Best Places in PNG to Visit this National Remembrance Day

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.

NATIONAL MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

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 Stanley Hotel & Suites, the Lamana Hotel, the Holiday Inn & Suites, and the Holiday Inn Express.

📸: (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