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Admiral Yamamoto’s Bunker
There are tunnels and caverns in the hillsides around Rabaul. Admiral Yamamoto’s Bunker is interesting though austere, and the placards near it are informative. There’s a map on the ceiling for plotting world domination.
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Morgan Junction
Continuing further south from Wakunai, youll drive past the infamous Morgan Junction, where you can catch a glimpse of the roadblock that blocks access to the no-go zone and Panguna (still off-limits at the time of writing).
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Cultural Centre
At the large cultural centre, art gallery, museum and workshop, youll see young artists making sand paintings - the principal work on display. The museum has shields, wigs and masks from many parts of PNG, including Enga Province.
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McDonalds Corner
On the Kokoda Track road you can drive past McDonalds Corner where theres a small memorial that marks the start of the Kokoda Track. It was here that Australian WWII soldiers disembarked their trucks and began the long muddy march.
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Matanasoi
Leaving Kavieng, the first major settlement is Matanasoi (or Liga) village, about 5km along the highway from Kavieng airport. Theres a limestone cave filled with crystal-clear water. The Japanese used this grotto for drinking water.
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Mt Lunaman
To the southeast of town Mt Lunaman or, more correctly, Lo Wamung (First Hill), was used by the Germans and Japanese as a lookout point. The Japanese riddled it with caves and tunnels, though none of these are open today. Dont go here alone.
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Kavieng Harbour
Kavieng Harbour is large and beautiful. You can go down to the waterfront and catch a banana boat out to one of the many islands. New Sulaman makes for a good picnic and snorkel. You can negotiate a drop me off, pick me up later trip.
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Manubyai Cave
About 20km on from Malolo, theres a Catholic mission at Magiya. Beyond here is a road leading inland about 5km to Aronis. A kilometre from the main village is an aid post, near which is Manubyai Cave, home to a colony of horseshoe bats.
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Cathy Hiobs Eels
At the 90km on the Boluminski Highway mark its worth pulling over to see Cathy Hiobs Eels at Laraibina (ask for Munawai village). Cathy handfeeds some huge eels in the river, which slither right past your hands. Bring a tin of fish.
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Hoskins
The picturesquely located major airport of WNB is 40km east of Kimbe. There are a number of forested volcanoes surrounding town, including the active Mt Pago. Located a short distance inland, at Koimumu, theres an active geyser field.
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Ela Beach
On the southern side of Town is the long, sandy stretch of Ela Beach. The beachfront promenade is a popular walk during the day, though the sands are not full of sunbathers these days. Even locals perceive this area as potentially unsafe.
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source of the Sepik
The local MAF pilots and pastors give excellent advice on local walks including a three hour trek to the source of the Sepik. Between 1912 and 1914, Richard Thurnwald walked some hard yards following the Sepik to this stream not far from Telefomin.
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Ela United Church
There is little of historical interest remaining in Port Moresbys CBD, where office towers and neglect have steadily claimed much of the area. The oldest building still standing is the Ela United Church, opened by the London Missionary Society in 1890.
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Libba
Located 4km south of Bol, Libba village is a great place to look at Malagan art and stock up on handicrafts. The village is home to master carver Ben Sisia. Ben charges to see the Malagan house - be very respectful. Even the village church is carved in the local style.
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Mast Wreck
Near the Davit Wreck, in 10m of water, is the Mast Wreck, with its mast protruding from the water; there is a gun on the bow, ammunition on the deck and a field artillery piece in the hold. The Madang dive shops organise dives to Hansa Bay and other north-coast sites.
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Narimo Island
Narimo Island can be seen offshore from the Vanimo Beach Hotel. This is an excellent place for picnics and swimming. The hotel may be able to arrange a boat to take you there or ask about boat hire at West Deco village near the main wharf on the other side of the peninsula.
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Manam Island
In 2004 the Manam Island volcano erupted displacing 6000 people who fled to the safety of the mainland. Only 2000 or so have returned. It is possible to visit the still-smoking island and explore the carnage. Anua Negu Lodge can arrange a speed boat to run you there and back.
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Passage
A particular highlight in Buka is the passage, which refers to the channel that separates Buka Island from Bougainville Island. The water runs at about 6 knots when the tide is fast, making deep undulations on the water’s surface. Banana boats congregate near the animated market .
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offshore islands
The offshore islands are worth visiting if you are lucky enough to find a boat full of people going that way. Labi Island is particularly nice for swimming as is the larger Kitava Island. If you wish to hire a boat ask around the wharf although as fuel prices are sky high it wont b
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Coastwatchers’ Memorial Beacon
The 30m-high Coastwatchers Memorial Beacon, visible 25km out to sea, is a reminder of those who stayed behind enemy lines during WWII to report on Japanese troop and ship movements. It’s a rather ugly concrete memorial, but the 3km beachfront road south of the memorial is the most
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