Excursion Rabaul local sights tour at Rabaul

Papua New Guinea is a very-low-income country with very basic infrastructure, and vastly different to the western culture mentality. Local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. Coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. We thank you for your understanding.

Learn Rabaul history and see panoramic views of the surrounding islands and bay on this half-day sightseeing excursion.

Volcano Observatory Station

Visit the national Volcano Observatory Station that monitors activity of the 14 active and 23 dormant volcanos in Papua New Guinea. Rabaul is situated inside the flooded caldera of a giant volcano with several sub-vents still active today.

Virgin Coconut Oil Mill

Continue to the Virgin Coconut Oil Mill which supports the local economy by purchasing coconuts from the surrounding communities and undertaking downstream processing to produce high quality cold press coconut oil products.

Yamamoto Bunker

Next, continue to the Yamamoto Bunker, named for WWII Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. From here he directed the Japanese Pacific campaign. Naval charts can still be seen drawn in the ceiling of the bunker.

Rabaul Museum

Walk to the Rabaul Museum located opposite the Yamamoto Bunker and see exhibits related to Rabaul's history from the 19th century to Papua New Guinea's independence in the 1970s.

Hot Springs

Next, continue to local hot springs, a result of active volcanic activities in the region. During the WW2 the Japanese military personnel frequent this place for health and religious reasons. The local traditional owners of the site use the thermal act of nature for cooking at times.

Japanese WWII Barge Tunnel

If time allows, drive to a WWII barge tunnel, part of at least 300 kilometers of tunnels built beneath Rabaul to hide and protect Japanese Imperial forces and materials from Allied air-raids. An engineering feat of the Japanese, the barge tunnels were built mostly by the forced labor of POWs and local Tolai people.

The tour concludes back at the pier.

Points of interests

Points of Interest seen on this excursion include: Rabaul, Volcano Observatory Station, Virgin Coconut Oil Mill, Yamamoto Bunker, Rabaul Historical Museum, Hot Springs, Japanese Barge Tunnel

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. The tour sequence may vary.