Islands Region A student takes part in a traditional attire pageant during Rabaul’s
Frangipani Festival Photo: Joel Isbister, Pacific Industries
Accommodation Walindi Plantation Resort, where many of the world’s top underwater photographers prefer to stay, provides daily access to the abundant reefs and islands in the bay, as well as land tours to a local hot spring, the town of Kimbe, and bush-walking or hiking trails. Both Nusa Island Retreat, just off the coast of Kavieng , and Lissenung Island Resort, a 20-minute boat ride from the town, are a perfect base for surfing, diving, snorkelling, kayaking, or simply relaxing. In Kokopo stay at Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort or Gazelle International Hotel. Stay in Rabaul near the base of the Tavurvur Volcano at the historic Rabaul Hotel. If you make it to Manus , try the family- owned Tapo’s Lodge in Lorengau, which won best small tourism accommodation in PNG at the 2023 SME Awards. From late July to early August, New Ireland celebrates its culture in a number of ways by showcasing the diverse masks from this region. Popular attractions are the Malagan and Namatanai Mask Festivals . mask at a Baining fire dance. The duk-duk is a revered and respected spirit creature that has many functions in traditional village life – the primary role being a regulator of village law. In ceremonies, the Tolai spirit is represented in a spectacular but slightly comical costume of puffed-out green rattan palm leaves covering the body and arms, topped with a conical headpiece. The power and magical abilities of the duk-duk earn great respect in traditional life.
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