Island Provinces, Papua New Guinea
Simple, often locally owned rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Found in Kokopo, Rabaul, and Kimbe, they offer an affordable basic stay.
These lodging options have more amenities like air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and sometimes restaurants. Look for them in main towns, delivering increased comfort over guesthouses.
Specialized resorts cater to divers. Walindi Plantation Resort in Kimbe Bay is a prime example, with dive packages, meals, and comfortable lodging. Resorts around Rabaul also have dive facilities, focusing on WWII wreck diving. These options often deliver the most established and quality experiences for tourists.
Dedicated luxury hotels are limited. Find them mainly in Kokopo and Kimbe, with a focus on comfort and service.
While not a distinct type, some community initiatives offer rustic, culturally immersive experiences in villages. They have basic facilities but allow deep cultural interaction.
Availability for vacation rentals or apartments remains very limited. This is not a common option for tourists.
These opportunities are rare and usually need pre-arrangement through specialized tour operators. They have very basic facilities but deliver an immersive cultural experience.
Camping is uncommon for independent travelers due to security considerations and a lack of designated campsites. Some organized tours might incorporate tented camps in remote areas as part of their itinerary.
A detailed breakdown of areas and their character.
Areas around established hotels and resorts maintain good security. Exercise caution in town centers, especially markets, and avoid walking alone after dark in any area.
Kokopo is close to Tokua Airport (RAB), Rabaul's WWII sites, and volcano tours. Rabaul is central for WWII sites. Kimbe is very close to Kimbe Airport (HKN), with direct access to Kimbe Bay dive sites via resorts.
Smart booking strategies help secure your preferred accommodation and manage costs.
Advance booking is highly recommended, especially for dive resorts and during the peak dry season (May to October). Book ahead if planning to attend specific festivals like the National Mask Festival.
Prices for flights and popular resorts can be higher during the dry season (May to October) and around major holidays or festivals. Adjust your travel dates if budget flexibility is a concern.
Policies vary by establishment. High-end resorts often require deposits and have strict cancellation policies, notably for dive packages. Always clarify these terms when making your booking.
Here are some top picks for different travel styles.
Queen Emma Lodge in Kokopo has basic, affordable rooms.
Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort presents comfortable bungalows, a pool, and a restaurant. It serves as a good base for exploring East New Britain.
Walindi Plantation Resort is a world-renowned dive resort in Kimbe Bay. It has bungalows, excellent diving, and full-board options.
Resorts like Walindi or Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort often cater to families with larger rooms or bungalows and safe environments. Dedicated long-stay options are limited, though some hotels might feature discounts upon direct inquiry.
Resorts like Walindi or Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort often cater to families.
They may have larger rooms or bungalows.
These properties create safe environments for families.
Many offer pools as a family amenity.
Guesthouses can present more social environments for solo travelers.
Dive resorts have excellent options for solo travelers interested in diving, with structured activities and a built-in community.
Dedicated long-stay options are limited.
Some hotels might have discounts for extended stays upon direct inquiry.
No specific hotels are landmarks themselves.
Staying in Kokopo gives close proximity to Rabaul's historical sites, enabling easy access to the area's history.
Advance booking is highly recommended, especially for popular dive resorts and during the peak dry season (May to October), or during major festivals.
Always clarify deposit and cancellation policies, notably for high-end resorts and dive packages, as terms can be strict.
Negotiation for walk-in rates is generally not common at established places, but a slight discussion might be possible at smaller local guesthouses during the low season.
