.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloKumusta[koo-moos-tah]
GoodbyeSori[soh-ree]
YesYumi[yoo-mee]
NoNogat[noh-gaht]
Please/You're welcomePlis[plees]
Thank youTenkyu[ten-kyoo]
Excuse me/SorrySori[soh-ree]
How are you?Yu orait?[yoo oh-rait]
Fine. And you?Orait. Na yu?[oh-rait nah yoo]
Do you speak English?Yu tok Inglis?[yoo tok ing-lis]
I don't understandMi no save[mee noh sah-veh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi laik lukim menu, plis[mee laik loo-keem meh-noo plees]
I don't eat meatMi no kaikai mit[mee noh kai-kai meet]
Cheers!Sikim![see-keem]
I would like to pay, pleaseMi laik baim, plis[mee laik bye-im plees]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Go awei![go ah-way]
Call the Police!Kolim Polis![koh-lim poh-lis]
Call a doctor!Kolim dokta![koh-lim dok-tah]
I'm lostMi lus[mee loos]
I'm illMi sik[mee seek]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Mi laik baim...[mee laik bye-im]
I'm just lookingMi lukim tasol[mee loo-keem tah-sohl]
How much is it?Hamastim?[hah-mah-steem]
That's too expensiveDis i tu expensiv[dis ee too ex-pen-siv]
Can you lower the price?Yu ken daunim prais?[yoo ken down-im pryce]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wanem taim?[wah-nem time]
It's one o'clockEm wan oklok[em wan oh-clock]
Half past (10)Haf pas ten[haf pahs ten]
MorningMoning[mo-ning]
AfternoonAftanoon[af-ta-noon]
EveningIvining[ee-vee-ning]
YesterdayYestede[ye-steh-de]
TodayTude[too-deh]
TomorrowTumoro[too-mo-roh]
1Wan[wan]
2Tu[too]
3Tri[tree]
4Fo[foh]
5Faiv[fahiv]
6Siks[siks]
7Sev[sev]
8Eit[eit]
9Nain[nain]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wea em ...?[weh-em]
What's the address?Wanem adres?[wah-nem ah-dress]
Can you show me (on the map)?Yu ken soim mi (long map)?[yoo ken soy-im mee long map]
When's the next (bus)?When em nekst (bus)?[wen em nekst bus]
A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket (go ...)[wan tee-ket go]

History of West New Britain

Early Settlement and Lapita Heritage

New Britain has been inhabited for thousands of years, and archaeological evidence records long histories of seafaring, exchange, gardening and settlement across the island and its offshore groups. Lapita communities reached the Bismarck Archipelago more than three millennia ago, leaving distinctive decorated pottery and evidence of maritime connections. Later populations developed their own languages, social systems and relationships with forest, coast and reef. In West New Britain, this deep past remains relevant because many communities continue to organise life around customary land, gardening, fishing and kinship, even as towns, plantations and modern transport have expanded.

Regional Cultures before Colonial Rule

Before European administration, the western part of New Britain was home to numerous societies rather than a single political unit. Communities in the Nakanai, Kilenge, Kove, Willaumez Peninsula and offshore islands maintained distinct languages, exchange networks and ceremonial traditions. Coastal travel by canoe connected settlements around bays and islands, while inland areas were linked by footpaths through forest and volcanic terrain. Local authority rested with customary leaders, families and clan-based relationships. This diversity still shapes West New Britain: language, ceremony, land ownership and village obligations vary considerably from one district to another.

German New Guinea and Early Colonial Administration

Germany annexed the New Guinea mainland and the Bismarck Archipelago in the late nineteenth century, creating German New Guinea. Missionaries, traders and colonial officials established a limited European presence, while commercial agriculture and labour recruitment began to alter coastal economies. German rule was replaced by Australian military administration during the First World War, and the territory subsequently became part of the League of Nations Mandated Territory of New Guinea. Colonial boundaries and administrative practices helped create the modern provincial framework, although customary land tenure and local authority remained central to everyday life.

Plantations, Missions and the Colonial Economy

During the twentieth century, missions, government stations and plantations expanded in parts of New Britain. Copra and other agricultural products connected coastal districts to regional trading networks, while roads and airstrips were developed to serve administration and commercial production. Labour movement brought people into new workplaces and settlements, but colonial economic development also imposed unfamiliar regulations and disrupted established patterns of land use. In contemporary West New Britain, plantation agriculture remains an important feature of the landscape, alongside smallholder gardens, fishing, public-sector employment and a growing interest in marine tourism.

The Second World War in West New Britain

West New Britain became a major theatre of the Pacific War after Japanese forces occupied parts of New Britain. Allied operations included the landings and fighting around Cape Gloucester in late 1943 and the Arawe operation further east, while airfields, tracks and coastal positions became strategically important. The campaign brought severe disruption, displacement and hardship to local communities, many of whom assisted Allied forces as guides, carriers or members of wartime organisations. Jungle, shorelines and abandoned wartime structures still contain reminders of the conflict, although many locations are remote and should be visited with local guidance.

Independence and Provincial Development

Papua New Guinea became independent from Australia in 1975, and West New Britain developed as one of the country’s provinces, with Kimbe as its administrative centre. Post-independence growth brought expanded roads, schools, health services, plantation activity and domestic air connections, while customary landowners continued to influence development decisions. The province’s reefs and islands later attracted international diving and nature tourism, particularly around Kimbe Bay. Its modern identity therefore combines customary communities, a growing provincial town, agricultural production, wartime heritage, volcanic landscapes and marine environments that require careful stewardship.

West New Britain in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to West New Britain

Discover West New Britain with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

  • Comprehensive guide to attractions, landmarks, and restaurants
  • Detailed information with images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Explore West New Britain like never before with Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide app. Find the best attractions, restaurants, and tours all in one place.

  • History of West New Britain and travel essentials
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  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
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Welcome to West New Britain, Papua New Guinea, a paradise waiting to be explored. With Evendo, your journey becomes seamless and unforgettable. Our app provides detailed information on all the top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in West New Britain.

Discover the awe-inspiring Garove Island, the volcanic landscapes of Mount Pago, or the vibrant markets in Kimbe. Whether you want to dive into the crystal-clear waters of Kimbe Bay or explore the lush rainforests, Evendo has you covered. Savor local delicacies at renowned eateries like the Liamo Reef Resort Restaurant and immerse yourself in the nightlife at popular spots such as Club 21.

Evendo makes it easy to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. No more hassle of searching and planning – everything you need is in one place. With rich information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, organizing your trip has never been easier.

Additionally, the app features a comprehensive history of West New Britain, travel essentials, and curated local tips to ensure you experience the destination like a local. The 'Near me' feature helps you discover nearby attractions, making it perfect for spontaneous adventures.

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