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New Britain Travel Resources

New Britain Travel Resources

New Britain Island Provinces, Papua New Guinea Travel Guide

Online Tools for Planning

Essential Travel Applications

  • Maps.me / Google Maps

    Offline navigation. Download Papua New Guinea maps before your trip for access without an internet connection.

  • Google Translate

    Basic Tok Pisin phrases. Download the Tok Pisin offline language pack.

  • WhatsApp

    Widely used for local calls and texts. It is a way to contact tour operators or accommodation staff.

  • PNG Tourism Authority

    The official website (Papuanewguinea.travel) for general PNG travel information.

  • PNG Immigration

    The site (Ica.gov.pg) for current visa information and e-Visa applications.

Dive & Travel Websites

  • Walindi Plantation Resort

    Visit (Walindi.com) for Kimbe Bay diving and accommodation options.

  • Social Media Searches

    Search "PNG Tourism," "Kimbe Bay Diving," or "Rabaul Tourism" on Instagram/Facebook for visual inspiration.

  • Podcasts & Digital Content

    Podcasts focusing on Papua New Guinea's history, culture, or diving offer insights.

  • Online Communities

    Facebook groups like "Papua New Guinea Travel" or "Diving PNG" for current advice.

  • Language Learning

    Basic Tok Pisin phrases are online or in guidebooks. Practice these phrases for communications.

Print Resources for Richer Context

Guidebooks & Maps

A comprehensive guidebook on Papua New Guinea covers New Britain. Maps of Rabaul and Kimbe could be an option locally or in larger guidebooks.

Find PNG Guidebooks

History & Culture Books

For WWII history, seek out "Ghost of Rabaul" or other books on the Pacific War. Academic texts or travelogues on Papua New Guinea are also options.

Local Publications

Local newspapers like the "Post-Courier" or "The National" cover current events and local news.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

  • Police: 112
  • Ambulance/Medical: 112 (service limitations outside major towns).
  • Keep your accommodation or resort's emergency contact number readily available.
  • Hospitals are in Kokopo and Kimbe; facilities are basic. Private clinics are few.

Safety Protocols

  • Locate your country's embassy or consulate in Port Moresby.
  • Register your travel with your embassy before departure.
  • Contact your embassy immediately if your passport is lost. Report lost items to local police.
  • Listen to official guidance for natural disasters (volcanic activity, earthquakes, tsunami warnings).

Cultural Enrichment & Preparations

Pre-Trip Visuals

  • Search for documentaries on WWII in the Pacific, notably those focusing on Rabaul.
  • Films about underwater exploration in Papua New Guinea also provide insights.
  • Visuals contribute to an informed arrival.
  • Preparation for the environment is useful.

Music & Art Appreciation

  • Listen to traditional Papua New Guinean music.
  • Contemporary local artists offer a different perspective.
  • Research traditional mask art, like that seen in the Baining Firedance.
  • Cultural context comes from these experiences.

Language & Community

  • Basic Tok Pisin phrases are online or in guidebooks.
  • Practice these phrases for interactions with locals.
  • Social media groups for "Papua New Guinea Travel" are active.
  • Fellow travelers share current advice and local knowledge.

Critical Safety & Health Notices

Important Reminders for Your Well-being

Health & Safety Vigilance

  • Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, wear protective clothing.
  • Prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
  • Remain aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.
  • Listen to local advice regarding safe areas.

Financial Preparedness

  • ATMs can be unreliable.
  • Carry sufficient Kina, especially smaller denominations.
  • Many places operate on a cash-only basis.
  • Verify payment methods in advance.

Cultural Sensibility

  • Dress modestly.
  • Always ask for photo permission.
  • Patience in interactions with locals is appreciated.
  • Community ties remain strong.

Traveler-Specific Recommendations

Solo Journey Insights

  • Solo female travelers exercise extra caution regarding personal safety.
  • Dive resorts offer a good social environment for solo travelers.
  • Consider joining organized tours for added safety and social interaction.

Family-Friendly Approaches

  • Vacation spots commonly feature facilities suitable for families, including pools.
  • Ensure children are protected from the sun and mosquitoes.
  • Some tours, like long WWII site explorations, may not suit younger children.

Group & Accessibility Notices

Group Travel Coordination

  • For groups, pre-booking accommodation and transfers is helpful.
  • Consider hiring a dedicated local tour operator for seamless logistics.
  • Customized itineraries are possible with local operators.

Accessibility Challenges

  • New Britain has challenges for travelers with mobility issues.
  • Basic facilities across the area.
  • Research specific accommodations and attractions thoroughly.

Cultural Behaviors

Dress & Affection

  1. Dress modestly.
  2. Public displays of affection are generally not common.
  3. Respect for local norms fosters positive interactions.
  4. Community standards guide social behavior.

Photography & Interaction

  1. Always ask for photo permission.
  2. Patience in interactions is highly appreciated.
  3. Genuine curiosity during conversations is welcome.
  4. Avoid giving money to begging children; this can foster dependency.
  5. Direct assistance for local economies comes through hiring guides or purchasing goods.

Valuable Insights from Locals

Weather Adaptation

Humidity and sun are significant. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing.

Cash Readiness

ATMs can be unreliable. Carry sufficient Kina, especially smaller denominations.

Safety Awareness

Remain aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. Listen to local advice on safe areas.

Useful Safety Tip

Always remain aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. Pay attention to local advice regarding safe areas.

Planning Your New Britain Adventure

Chronological Pre-Trip Planning

-6 Months Before

  • Visa Application

    Request your visa if not eligible for e-Visa or Visa on Arrival. Check the PNG Immigration website.

  • International Flights

    Book international flights to Port Moresby.

  • Resorts & Dive Packages

    Research and book major resorts or dive packages, especially for Kimbe Bay.

-2 Months Before

  • Domestic Flights

    Book domestic flights to Tokua (RAB) or Kimbe (HKN).

  • Airport Transfers

    Arrange airport transfers with your accommodation or tour operator.

  • Health & Insurance

    Consult a travel health clinic for vaccinations. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance (World Nomads) for medical evacuation and activities.

Final Preparations & Arrival

-2 Weeks Before

Reconfirm all bookings. Print copies of essential documents. Inform your bank of travel plans. Start packing.

Few Days Before

Exchange local currency (PGK) if possible. Charge all electronics.

Arrival in Port Moresby

Clear immigration and customs at Jacksons International Airport (POM). Proceed to the domestic the terminal for your onward flight to New Britain.

Orientation & Departure

Arrival in New Britain

  • Meet your pre-arranged transfer at Tokua or Kimbe airport.
  • At your accommodation, ask staff for local advice, maps, and safety tips.
  • Exchange currency at Port Moresby airport or a bank in Kokopo/Kimbe if ATMs are unavailable.
  • It's a good IDEA to purchase a local sim card if not done at Port Moresby airport.

Departing New Britain

  • Purchase souvenirs from local markets or reputable shops.
  • Be aware of luggage limits for your flights. Shipping items internationally can be expensive.
  • Papua New Guinea does not have a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund scheme.
  • Reconfirm your return flights. All travel documents for your onward journey are important.

Travel Timelines & Essential Details

Timeline Snapshot

  • 3-6 months prior: Visa, international flights, large resorts, health clinic.
  • 1-2 months prior: Domestic flights, transfers, tours, travel insurance, International Driving Permit (if needed).
  • 1-2 weeks prior: Reconfirm bookings, print documents, inform bank, pack.
  • Few days prior: Exchange currency, charge electronics.

Departure Timing

  • Domestic flights (Tokua/Kimbe): Arrive 1 to 1.5 hours prior to departure.
  • International flights (Port Moresby): Arrive 2.5 to 3 hours in advance for check-in and security.
  • Secure your home before departure.
  • Inform family or friends of your itinerary.

Pre-Bookings

All flights (international and domestic), major resorts (specifically dive resorts), private transfers, and any specific cultural performances (e.g., Baining Firedance) require booking well in advance.

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