The Provinces
Islands Region
a beautiful island with arguably some of the best “ secret ” beaches in the world. Like most islands in the Bismarck Sea, New Ireland is also a diving hot spot but recently surfers in-the-know from all over the world have been descending
in numbers for surfing safaris.
The Tolai Tubuans arrive in Simpson Harbour, Rabaul, at dawn to perform the ancient and mysterious Kinavai ceremony during the annual Frangipani Festival in September 2022 Photo: Emmah Humphreys
Culture If you’re in Rabaul around Independence Day (September 16) you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a duk-duk (or Tolai tubuan) in a traditional Kinavai ceremony, or a Baining 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.
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
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 .
The first Siwai Cultural Show in South Bougainville mid-pandemic in 2021 attracted rarely seen sing-sing groups from around the district Photo: Alphonse M. Huvi
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 Queen Emma
Lodge. Stay in Rabaul near the base of the
Tavurvur Volcano at Rabaul Hotel.
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