RABAUL

Rabaul, March 1st, 2016

Rabaul was the provincial capital of East New Britain, which is an island about 60 km east of the island of Papua, New Guinea.  In 1994 most of Rabaul was destroyed by a volcanic explosion.  Due to the weight of the ash 80% of all buildings collapsed.  The capital was subsequently moved to Kokomo, about 20 km away.

Rabaul was captured by the Japanese in 1942, and it became the main base of Japanese military and naval activity in the South Pacific.  Now is it popular because of the snorkelling sites, spectacular harbour and other scenery, World War II history, flora and fauna, and, of course, the fascinating and colourful cultural life of the Tolai people. 

Before the 1994 eruption, Rabaul was a popular commercial and recreational boating destination; fewer private small craft visit now, but 10-12 cruise ships visit Rabaul each year. Tourism is a major industry in Rabaul and East New Britain generally.

White and dark chocolate confection to celebrate going to Asia

 Sunset on the 29th of February

Sailing into Rabaul

The mini busses for the tours - now air-conditioned, which they were not in 2012.

 The sulphur lake

The Wesleyan Church

The red lips and teeth from chewing betel nuts

The stone is ground very fine and chewed with the betel nut

 Pandanus tree - on Rabaul, the leaves are used for roofing and flooring, especially in the villages

Volcano monitoring station

Janet, our wonderful guide

Sunset leaving Rabaul