RSS
The Sepik
The Sepik is one of the most fascinating and picturesque areas of the country with islands, open coastline, good beaches and rugged mountain ranges. The Sepik River dominates the area as it meanders through the scenic expanses of the region for 1126km or 698m. This river is the main attraction here that is beautifully supplemented with charming stilt houses along its shores, long canoes with their crocodile-head prows, fascinating fauna, lakes brimming with flowers, misty dawns and spectacular sunsets.
For a more authentic feel of this charming region, you can simply walk into villages or travel by dinghy through small river canal to local villages.
Chambri Lakes is a vast expanse of shallow water located in eastern Sepik with a number of arts and crafts villages. Some good beaches are also found here like in Vanimo and diving at Cape Moem is quite rewarding.
The traditional Abalem people in the Maprik area have a unique culture, especially their distinctive haus tambarans, yam cults and decorative carvings. The Sepik is notable for the art and craftsmanship like the real-life carvings and other handcrafts.
Rabaul
Rabaul was Papua New Guinea's most spectacular and beautiful city built between Simpson Harbour and a dramatic backdrop of volcanoes along the old caldera's rim.
Unfortunately, the September 1994 eruption of Tuvurvur completely destroyed this lovely city. The town had a very cosmopolitan and friendly feel but today, Rabaul has become wasteland buried in black volcanic ash. The broken frames of its buildings can still be seen jutting out of the muddy layers.
You can walk around the deserted streets or climb all the volcanoes except for the still-smoking Tuvurvur. Diving here is quite exceptional as the harbour here has some sunken ships and war relics. In the hillsides around Rabaul, there are several fascinating tunnels and caverns that the Japanese dug during WWII.
Over 500km (310mi) of tunnels can be found here and local children would willingly guide you to the scattered wreckage of Japanese planes. Rabaul retains its importance as a port and is easily accessible by boat from surrounding islands. It's also accessible by plane via the Tokua airport.
