"Rabaul...ShipWreck Divers' Paradise!" Rabaul by jadedmuse

Rabaul Travel Guide: 34 reviews and 125 photos

Located in the eastern province of the island of New Britain, Rabaul is perhaps best known for the role it played during WWII, when Japanese soldiers stole ashore and stashed grenades and artillery in small caves near the shoreline. It was in fact the WWII headquarters for the Japanese fleet in the Pacific.

To the scuba diving enthusiast, Rabaul is a fascinating trip through the underwater world of WWII shipwrecks - some of the best in the South Pacific. The harbor is literally proliferate with sunken wrecks and reefs resulting from the wartime casualties.

To nature lovers, Rabaul represents a captivating island full of volcanic temptations (last eruption was in 1994) and ecological wonders.

Whether you're a nature lover, a dive fanatic, a historian or a military enthusiast, this smaller island off the main coast of PNG offers something for everyone and should NOT be missed when visiting this part of the world.

Open air food market

.
..

For more info/photos on Rabaul, please see this section's Travel Tips

Rabaul harbor

.
..

And if you haven't seen it yet, please visit my intro page under Papua New Guinea

Intro Updated Jul 19, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (5)

Kaivuna Resort Hotel Hotels (1)

Psyche - it's more like a motel - but either way it serves its purpose, especially if you're not too fussy and don't... more travel advice

Catch a Plane Ride! Transportation (1)

The local carrier (Air Niugini) is the best way to get to Rabaul. It's about 1.5 hours from Port Moresby, and about 20... more travel advice

Explore the Island! Things to Do (3)

You can take half a day and explore the island by either renting a car, or hiring a guide (which is what we did). This... more travel advice

Open Air Food Market Things to Do (3)

If you visit Rabaul, do NOT miss the chance to stroll along the famous open-air market where you'll find all kinds of... more travel advice

Comments (11)

Reply
- Report abuse
BruceDunning Mar 11, 2010 at 1:46 PM

The area must hold such beauty and especially underwater. You did a great job of taking the pictures, and the arial photo is from the airplane?
Reply
- Report abuse
hindu1936 Apr 10, 2009 at 11:33 PM

Along with Truk, Rabaul is going to be part of the WWII journeys we make. Thanks for the dive tips.
Reply
- Report abuse
garradunga Sep 28, 2007 at 5:23 PM

28/9/07 The Kaivuna Hotel certainly no longer looks likke your photo. As the volcano has been throwing out ash the Hotel has become totally run down as has the neaerby Travelodge. For good food and service try he Hotel Rabaul if you must stay in Rabaul.
Reply
- Report abuse
Bwana_Brown May 16, 2005 at 9:36 AM

A beautiful page on this wonderful place! I'm glad to see that it seems to have weathered the 1994 volcanic eruption quite nicely and also that the old Kaivuna Hotel is still kicking!
Reply
- Report abuse
pepples46 Nov 3, 2004 at 6:53 PM

like Cat said, and its so close to NZ
Reply
- Report abuse
catalysta Nov 3, 2004 at 5:33 PM

Okay, you've convinced me - I've gotta get over there, You're right, I'd love it!
Reply
- Report abuse
dvideira Aug 22, 2004 at 10:33 PM

No need the underwater pics.... your descriptions makes our minds work and that is fine... like reading a book.... just let the imagination make its part. Did I ask if I did say thanks ???? lol
Reply
- Report abuse
mtncorg Aug 12, 2004 at 10:30 AM

Everyone misses the fact you were here pre-digital! Just think of diving with one of those little Canon 5 meg things fitting inside a casing only costing $200 instead of ..... Nice tips for New Britain. The wreck diving here has got to come close to Truk.
Reply
- Report abuse
quartinb Aug 10, 2004 at 6:22 PM

no underwater pics..?i'll follow yur papua new guinea pages anyway,..see ya!
Reply
- Report abuse
Sharon Jul 25, 2004 at 10:53 AM

And with all those Cameras you're threatening me you still miss an Underwater one !!! Pity we cant see some of your Underwater experiences But still nice info which i certainly haven't known about !