You can also take a boat ride to explore the idyllic islands near the southern mouth of the passage and beyond. Good swimming spots are on these islands. The most easily accessible is Sohano Island, a few minutes by boat from Buka. It was the provincial capital from WWII until 1960. It’s a beautiful place with lawns and gardens, a Japanese monument and war relics, steep craggy cliffs, and panoramic views over town, the passage and Bougainville Island. There are some colonial-period buildings. The weird Tchibo Rock stands just offshore from Sohano’s northernmost point and figures in many local legends. It’s said to have magical properties. The banana-boat fare to Sohano Island is K2.
