Free New Guinea Islands Region Travel Guide & Mobile App

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New Guinea Islands Region
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Explore Papua New Guinea’s New Guinea Islands for volcanic scenery, coral reefs, wartime history and distinctive island cultures across remote tropical landscapes.

Papua New Guinea’s New Guinea Islands Region stretches across a broad arc of volcanic and coral islands east of the mainland. It includes New Britain, New Ireland, Manus and the islands of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, together with many smaller island groups. Distances over water and limited transport links make this a region for carefully planned journeys rather than a single, compact touring circuit. Its rewards are correspondingly varied: active volcanic landscapes, clear tropical seas, dense rainforest, historic harbours and distinctive island cultures.
Read more about New Guinea Islands Region
New Britain provides some of the region’s most accessible contrasts. Around Kokopo and Rabaul in East New Britain, visitors encounter the stark volcanic scenery of Tavurvur and Vulcan, remnants of the 1994 eruptions, as well as wartime tunnels, coastal villages and the sheltered waters of the Duke of York Islands. West New Britain is known for rainforest, diving and the marine environment of Kimbe Bay, where reefs, offshore islands and deep channels create a major setting for underwater exploration. Conditions, access and conservation arrangements vary, so guided visits are important.
New Ireland has a long, narrow shape and a strong maritime character. Kavieng, at its northern end, is a base for diving, surfing, fishing and excursions among small islands, while the east coast leads towards historic villages and the cultural landscapes around Namatanai. Traditional canoe building, shell valuables, carving and the ceremonial arts associated with Malagan traditions remain important expressions of local identity, although visitors should experience them through community consent rather than treating cultural knowledge as a performance on demand.
Manus, centred on Lorengau and the Admiralty Islands, offers forested islands, lagoons and a slower travel rhythm, with services concentrated in a small number of settlements. Bougainville has a separate political and historical character within Papua New Guinea. Buka and Arawa provide useful starting points for understanding its landscapes, communities and twentieth-century history, while the island’s mountains, reefs and beaches require local guidance and realistic travel planning. Across the region, weather, sea conditions, communications and accommodation can change quickly; the most rewarding itineraries leave time for delays and place respectful engagement with communities and the environment at their centre.

When is the best time to visit New Guinea Islands Region?

Best: June–August · 29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January30250
February30230
March30250
April30260
May30270
June (best)29200
July (best)29190
August (best)29210
September29230
October29250
November30260
December30270

Getting to and around New Guinea Islands Region

How to get there

Most international visitors enter Papua New Guinea through Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby, on the mainland, and connect by domestic air to island gateways. Rabaul is served by Tokua Airport in East New Britain; West New Britain is reached through Hoskins Airport; New Ireland through Kavieng Airport; Manus through Momote Airport; and Bougainville through Buka Airport, subject to current airline schedules and operational changes. International arrivals can also use connections through Australia or other regional hubs before transferring in Port Moresby. Some resorts and communities arrange boat transfers, but these should be confirmed in advance rather than assumed to operate as public ferry services.

Transportation

Domestic flights are the practical backbone of travel between the main islands, while roads provide access around larger settlements and selected coastal corridors. Taxis, hotel vehicles and pre-arranged transfers are more dependable for visitors than trying to find informal transport on arrival. Boats are important for island excursions, diving and village visits, but safety equipment, weather and local licensing standards vary, so use reputable operators and avoid travelling in rough conditions. In rural areas, services are infrequent, mobile coverage can be limited and walking beyond settlements may require a guide. A vehicle is useful around parts of East and West New Britain and New Ireland, but road quality and security conditions should be checked locally.

Top city travel guides in New Guinea Islands Region

The cities of New Guinea Islands Region, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in New Guinea Islands Region

The region’s attractions are shaped by island geography and by the need to travel with local knowledge. In East New Britain, the Rabaul area combines volcanic scenery, wartime relics, harbour views and excursions to the Duke of York Islands, while Kokopo provides access to museums, markets and coastal communities. West New Britain is particularly associated with rainforest, diving and the reefs and islands of Kimbe Bay, where marine excursions reveal coral gardens, drop-offs and abundant tropical life. New Ireland offers a different rhythm, with Kavieng as a base for diving, surfing, fishing and boat trips, and routes south towards village landscapes and cultural traditions. Manus provides lagoons, forested islands and marine environments around Lorengau, while Bougainville combines beaches, rainforest, historical sites and locally guided journeys around Buka, Arawa and the island’s interior. Activities are often small-scale and weather-dependent, so visitors should value well-organised excursions over trying to assemble an improvised circuit.

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Best landmarks in New Guinea Islands Region

Mount Tavurvur and Mount Vulcan form the most recognisable volcanic landmarks of East New Britain, standing beside the former Rabaul township and its ash-covered landscapes. Their 1994 eruptions reshaped the area and remain central to its visual identity, although access requires attention to current volcanic advice. Rabaul’s Simpson Harbour, enclosed by volcanic ridges and former military installations, is another defining geographical and historical feature. In West New Britain, the islands and reef systems of Kimbe Bay make a natural landmark of a different kind, with clear tropical waters set against forested shores and volcanic terrain. Kavieng’s harbour and offshore islands express New Ireland’s maritime character, while the long island itself forms a distinctive coastal landscape of villages, reefs and rainforest. Bougainville’s Crown Prince Range and the forested slopes around the island’s interior provide a powerful contrast to the low coastal settlements of Buka and Arawa. Across the region, wartime tunnels, memorial sites and remnants around Rabaul are significant physical reminders of the Pacific War, but should be entered only with expert local guidance.

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Explore New Guinea Islands Region on the map

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Best restaurants in New Guinea Islands Region

Dining in the New Guinea Islands Region is closely connected to village agriculture, fishing and the supplies available in each island town. Fresh fish, reef seafood, shellfish where locally permitted, coconut, taro, sweet potato, bananas, sago and greens appear in many home-style meals, while chicken, rice and imported provisions are common in hotels and town restaurants. Kokopo, Rabaul, Kimbe, Kavieng and Lorengau have the widest choice of restaurants, cafés, hotel dining rooms and informal food stalls, though opening arrangements may be limited outside peak periods. Markets are useful places to see seasonal produce and buy fruit, but visitors should take sensible care with food and drinking water. Resort kitchens and lodges often combine Papua New Guinean ingredients with Australian, Asian or international cooking, particularly in areas serving divers and anglers. In villages, meals or cooking demonstrations should be arranged through a host or guide, with prices and expectations agreed beforehand rather than assumed.

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Best bars in New Guinea Islands Region

Evening life is modest and concentrated in hotel bars, restaurants, clubs attached to larger accommodation and the established town centres of Kokopo, Rabaul, Kimbe and Kavieng. Port town pubs and hotel lounges are the most dependable places for a drink, while some venues offer music or occasional dancing rather than a permanent nightclub programme. In smaller communities on Manus, New Ireland, West New Britain and Bougainville, entertainment is more likely to centre on family gatherings, community events or a lodge restaurant, and venues may close early. Visitors should use accommodation-arranged transport after dark, drink carefully and respect local expectations around public behaviour. Beer and spirits are widely available through licensed businesses, but alcohol should never be treated as the main route to cultural interaction; guided village visits, local performances and conversations arranged with consent provide more meaningful evening experiences.

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Best nightclubs in New Guinea Islands Region

Evening life is modest and concentrated in hotel bars, restaurants, clubs attached to larger accommodation and the established town centres of Kokopo, Rabaul, Kimbe and Kavieng. Port town pubs and hotel lounges are the most dependable places for a drink, while some venues offer music or occasional dancing rather than a permanent nightclub programme. In smaller communities on Manus, New Ireland, West New Britain and Bougainville, entertainment is more likely to centre on family gatherings, community events or a lodge restaurant, and venues may close early. Visitors should use accommodation-arranged transport after dark, drink carefully and respect local expectations around public behaviour. Beer and spirits are widely available through licensed businesses, but alcohol should never be treated as the main route to cultural interaction; guided village visits, local performances and conversations arranged with consent provide more meaningful evening experiences.

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Best shops in New Guinea Islands Region

Shopping is practical and locally focused rather than centred on large retail complexes. Markets in Kokopo, Rabaul, Kavieng, Kimbe, Lorengau, Buka and other main settlements sell seasonal fruit, vegetables, cooked food and household goods, while small shops carry basic provisions and imported products. Appropriate souvenirs include locally made carvings, woven items, shell work and bilum bags, but visitors should buy only through reputable sellers and confirm that materials have been legally and ethically sourced. Malagan-inspired art and New Ireland carving can be culturally significant, so it is courteous to ask about meaning, provenance and permission before purchasing or photographing pieces. Bougainvillean and New Britain crafts vary between communities, and village-based sales may be arranged through a guide rather than found in a formal shop. Cash in kina is essential beyond larger hotels, and travellers should avoid buying archaeological objects, wartime relics, coral, protected shells or items that may have customary or cultural restrictions.

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New Guinea Islands Region essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Papua New Guinean kina, coded PGK, throughout the New Guinea Islands Region. Larger hotels, lodges, tour operators and established shops may accept cards, but connectivity and power interruptions can affect electronic payments. Cash is important outside the principal towns, and visitors should obtain kina through reliable banks, authorised exchange services or established hotels rather than relying on informal exchanges. Keep notes secure and carry smaller denominations for local transport, market purchases and community-based activities where payment facilities are limited.
Safety
Travellers should take sensible precautions with valuables, avoid walking alone after dark and use accommodation-arranged transport, particularly in unfamiliar urban areas. Remote travel brings additional risks: strong sun, dehydration, slippery volcanic ground, changing sea conditions, limited medical facilities and possible exposure to mosquitoes and other tropical hazards. Do not enter volcanic exclusion zones, wartime tunnels or unstable structures without local guidance. Security conditions can differ between provinces and may change quickly, especially in parts of Bougainville; obtain current advice from local authorities, accommodation providers and experienced guides before travelling beyond established routes.
Emergency Situations
Papua New Guinea’s national emergency arrangements apply across the region: 112 is commonly used for police, 111 for ambulance services and 110 for fire services, although access and response capacity can vary outside major settlements. Mobile coverage may be absent on remote islands, and some communities have no immediate emergency facility. Carry accommodation and guide contact details, travel insurance information and essential medication, and tell someone your route before boat, volcano, diving or rainforest excursions. For serious incidents, hotels, tour operators, local police posts and health centres may be the quickest practical points of assistance.
Do's and Don'ts
Ask permission before photographing people, homes, ceremonies, graves, churches or culturally important places, and accept a refusal without argument. Dress modestly away from beaches and resort settings, and follow local advice when entering villages or visiting religious sites. Do not remove shells, coral, artefacts or wartime material from beaches or historic sites. Use established guides, respect customary restrictions on land and sea, and agree fees clearly before an excursion. Tipping is not a universal obligation, but a modest payment for good guiding or service may be appreciated when it is offered discreetly and appropriately.
Local Tips
Kokopo is generally a more practical base than the ash-covered former town of Rabaul for exploring East New Britain, while Kimbe and Kavieng are useful bases for different marine environments. Plan diving, fishing and village visits well ahead because equipment and guides may be limited. In Bougainville, learn about the post-conflict context from local hosts rather than reducing it to a sightseeing narrative. On all islands, allow time for weather delays, keep valuables and documents secure, and choose accommodation with established local transport and communication arrangements.
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
HelloKia ora[kee-ah or-ah]
GoodbyeSori[soh-ree]
YesAyo[ah-yo]
NoOro[oh-roh]
Please/You’re welcomeTaim yu laik[tie-m yoo like]
Thank youTenkyu[ten-kyoo]
Excuse me/SorrySori[soh-ree]
How are you?Yu orait?[yoo oh-rite]
Fine. And you?Orait. Na yu?[oh-rite. nah yoo]
Do you speak English?Yu tokim Inglis?[yoo toh-kim 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 like loo-kim meh-noo, plees]
I don’t eat meatMi no kaikai mit[mee noh kai-kai meet]
Cheers!Kia ora![kee-ah or-ah]
I would like to pay, pleaseMi laik payim, plis[mee like pay-im, plees]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Go we![go wee]
Call the Police!Kolim Polisi![koh-lim poh-lee-see]
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 buy...[mee like bye...]
I’m just lookingMi lukim tasol[mee loo-kim tah-sol]
How much is it?Olsem hamas?[ol-sem hah-mas]
That’s too expensiveDat i tumas[daht ee too-mas]
Can you lower the price?Yu inap daunim prais?[yoo ee-nahp down-im pryce]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wanem taim?[wah-nem tie-m]
It’s one o'clockEm i wan klok[em ee wan klok]
Half past (10)Haf past (10)[haf pahst (10)]
MorningMoning[moh-ning]
AfternoonAftanoon[af-tah-noon]
EveningIvin[ee-vin]
YesterdayYestede[yeh-steh-deh]
TodayTude[too-deh]
TomorrowTumoro[too-moh-roh]
1Wan[wahn]
2Tu[too]
3Tri[tree]
4Foa[foh-ah]
5Faiv[fahyv]
6Siks[siks]
7Sev[sev]
8Eit[ait]
9Nayn[nayn]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wea na/wan...?[weh-ah nah/wahn]
What's the address?Wanem adres?[wah-nem ah-dres]
Can you show me (on the map)?Yu inap showim mi (long map)?[yoo ee-nahp show-im mee (long mahp)]
When's the next (bus)?When next (bus)?[when next (bus)]
A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket (go ....)[wahn tee-ket (go ....)]

History of New Guinea Islands Region

Early settlement and island seafaring

The islands east of mainland New Guinea have been inhabited for many thousands of years. Communities adapted to very different environments, from volcanic slopes and rainforest to coral atolls and sheltered lagoons, developing sophisticated knowledge of seasonal winds, reefs, gardens and forest resources. Long-distance movement by canoe connected islands and helped circulate shell valuables, tools, foodstuffs and cultural ideas. Archaeological evidence at sites including those associated with the Lapita cultural horizon in the Bismarck Archipelago forms part of the wider history of Austronesian and Papuan settlement in the western Pacific.

European contact and the Bismarck Archipelago

European navigators charted parts of the island region from the sixteenth century, but sustained colonial intervention came later. Germany established control over the Bismarck Archipelago in the late nineteenth century, including New Britain and New Ireland, while other island territories followed different colonial histories. German influence is still visible in the region’s early administrative and plantation development, although colonial rule also involved coercion, labour exploitation and disruption of established societies. Missionaries, traders and recruiters became significant agents of change during this period.

Australian administration and the growth of plantations

After the First World War, Australia administered the former German territories as part of the Mandated Territory of New Guinea. Copra and later other plantation commodities became central to the colonial economy, particularly in New Britain and New Ireland. Roads, ports, missions and administrative stations expanded unevenly, often serving commercial priorities rather than the needs of dispersed island communities. Cash economies and Christianity grew alongside continuing customary authority, local exchange systems and village-based agriculture.

The Second World War in the islands

The New Guinea Islands were heavily affected by the Pacific War. Japanese forces occupied Rabaul in 1942 and developed it into a major base, while Allied bombing and later campaigns transformed the surrounding landscape. Tunnels, aircraft wrecks, coastal fortifications and military relics remain around the former Rabaul area, although they should be visited with specialist guidance because unexploded ordnance and unstable structures can present hazards. Bougainville and other islands also saw intense wartime activity, forced movement and severe pressure on local communities.

Volcanic disasters and regional transformation

Volcanism has repeatedly shaped settlement and economic life in the region. The simultaneous eruptions of Tavurvur and Vulcan near Rabaul in 1994 destroyed much of the town and led to Kokopo becoming the principal administrative centre of East New Britain. Earlier eruptions and ashfall have also affected gardens, roads and coastal communities elsewhere. These events illustrate the continuing geological forces beneath the Bismarck volcanic arc and explain the combination of fertile soils, dramatic scenery and real environmental risk found on several islands.

Bougainville conflict and political change

Bougainville’s modern history was profoundly affected by the Panguna copper mine, which opened in the 1970s and became a major source of revenue for Papua New Guinea while generating disputes over land, environmental damage and the distribution of benefits. Armed conflict began in the late 1980s and caused extensive disruption before the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement. A 2019 referendum recorded overwhelming support for greater autonomy and independence, but its result is subject to a political process with the national government. Travellers should approach this history with sensitivity and seek current local advice.

Contemporary island economies and conservation

Today the region combines subsistence and commercial agriculture, fisheries, small-scale enterprise, public services and a selective tourism industry. Diving, surfing, sport fishing, volcano tourism and cultural visits provide income in particular areas, while marine conservation initiatives and community-led resource management seek to protect reefs and coastal habitats. Access remains uneven, especially on Manus and in remote parts of Bougainville and New Ireland. The region’s future is closely connected to how communities balance customary land and sea rights, development, conservation and improved transport.

New Guinea Islands Region in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to the New Guinea Islands Region

Discover the New Guinea Islands Region with Evendo - your 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more, all in one place.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences
  • High-quality images and descriptions
  • Local tips and advice
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More about the Evendo app

Evendo is a comprehensive, free travel guide app for the New Guinea Islands Region, Papua New Guinea. Explore attractions, book experiences, and navigate like a local.

  • Interactive maps and easy navigation
  • Contact details for all listed locations
  • Booking options for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
  • 'Near me' feature to find nearby attractions
  • Curated recommendations to experience the region like a local
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Planning a trip to the New Guinea Islands Region? Let Evendo be your ultimate travel companion. Our app is designed to help you discover the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences in this stunning part of Papua New Guinea.

Explore iconic landmarks like the Rabaul Volcano Observatory, where you can witness the geological marvels of the region, or take a stroll through the lush Kokopo War Museum. For those looking to relax, the beautiful beaches of Kavieng are a must-visit, offering pristine sands and crystal-clear waters.

Foodies will delight in the local cuisine at renowned restaurants such as Hauswin, known for its fresh seafood, and the Madang Club, which offers a fusion of local and international dishes. With Evendo, you have access to detailed information, images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for all these locations, making trip planning a breeze.

But that's not all! Evendo also allows you to easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for what to do and how to get there. With features like 'Near me,' curated local tips, and easy navigation, you'll feel like a local in no time.

Download Evendo now and unlock the full potential of your New Guinea Islands adventure!

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