Time traveling adventures in Papua New Guinea to add to your 2024 bucket list
12/12/2023
No Comments
Read More »
More info
Find Travel Agents Near You
Discover a million different memories on a Remembrance Day Journey in Papua New Guinea! Here are six (6) amazing historic sites and attractions to visit…
Papua New Guinea is steeped in history – a million different stories waiting to be discovered, for those who appreciate the past and the memories it holds.
When the territory was under colonial administration, Papuans and New Guineans served as local militia, labourers, and service men and women during World War II. There are limited records available as to the exact number of natives who were casualties of war. Despite this, our nation pauses to remember many of our nameless war heroes on Remembrance Day every July 23rd’.
Here are some recommended sites and attractions that you can journey to in Papua New Guinea to explore the timeless stories of our heroic men and women.
Located in Port Moresby, near the Haus Parliament, along Independence Drive – this is the best place in Papua New Guinea to receive a well-rounded experience of our country’s history. Visit the recently opened ‘Gallery of Gallantry’ at the WWII showroom, this is a special exhibit dedicated to the native men and women who served in the great war during the 1940s.
While you’re in Port Moresby, you can visit other places of historic significance after your museum tour. Take a drive into the Central Province along the road to the Sogeri hinterlands, visit the Bomana War Memorial, Sogeri Memorial and Ower’s Corner – the main entry point into the Kokoda Track.
Nearby accommodation includes: the Laguna Hotel, The Stanley Hotel & Suites, Dream Inn and the Lamana Hotel.
📸: (above) Entrance of the National Museum & Art Gallery in Port Moresby. Credit Pauline Riman. Top banner image of Kalibobo Coastwatchers Lighthouse. Credit Liebert Kirakar.
2. MASSIM MUSEUM
A journey to Alotau in the Milne Bay Province is incomplete without a visit to the Massim Museum. This quaint place holds many interesting stories about the history and people of Milne Bay. Be sure to stop by the exhibit portraying the story of a local World War Two heroine, nursing sister Maiagaru Gimuleia Taulabona.
While in Alotau, round-off your history tour with a visit to the Turnbull Memorial and the Battle of Milne Bay Memorial.
For accommodation, stay in these nearby places: Alotau International Hotel, Masurina Lodge, Driftwood Resort and Alotau Waterfront Lodge.
📸: (above) Exhibit at the Massim Museum, Alotau, Milne Bay Province. Credit Terence Vincent
3. KALIBOBO COASTWATCHERS LIGHTHOUSE
One of the iconic landmarks of the main township of the Madang Province, is the Kalibobo Coastwatchers Lighthouse. The attraction’s stunning ocean view provides the perfect opportunity for photos, after your brief tour and reflection of the monument and its nearby memorial plaques. While in Madang, pay a visit to the Madang Tourism Bureau Museum under the care of the Madang Provincial Government.
Stay at the: Nambis Inn, just across the road from the lighthouse. Other nearby accommodation includes: Coastwatchers Comfort Inn Hotel, Madang Resort, Madang Lodge Hotel and Madang Star International Hotel.
📸: (above) Kalibobo Coastwatchers Lighthouse, Madang Province. Credit David Kirkland
4. LAE WAR MEMORIAL
The Lae War Memorial is a beautiful location in the heart of Lae city, Morobe Province. This silent and well-kept war cemetery offers a quiet and reflective promenade away from the bustle of PNG’s most busiest cities.
Lae and the greater Morobe Province was the stage of two infamous World War Two battles: Salamaua-Lae campaign and the Huon Peninsula campaign.
The city of Lae is also the last known departure point of Amelia Earhart – world renown aviation pioneer, before disappearing enroute to Howland Island in 1937. The Amelia Earhart Memorial is located at the junction of Markham Road and Coronation Drive in Lae.
Nearby places to stay when visiting the Lae War Memorial include the: Lae International Hotel, Huon Gulf Hotel, Lae City Hotel and Hotel Morobe.
📸: (above) Entrance to the Lae War Memorial with the Cross of Sacrifice in the distance. Credit Pauline Riman
5. KOKOPO WAR MUSEUM
East New Britain Province is one of the best places in PNG to experience a World War Two history tour, while also appreciating the thrilling natural beauty of this incredible place. The Kokopo War Museum, is one of many interesting places you can visit on your East New Britain history tour spanning the Gazelle district. Located in Kokopo, the main township of the province, the war museum hosts many fascinating war relics, and some interesting WWII paraphernalia.
Be sure to visit these other historic sites and attractions while in East New Britain: Bitapaka War Memorial, New Guinea Club Rabaul Museum, the Montevideo Maru Memorial, the Rabaul Japanese War Memorial and the New Guinea Club Rabaul Museum.
The Gazelle International Hotel is just a short walk from the Kokopo War Museum, beside the Kokopo Golf Course. Other nearby places to stay include the: Taklam Lodge & Tours, the Kokopo Village Resort and the Kokopo Beach Bungalows Resort.
📸: (above) Local children playing on one of the war relics at the Kokopo War Museum. Credit: David Kirkland
5. JAPANESE WAR MEMORIAL, MISSION HILL
The Japanese War Memorial on Mission Hill, Wewak town, East Sepik Province – is a memorial to the brave WWII soldiers who died during the battle that raged across Wewak and its surrounds. The memorial in Japanese translates as: “In memory of the brave soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice for their countries Japan, Australia American and New Guinea during World War 2 From 1941-1945. We sincerely hope that or men will never again engage in war but that a deep spirit of friendship may exist between all”.
Just a 30-minute scenic drive from Wewak town is another incredible place of historic significance to the people of East Sepik: the Wom Memorial. Don’t miss out on visiting Wom Memorial and the Mission Hill Memorial while visiting Wewak.
Recommended accommodation to stay at while in Wewak include: the Paradise New Wewak Hotel, the In Wewak Boutique Hotel, Village Inn Hotel & Apartments and Talio Lodge.
📸: (above) Japanese War Memorial on Mission Hill. Credit: David Kirkland
6. ISURAVA WAR MEMORIAL
The Isurava War Memorial is one of the most captivating WWII monuments in Papua New Guinea located on the iconic Kokoda Trail, on the Northern Province side of the track. For many Australians, some say no trekking experience on Kokoda is complete without a visit to the Isurava memorial. This monument is dedicated to the ANZAC soldiers who fought during the WWII Battle of Kokoda. Four granite pillars stand like sentinels overlooking the Kokoda valley, each pillar has a word carved onto it: Courage, Endurance, Mateship, and Sacrifice.
Contact Buna Treks and Tours to organize your visit to the Isurava Memorial.
📸: (above) Isurava War Memorial. Credit: Jackson Groves.
Papua New Guinea is a treasure trove of memories waiting to be discovered. Our country possesses a history so remarkable – once you start exploring it will be hard to stop. We have a million different stories waiting.◼️
For more information, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
Please help share our story:
By Jonah Kei (This article first appeared in the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority’s ‘Journeys’ magazine, Issue No. 3, Apr-Jun 2023)
Bob Bates hails from Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. Though originally from the United States of America, he was born and raised in Australia. Mr. Bates, an engineer by profession, left his country and came to Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 1964 at the age of 24. Upon completing college, Mr. Bates was given a contract, by the PNG government, where he had to construct roads and bridges, build infrastructures, repair planes, and even erect mini-hydro stations, However, after completing his contract, Mr. Bates did not return to Australia; instead, he chose to remain here in PNG, and has remained here for 60 years.
In 1976, Bob Bates founded Trans Niugini Tours in the Western Highlands township of Mount Hagen. The company started from humble beginnings, operating simple four-wheel drive adventure trips, for visiting tourists, around the PNG Highlands. Slowly Trans Niugini Tours started experiencing an influx of visitors, the company moved into more ‘mainstream’ tourism with the addition of several wilderness lodges across PNG. In 1978 Trans Niugini Tours acquired Karawari Lodge in the lowlands of the East Sepik Province. Seven years later in 1985, the company built Ambua Lodge in the Hela Province. In 1989 Trans Niugini Tours acquired their famous 9-berth ‘floating lodge’, the Sepik Spirit. The ship was commissioned and built in Lae City then sailed via the coast of Madang to its current home on the mighty Sepik River. In 1991, the Malolo Plantation Lodge on the Madang North Coast was acquired and completely renovated. Bensbach Wildlife Lodge in a far corner of the Western Province was officially added to Trans Niugini’s Portfolio in 2003. Rondon Ridge, built high in the mountains above Mount Hagen was opened in 2006 providing a luxurious introduction to Trans Niugini Tours lodges and a welcome stepping stone to civilization before departure from Mount Hagen. Lake Murray Lodge is the latest addition to Trans Niugini Tours and was built in 2013 in the remote Western Province, on a small island in Lake Murray.
When asked if he had any future plans to expand the business portfolio, he chuckled and said he is not intending to build any more lodges. Instead, he wanted to build a museum at his Rondon Ridge lodge and turn it into a Cultural Centre. “I do not have any plans to expand the business. We will focus on the current seven lodges that we have and develop them to meet the demand, expectations and satisfaction of the customers,” Bates said.
Running a tourism business, just like any other business, has its challenges. Mr. Bates stated that running a tourism business is not for the fainthearted and certainly not for those who do not dare to take risks. “To venture into the tourism industry in PNG is a very challenging and daunting task, but if you have good management skills and business acumen strategy, you can be able to grow your business from scratch to a million-kina industry,” he added. What started as a simple four wheels drive tour of the PNG highlands, has grown into one of PNG’s largest inbound tour operators. Now with a fleet of land vehicles, sea vessels, and even aircrafts, Mr. Bates fearless risk-taking has bore fruit in abundance. While most of the fleet is used primarily for transporting tourists to the various lodges across PNG,
Mr. Bates ensured himself a personal plane for his own adventures. Now 84-years-old, Mr. Bates lives peacefully at his Rondon Ridge home relaxing high in the tranquility of nature. He plans to spend the remainder of his days here in his home in Mt. Hagen. In the years to come, Bob Bates legacy will be one not easily forgotten. In a span of 60 years (and still counting), Mr. Bates has done so much for Papua New Guinea without most people noticing. His Wilderness Lodges, situated across some of the most remote corners of PNG, contribute greatly to all the local communities that surround his lodges. Furthermore, Mr. Bates has promoted Papua New Guinea to the world as a prospective tourist destination, by providing safe, secure, and affordable tourism services of the utmost quality.
Each of his lodges provide visitors an exceptional world-class experience, that continues to draw favorable international tourism attention to PNG. The staff of his company, Trans Niugini Tours, consists mainly of nationals, providing employment opportunities for thousands of Papua New Guineans since 1976. With so many years of service to Papua New Guinea, and the tourism industry, Bob Bates will be a name not easily forgotten. He will go down in PNG history as one of the nations greatest tourism pioneers, and his beautiful lodges will continue to carry on his legacy for many years.
For further information, email: info@papuanewgunea.travel | Visit the Trans Niugini Tours website, click.
Please help share our Papua New Guinea tourism stories:
Discover the intrigue and wonder of Papua New Guinea’s incredible past. From our ancient Melanesian history to our impassioned modern politics leading to our Independence: 16th September 1975 – Papua New Guinea is a Pacific Island nation like no other.
Journey back in time with our exciting historical tours offering tales of discovery and adventure – from early European explorers, missionaries and settlers, to our German, British and Australian colonization. Remember with us the chaos and tragedy of the World Wars that saw the emergence of our national heroes like the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ – whose sacrifices will never be forgotten. Time travel in Papua New Guinea, we have a million different stories we want to share with you!
These are our top three picks for your journey back in time in the land of ‘A Million Different Journeys’.
Image: Trekking through the ‘choko’ covered forest floor, Kokoda, Oro Province, Papua New Guinea.
Trekking world-famous Kokoda is not only a 96 km physical endurance challenge, it’s also a spiritual journey, retracing the footsteps of the thousands of soldiers and Papua New Guineans who were killed or injured during World War Two. In Australia, Kokoda is regarded as a rite of passage, and those who trek it feel an overwhelming sense of appreciation for what the ANZAC’s endured during the war. If that is not enough to sway you, the scenery you walk through will blow you away as you experience deep jungle and beautiful waterfalls. Reputable Kokoda tour operators are listed on the KTA website (kokodatrackauthority.org).
Join the ANZAC Day observances in PNG this 25th of April: Bomana War Memorial, Kokoda Isurava Memorial, Kalibobo Coastwatchers Memorial, Rabaul RSL Cenotaph, Bitapaka, Alotau Memorial, Lae War Memorial and Wom Memorial in East Sepik Province.
Image: Local children at the Kokopo War Museum, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea.
East New Britain province, is a destination rich with history. Its main township of Rabaul was once the capital of Kaiser-Wilhelmsland, or German New Guinea, 1884 – 1919. Memory runs long and deep for residents here, the most memorable being that of the twin volcanic eruptions of Vulcan and Tavurvur in 1994 that devastated Rabaul town. Nearly three decades later, Rabaul has been rebuilt by its residents. Every year during the week of the nation’s Independence Day Anniversary, the people of Rabaul come together to celebrate the annual Frangipani Festival, named after the town’s signature bloom, and one of the first flowers to blossom after the eruption.
Volcano tours are proving quite popular for visitors, especially watching the spectacular sunrise from the top of Mount Tavurvur.
World War Two also left its indelible mark in East New Britain. The Rabaul Historical Museum and the Kokopo War Museum are worth a visit. Guests will be intrigued by the many stories each museum object and relic contains, and just how significant this province was during the WWII New Guinea campaign.
Apart from the history, there is no escaping the tropical beauty of East New Britain. Discover delicious finds at the Rabaul and Kokopo fresh food markets. Enjoy romantic picnics in the Duke of York Islands and swimming with the friendly Bottlenose dolphins.
Traditional culture livens up the local atmosphere in Kokopo with the annual Mask & Warwagira Festival every mid-July. Don’t miss all the excitement
Check out:
Image: Cultural performer from the Keeya tribe, Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea.
The month of September is the an exciting time to visit the Eastern Highlands province. A string of wonderful cultural festivals are hosted in this beautiful part of the country, including one of the nation’s oldest annual events – the Goroka Show. Prior to that is the Kemase Eco-Tourism Cultural Festival, 13th to 14th September. Kemase is an hour’s drive from Goroka town, and is home to fascinating limestone caves that contain prehistoric cave paintings.
While in Goroka, visit the J.K. McCarthy Museum; pay a visit to one of the local coffee factories to sample some of the world’s best-tasting coffee; plus take a guided tour of the local fresh food, and craft markets.
Check out:
Embrace the best of both worlds in Port Moresby, where sandy islands and untouched national parks meet a thriving metropolis of small cafes and bars, a diverse food scene and a unique blend of fine art and artefacts.
Village and urban life exist in unison here, on Papua New Guinea’s south coast. Spend a day in the sun at nearby Fisherman’s Island, walk beneath the shaded canopies at Port Moresby Nature Park, and travel through time on your tour of the cultural artefacts and fine art housed at the National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG). For suppertime in the city, explore Harbour Side’s fine selection of restaurants along the boardwalk overlooking Fairfax Harbour.
International flights arrive directly into the Port Moresby International Airport from many transit hubs in the Asia-Pacific region. From the airport it’s an easy 20-minute taxi ride to the city centre. Your hotel will provide airport transfers for your convenience.
Our Western Province is unlike anywhere else in Papua New Guinea. This is the perfect destination for anglers, photographers and lovers of flora and fauna.
Explore our wide-open grasslands home to Rusa deer, wallabies and wild pigs. Spot crocodiles and lizards lingering patiently near riverbanks, and the flocks of wildfowl and ducks that seem to be flying across rivers on loop. This is where you’ll see two of the greatest rivers in the country, the Fly and the Strickland, run for almost their entire length through a single province.
The main town of Western Province on the small island of Daru, just off the coast is really the Wild Wild West. Once a busy pearl and beche-de-mer trading port, Daru is now the centre of a growing fishing industry. You’ll see crocodile skins from the province packed up and exported from here.
Domestic flights arrive directly into Daru from Port Moresby. You can access other parts of Western Province with third level airlines and charter planes.
The history of Oro Province is as dramatic as its landscapes. From the early gold rush days to the devastating Pacific campaign of World War II, followed by the deadly eruption of Mt Lamington not long thereafter, which forced the provincial capital to Popondetta, you’ll be moved by the rich history in this province.
Flights will connect you from Port Moresby to Popondetta and Tufi. Within the province, travel between Popondetta, Tufi, Ioma, Kira, Kokoda and Afore by PMV bus.
It’s no surprise that Milne Bay’s main tourist attraction is its diving, thanks largely to its location at the extreme eastern end of Papua New Guinea, and 160 named islands and 500 cays and atolls scattered over 250,000km2 of ocean. The provincial headquarters at Alotau is the base for a number of liveaboard dive boats and small charter boats that can organise popular island hopping itineraries.
Domestic flights arrive directly into Alotau from Port Moresby. From the airport, take a shuttle to your hotel or a taxi or PMV to the town centre.
Explore the islands in style aboard the luxury Melanesian Discoverer, which cruises between Alotau and Madang via the Trobriands. Small boats can also be chartered. PNG Air offers a regular ‘milk run’ around the islands, which is an ideal way to see a range of remote areas in a short amount of time.
The Gulf province, located on the southern coast of Papua New Guinea, is a long way off the beaten track and tourism facilities entail simple guesthouses and village stays. If you’re a keen angler or canoeist you’ll be in your element, and for the land lovers, bushwalking expeditions in the Gulf retrace the journeys of earlier explorers such as a route that follows an early 1900s gold exploration track.
From Port Moresby, travel west on the Hiritano Highway through Central province to Kerema. The 300km drive takes approximately 4 hours by road.
Central Province envelops our National Capital District making its many attractions and adventures the most accessible in the country. Hear the Birds-of-Paradise chatter in the Varirata National Park canopies, witness the sprawling plains rise into mountain ridges and plateaus, float in crystal-clear rivers off the beaten track, and explore the many beaches and islands with a local guide.
International flights arrive directly into the Port Moresby International Airport from a number of transit hubs in the Asia-Pacific region. From the airport, three main highways will take you out of the National Capital District and into Central Province: travel west on the Hiritano Highway, east on the Magi Highway and north on Sogeri Road.
If you’re looking for a place near the sea to go off the grid, this is it. The beaches in town are effortlessly superb, and offshore, Narimo Island is a great picnic spot. You can hire a boat for the day from West Deco village near the main wharf. Pack your picnic lunch and plenty water beforehand.
The distinctive artefacts from Sandaun include painted canoes of Sissano Lagoon and large shields from the Telefomin district. The shields have broad zigzag, spiral or V designs that represent their ancestors’ bodies.
Domestic flights arrive from Port Moresby via Wewak. From the airport, your hotel will collect you in a shuttle.
Cross the international border from Irian Jaya on foot then take a PMV into Vanimo. You will need your passport and a visa to process through immigration before you enter Papua New Guinea.
