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Milne Bay Province is a culturally rich and ecologically diverse region located in the far southeast of Papua New Guinea. The province spans more than 160 named islands and over 500 cays and atolls. This makes Milne Bay Province one of the most expansive and marine-rich regions in the country.
Best known for its exceptional diving, Milne Bay’s underwater biodiversity attracts divers from around the world. Coral reefs, drop-offs, and WWII wrecks are easily accessible from the provincial capital, Alotau. The town also serves as the main base for liveaboard dive boats and small charter vessels, which run multi-day island-hopping itineraries across the surrounding island groups.
In addition to its marine life, Milne Bay Province Papua New Guinea is home to vibrant cultures, remote island communities, and important WWII historical sites, offering a mix of natural and cultural experiences in one of PNG’s most scenic coastal regions.
Milne Bay Province PNG lies at the southeastern tip of Papua New Guinea. It spans 14,345 square kilometres of land and over 250,000 square kilometres of ocean, making it one of the country’s largest provinces by total area. The province includes more than 600 islands, ranging from volcanic highlands to low-lying coral atolls.
Major island groups in Milne Bay include the Trobriand Islands, D’Entrecasteaux Islands, and the Louisiade Archipelago. Each group is distinct in culture and geography, with isolated communities, vibrant traditions, and some of PNG’s most pristine marine environments.
Milne Bay has an estimated population of around 276,000 people (based on the National Statistical Office data), spread across four administrative districts: Alotau, Esa’ala, Kiriwina-Goodenough, and Samarai-Murua. The provincial capital is Alotau, located on the mainland, which serves as the main entry point and administrative centre.
Alotau is the capital of Milne Bay Province Papua New Guinea and the region’s main transport and tourism hub. Located on the edge of a picturesque natural harbour, it offers easy access to the province’s many islands, dive sites, and cultural experiences.
As the primary entry point, Alotau connects travellers to liveaboard dive boats, inter-island ferries, and charter tours. Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby offers daily flights to Gurney Airport, just 12km from town.
The town itself is peaceful and welcoming, with a scenic waterfront, palm-lined streets, and views across Milne Bay. Local markets sell fresh tropical produce, seafood, and handcrafted goods, while guesthouses and hotels cater to travellers seeking both comfort and convenience.
Alotau also has a deep historical legacy. It was the site of the Battle of Milne Bay in 1942, the first land battle in the Pacific campaign where Allied forces defeated Japanese troops. Today, visitors can explore war memorials, local museums, and cultural displays that reflect the town’s role in World War II.
A highlight on the calendar is the Kenu and Kundu Festival, held annually in Alotau. This vibrant event celebrates the traditional maritime culture of the Milne Bay people – from the ancient Kula trade routes and voyaging multihulled canoes to war canoes (kenu) and hourglass-shaped drums (kundu). Ceremonial races, dancing, and storytelling bring this proud local heritage to life.
Whether you’re passing through on a diving trip or staying longer to explore the mainland and nearby islands, Alotau is the ideal starting point for any journey through Milne Bay Province Papua New Guinea.
Milne Bay Province offers a mix of marine adventure, cultural immersion, and historical discovery. Here are some of the top things to do:
Milne Bay Province is one of Papua New Guinea’s most culturally diverse regions, with strong ties to traditional seafaring, storytelling, and ceremonial life. Communities here maintain close connections to land and ocean, with customs that reflect centuries of navigation, fishing, and inter-island trade.
The province is home to around 48 distinct languages, including widely spoken ones like Suau, Dobu, Misima-Paneati, Mailu, and Yabem. Most residents speak Tok Pisin and English as additional languages, particularly in urban areas like Alotau.
Local traditions remain strong across the Trobriand, Louisiade, and D’Entrecasteaux Islands. Visitors can experience:
Many community-run tours offer direct insight into daily life, including village stays, cultural demonstrations, and food preparation using locally grown ingredients.
Interested in learning more?
Milne Bay Province is accessible by daily flights from Port Moresby to Alotau’s Gurney Airport, operated by Air Niugini and PNG Air. Upon arrival, visitors can take a hotel shuttle, taxi, or PMV (Public Motor Vehicle) to the Alotau town centre.
For inter-island travel, options include:
The best time to visit Milne Bay is from May to October, during the dry season. These months offer:
Start planning your trip to Milne Bay Province with our interactive map, highlighting key attractions, dive resorts, and remote island destinations. Whether you’re after a liveaboard diving expedition, a cultural village stay, or a multi-island eco-tour, Milne Bay offers unforgettable travel experiences.
Browse accommodation options, connect with local tour operators, and discover the best times and places to visit. For help creating your itinerary or to learn more about what’s possible, contact us directly – we’re here to help you make the most of your Milne Bay journey.
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