National Mask Fetival 2010

16th National Mask Festival was held in Kokopo, East New Britain Province from 14-17JUL 2010. As usual, the event was opened up by the beat of Kundu Drum from the shore in the dawn by Tolai's Kinavai ceremony.

Lots of tourists visited the festival, including USA, Germany, French, Japan, Australia etc.. and enjoyed the indigenous mask culture of Papua New Guinea.

Bit of Science - Ornithoptera Priamus

"Ornithoptera priamus" is a common species of Birdwing Butterfly which lives from New Guinea Islands to Solomon Islands to the East.

We normally find Green-coloured male in mainland New Guinea.

On our last visit to Mioko Island. we have found the Blue-colored species, not knowing that it was one of the unique examples of Darwin's Theory of Evolution.

The Butterfly changes color from Golden-orange in the West Papua to Green in Eastern Half of New Guinea, and change to Blue/Green at this small Mioko Island. Further to the East at Bougainville and Solomon Islands, Blue dominates.

Just as culture is diverse and some 800 different languages are spoken, nature is also very much diverse and different in each islands here; After 15 years of living in this place, I am still amazed at the "Nature's Wonder".

Farewelled the "Kopex" town

After an overnight trip to Duke of York Islands, we are back at Kokopo.
This was the last day at East New Britain and we strolled around the town.

When I first visited here in 1995, there was few permanent buildings. No Kokopo Beach Bungalow, No Rapopo plantation; ANZ bank was operating from barrack-type house.
Now it is one of the fastest growing towns of South Pacific - it has many new permanent buildings, big shops, warehouses, as well as historical buildings - one of the oldest Catholic Churches in Papua New Guinea, Modern History Museum .....
Kokopo Market was very busy with people selling and buying the food, cloth, basket etc...
Unlike other big towns in Papua New Guinea, people mind their own business and very safe.
We wish Port Moresby is safe like East New Britain ....
After several days of re-discovering Rabaul & Kokopo, we reluctantly left the "Kopex" town.


Vunapope = "place of the Pope" is one of the oldest catholic missions in Papua New Guinea .
The cathedral has been refurbished recently.

Queen Emma portrait at the Kokopo Museum.

Japanese Fighter "Zero" at Kokopo Museum.

Duke of York Island Adventure

On the next day, we have set sailed for Duke of York Islands. Duke of York Islands are group of 13 islands lie between New Britain & New Ireland on the St. George's Channel.

Today's main destination was Mioko Island, some 45 minutes boat ride from Kokopo. After we left our bags, we have departed again for snorkeling, and then fishing on the way. Not long, Dominic has caught a big Barracuda !!

After the marine activities, we have done a nature walk from the tip of the island to the Guest House. Mioko Island is where Queen Emma has set up her first plantation in 1878 and remains of her resident & Pool can still be seen in the jungle. (Photo below: remain of Queen Emma's swimming pool)

The flat walk can be done by any age group, and is full of attraction, history, tropical flowers, houses and curious local people etc...

The village life is very simple, people don't have anything luxurious yet have everything to live.

The trip was adventurous, heart-warming & educational.

Duke of York can be visited as a day trip if you want a modern comfort & hot shower, but if you really want to feel the village life and its hospitality, it is worth visiting by a overnight trip.

The next day, sea was very calm. When we are leaving the Duke of York, dolphins were chasing the boat and jumping as if they are saying "Goodbye and please come again !!"

Village Tour our of Kokopo

We have visited a village called Menebonbon outside of Kokopo.

The village is 45 minuets away from kokopo on the hill side towards the tip of Gazelle Peninsula and have living with substitant agriculture with Copra/Cacao as cash crop.

When we visited, villagers were busy cutting the Copra (dried Coconut). The cut Copra is dried in an oven in the village and later sold to the Copra factory in town before being exported to overseas.

After the "factory inspection", we have moved to a nearby house. The ladies were already preparing the today's lunch called "Aigir."

Aigir is traditional dish in Rabaul area and it is similar to the "Mumu" in a way that they use heated stone for steaming the food, but it is unique in its own way and ingredients.

The biggest difference from Highlands "Mumu" is Aigir use full of Coconut Milk.

Heated stones are placed on top of the Banana leaves and coconut milk is boiling up.

Then you add Taro, Chicken, Aibika, etc... and cover it up with the Banana leaves.

After 30 minutes or so, delicious Aigir is done !!

Sweet taste of Coconut milk is absorbed in all the ingredients and all I could say was "Oh, its beautiful !"

The village is situated on the hill looking down Warangoi Bay (on the other side on Tokua Airport) and blessed with nature. When I carefully look around, I could see Avocado, Paw paw, Cacao, Star Fruit, Coconut... everything was there.

Village visit experience is something you should not miss in Papua New Guinea,　and I can say that Menebonbon is one of the "secret treasures" of Rabaul/Kokopo.

Rabaul - Volcano Town

Rabaul was once called "the most beautiful towns in the South Pacific", until 1994 when the twin volcanic eruption ruined the entire town.


Since then, Government & Business Houses moved to Kokopo and no new building has been built in Rabaul. Most of the existing buddings have been collapsed because of the ash and subsequent effect of acid.

Rabaul township was first developed by the Germans. German Flag was raised at Matupit Island on 3rd Nov 1884, but the capital was in Kokopo. After they found that Kokopo does not have deep port to cater for a big ship, they have developed a new town with the big harbor - Simpsons harbor and named the town "Simpsonshafen".

Simpsonshafen was renamed as Rabaul after Germans have defeated the World War 1, but the town kept developing as main export town of Copra.

The Town was ruined by 1937 eruption which killed more than 500 people at nearby Matupit island and again by the World War 2.

But people who loved the "Frangipani" town came back and rebuilt the Rabaul.

With the mighty power of the mother nature, we are not sure if Rabaul will come back again to its beauty or not. However, with people still love the town and work hard to rebuild the town, I am sure there will be a hope.

Trip to Rabaul No.1

I have visited Rabaul last week.
Staying at comfortable Kokopo Beach Bungalow, I have visited Volcano town, Remains of German Colonial time and Japanese War Relics, and very nice villages on Mainland and Island.

Enjoyed the safe Town, comfortable Hotel, tasty Food & hospitable People.
I will post the trip report in next couple of days... should not be missed !!

Underwater Jungle

Papua New Guinea has Forest everywhere, from Lowland Tropical Jungle to "Cloud Forest" in the Highlands. But it is not only found on Land.
If you go for snorkeling or scuba diving, you can also enjoy the "Underwater Forest."
The coral reefs are so healthy and attract thousands of colorful reef fish.
Diving & Snorkel ling are available in different locations all year round, namely in Alotau, Kavieng, Kimbe bay, Madang, Port Moresby, Rabaul & Tufi.

Rabaul - Simpsonshafen

Rabaul, the provincial capital of East New Britain Province of Papua New Guinea is once called "Simpsonshafen" in German New Guinea time. It was shriving business centre by the early settlers including famous Emma Core - "Queen Emma".

The town has been devastated by the 1937 & 1994 volcanic eruptions & World War 2.
However, people who love the "Frangipani town" has come back and rebuilt the town.

With its unique culture tradition such as as Tubuan (by Tolai) & Fire Dance (by Baining), colonial & war history and natural beauty represented by the volcano, it is one of the major tourist destinations in Papua New Guinea.

National Mask Festival on again

National Mask festival will be staged in Kokopo, East New Britain from 15th Jul 2009.

This is one of the most unique Festivals in Papua New Guinea with different mask culture of the country, especially in New Guinea Islands Region get together.

When I visited Sepik River earlier this year, Middle Sepik dancers from Palimbe village- "Mai Mask" - were planning to visit all the way to Kokopo to participate in the Festival. It will be interesting if Sepik & Tolai Mask collaborate and dance together.

One of the main attractions of the Festival, apart from stunning Fire Dance Performance by Baining Tribe is the Kinavai Ceremony by Tolais, main ethnic group of Rabaul/Kokopo.

When the sun rises, Group of cone-shaped spirit figure called "Tubuan" are emerging from the sea. This will be followed by series of sacred ceremonies; Tubuans sit down in line and are whipped by the tabu (shell money), and the ceremony goes on... The real meaning of the ceremonies can not be disclosed outside the secret society members.....

What makes me more interested is that East New Britain , with early contact with European settlers, is one of the most civilized provinces in the country, yet those highly educated people still believe in the secret society and keep the tradition.

If you miss this year's festival, please do not forget to book the fabulous festival in 2010.

Monster in the Lake ???

Have visited Lake Dakataua in West New Britain.

It is believed that huge monster called "Migo" is living in the lake : head like a snake, has horse-like mane and body like a crocodile. There were several sighting by the villagers in the past.

The filming crew camped near the lake for a week to record the monster in the film.

Did they film the Migo ? well, I can not say at this stage but the expedition was very exiting.

West New Britain is famous for its pristine underwater world but may be famous with Migo in the future ???

Mandarin Fish in Kavineg

We have received a latest photo-report from Lissenung Island off Kavieng, New Ireland.
The latest photo is photogenic "Mandarinfish".
The body design is so colorful that people may think it is artificial, but it is all Natural.
If you happen to visit Lissenung next time, don't forget to request "Mandarin Fish".

Photo courtesy of Lissenung Island

National Mask Festival

14th National Mask Festival was held for 16-19 July 2008.

This year, the venue has been moved from Rabaul to Kokopo.

There were lots of discussions regarding the relocation, but considering the fact that the Festival can not continue without the support from the private sector, it is logic when most of the business houses (including Hotels) are moved to Kokopo after 1994 eruption.

Some tourists stayed in Rabaul town (which is 45 minutes drive to Kokopo) had to wake up 4 am to see Kinavai ceremony which was coming to the shore of Kokopo this year. Despite that, they have enjoyed the sacred ceremony which, except the show time, is confined to the secret society members. The next Mask Festival is expected to held in Kokopo again in July 2009.

Future Generation

Visited New Ireland for Filming project.
I have first visited New Ireland in 1995 and so impressed with friendly local people and laid-back atmosphere. As I passed the coastal villages by bicycle (I travelled from Namatanai to Kavieng by bicycle in 5 days !), everybody came out and waved hands.
Since then, I had several chance to visit New Ireland but not really in the villages.
This time, I went to the village and was wondering how the place and people has changed.
But to my relief, it is not much changed after 13 years.
Photo: Twin sisters posing for the camera with curiosity and fear. Putput No.2 village near Kaut

Living with Volcano - Rabaul

Mt Tavurvur and Mt Vulcan in East New Britain has erupted in 17th September 1994, destroyed almost all parts of Rabaul town. People have left home and evacuated, but soon after they have returned to Rabaul and started reconstruction. This is not the first time in the history and people keep coming back to Rabaul town after the volcano eruption.

Mt Tavurvur is still smoking up after 13 years, some parts of the Rabaul town is still under the ash, but people are living with Volcano.

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I am not sure if Baining Fire Dance is related with this Volcanic activities, but I just guess that ancient people must have tried to contral the God of the mountain by the Fire Dance ?? Bainings are now living in the hinterland but were the traditional residents of Rabaul before being chased by Tolais, so it could be true ??

National Mask Festival will be held in Rabaul/Kokopo and is coming soon - 16th-19th Jul !!

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Very Important Item in House

Coastal and Island village people of Papua New Guinea can live without Electricity, Gas, and Water Supply, but may not live without this.....

It is Coconut Scraper, the small chair-type equipment with sharp blade on one side to scrape the inner skin of Coconut. Scraped Coconut will be squeezed and made into Coconut Milk, used for different cooking. Today we visited one Motuan Village outside of Port Moresby and saw how Saksak (Sago) dish was made. The scraped Coconut was mixed with Sago powder, Banana and made into pudding-like cake.

We ate lots, lots of Saksak and left the village.....

Life would be much more difficult if they don't have Coconut Scraper....

Island Paradise - Lissenung

If you are looking for complete relax in Papua New Guinea, Lissenung Island Resort off the Kaveing, New Ireland Province is a place to consider.
The life in the small Island is very simple but not easy to experience. The Island has fully equipped PADI Dive Centre, but snorkelling around the island&s house reef is good enough for a non-diver.
We have some packages including Lissenung stay. Please go though and include it in your next holiday plan !!
http://www.pngexplorers.com/tour/natureculture-point100.html

Hot River Excursion - West New Britain

While you are in West New Britain, wheter you are Diving, Fishing, Birdwatching, or ordinary touruists, Garu Hot River is a Must-See .

The Thermal-heated River is just 40 minutes drive from Walindi Resort.

Surrounded by towering trees, giant ferns and vibrant green vegetation, the raw and natural beauty of this unique environment is simply breathtaking when you first step into it.

The sight of the steam rising above the crystal clear water in this isolated rainforest, gives the impression of a mysterious and magical place forgotten by time.

And Surprisingly, the water temperatuure is just good for bathing.

Due to its volcanic source, the river is naturally rich with minerals and high in sulphur, so a brief soak in its waters will leave your skin and hair feeling soft and silky smooth, a luxuriating feeling of mellowness follows this. For centuries, the indigenous people of the area have been known to bathe in these ‘magical’ emerald waters to be healed from skin disorders.
If you want to feel completely rejuvenated, treat your body to a natural exfoliating treatment, a special red mud that is unique to the area and can be found along the riverbanks.
So for a truly natural and unique beauty treatment in a rainforest setting, the GARU Thermal River is a must-see Land site when visiting Walindi Plantation Dive Resort.

We include Walindi Plantatoin and Hot River Excursion in Nature Wonder New Guinea Tour Package http://www.pngexplorers.com/tour/natureculture-point200.html

(Photo courtesy of Walindi Resort)

Coral Tree - Black or White ?

Talking about Coral reef, we have received latest photos from Walindi resort.
The Coral tree on the left is called Black Coral Tree, but it is not Black at all: it is all in white just in time for Christmas season. - just as if the tree was covered by snow. Only school of Barracuda is telling us the fact that it was taken in the tropical ocean.
Walindi Plantation Resort, set among the tropical jungle in Kimbe Bay is an internationally renowned Diving Resort, but also famous among the Bird Watchers and Nature Lovers.
If you are Nature Lovers, don't miss Walindi while visiting PNG.

2008 Mask Festival dates announced

2008 National Mask Festival will be staged in Rabaul, East New Britain Province for 16-19 JUL, 2008.

The Highlight of the Festivak will be Baining Fire Dance (photo) and Secred Kinavai Ceremony by Tubuan Secret Society, however, there are more and more mask tribes to join and celebrate the mask culture of Papua New Guinea.

For Inquiry of Mask Festival, please contact office@pngexplorers.com