Journeys

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Destinations:

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• Mt Hagen

• Lae

• Rabaul

• Madang

• Goroka

• Alotau

Phone: (675) 327 3364

Email: csc@airniugini.com.pg

Website: www.destinations.com.pg

CEO's Message

elcome to the second issue of Journeys, a travel and tourism magazine about Papua New Guinea proudly brought to you by the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority. In this issue we take you on a journey through time highlighting key historical attractions and events that add to the unique breadth and depth of our beautiful destination Papua New Guinea, the land of a million different journeys.

Discover the greatest historical treasures of our nation preserved at the PNG National Museum and Art Gallery, an institution which the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority is proud to call its ‘sister agency’ under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Our destination in focus for this issue is timeless East New Britain, where we take you on a journey through memory –captured in storytelling, relics, sites, monuments and events. Friends and fans of this island province will be pleased to know of the return of two famous annual cultural and historical events: the National Mask & Warwagira Festival, and the Frangipani Festival.

With COVID-19 travel requirements and restrictions relaxed for our international and domestic travels, there is more opportunity than ever before for local and overseas travelers to discover Papua New Guinea. Our domestic travel partnerships with the major national airlines: Air Niugini and PNG Air have seen the development of cost-saving holiday packages – inclusive of flights, accommodation and tours. I encourage you to take advantage of these great deals and

Wjourney our great country.

We also bring you some exciting updates from the Tourism Promotion Authority, including industry workshops, training and partnerships.

Up-skilling and capacity building for our tourism industry is one of our major goals under the: Tourism Sector Development Plan (2022-2026), and therefore I am pleased to share news of our Tourism SME training workshop conducted in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville; as well as the graduate pioneers of our Tourism Professionals Degree program with the University of Papua New Guinea.

The recent launch of our Corporate Plan (2023-2026) has also enhanced our vision and goals for the next four-years, especially our commitment to the tourism sector and how we achieve this through our governing mandate.

My team and I, at the Tourism Promotion Authority are committed to serving the tourism sector of Papua New Guinea, and through policy driven agendas linked to our national goals, we can achieve the best possible outcomes for our local tourism businesses, our tourism industry and sector, and finally our national economy as a whole.

On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of the Tourism Promotion Authority, I wish to thank you for taking the time to read our Journeys magazine. We hope its content will inform you of all the incredible work the Tourism Promotion Authority has been involved in, as well as inspire you to begin your timetraveling adventure in Papua New Guinea – we have a million different journeys waiting for you.

MR. ERIC. MOSSMAN UVOVO Chief Executive Officer PNG Tourism Promotion Authority

PNGTPA Launches Corporate Plan, 2023-2026

By PNGTPA Staff Writers

The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority proudly launched its four-year Corporate Plan 2023-2026, at The Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby, on Friday the 17th of March, 2023.

Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Isi Henry Leonard, was present at the momentous occasion to officially launch the newly developed Corporate Plan.

“The country’s tourism industry is a thriving sector that has so much potential and is integral to PNG’s development agenda. Being the statutory body established by the Government to manage and promote the country’s tourism interest to the world, PNGTPA needs a clear directive to achieving its mandated tasks; and this policy document has

been produced to direct its mission and purpose to achieving just that,” Minister Leonard said.

He added, “The previous Corporate Strategy expired in 2014, which means the agency has been operating over the last eight years without one in place”

“The re-emergence of a new Corporate Strategy demonstrates a renewed and stronger commitment by PNG TPA to make a positive difference in growing the tourism sector”

Hon. Isi Leonard further stated, “The PNGTPA Corporate Plan 2023-2026 sets a clear vision for the agency and articulates well what PNGTPA will do in the next four years, consistent with the Tourism Promotion Authority Act 1993 and the Tourism Sector

Development Plan 2022-2026.”

Minister Leonard also recalled the devastating impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on the travel industry worldwide, especially the resulting loss of trillions of US dollars in international tourism receipts. He also pointed out PNG TPA’s shift in focus of its promotions towards domestic tourism, declaring that the Corporate Plan will be able to assist and guide the organization in developing this overlooked area of destination marketing.

Chief Executive Officer of PNGTPA, Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, opened the event with an official welcome to the Tourism Minister; including the heads of PNGTPA’s sister agencies under the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture: the National Cultural Commission

PNGTPA proudly launches its four year Corporate Plan.

The Board, Management, and Staff of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority attending the launch at Stanley Hotel. Picture Credit: Roan Paul

and the National Museum and Art Gallery; as well as other distinguished heads and representatives from PNG’s tourism industry, and its stakeholder partners from the private and public sector.

In his speech, CEO Uvovo emphasized how his organization's four-year Corporate Plan was developed to align itself with the Tourism Sector Development Plan 2022-2026, which was launched last year.

“The Corporate Plan is the operation plan of the bigger plan – the Tourism Sector Development Plan 2022-2026. The Corporate Plan 2023-2026 is a small strategic plan that spins the wheels of the bigger plan – the TSDP 2022-2026,” explained Mr. Uvovo.

He stressed that his responsibility as the CEO, and that of the senior management of the PNGTPA, was to successfully implement the corporate plan.

Mr Uvovo also mentioned in his speech that the PNGTPA’s priority for the year 2023 is dedicated to reviewing the current National Tourism Policy 1995, and formulating a new National Tourism Policy Framework that will guide PNG’s tourism growth into the future.

The new PNGTPA Corporate Plan has seven strategic priorities, these are:

1) Expanding Global, Regional and Domestic Reach;

2) Accelerating Tourism Investment through SMART Policies and Plans;

3) Raising the Levels of Tourism Service Education and Management;

4) Maximizing Value from Tourism Research and Monitoring;

5) Strengthening Tourism Product Development for Sustainable Tourism;

6) Maintaining Excellence in Corporate Governance and Performance; and

7) Providing Effective Services through Human Resource, ICT and Financial Management.

These seven priorities are also derived from the Tourism Sector Development Plan 2022-2026.

Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, Hon. Isi Henry Leonard giving the official address at the launch Picture Credit: Roan Paul

Chief Executive Officer of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, giving his speech at the launch Picture Credit: Roan Paul

The Corporate Plan 2023-2026 is available for download via the PNGTPA corporate website: www.papuanewguinea.travel/coporate-site

MSC POESIA VISITS PAPUA NEW GUINEA

By Pauline Riman

On Sunday 5th March 2023, Papua New Guinea warmly welcomed MSC Cruises with the maiden call of one of its stunning cruise liner vessels – the MSC Poesia

The MSC Poesia graced the shores of Milne Bay Province visiting two ports of call in Alotau and Kiriwina, then cruised onward to Rabaul in East New Britain.

“We bid a warm Papua New Guinea welcome to the passengers and crew of the MSC Poesia, one of the first ships from the well-known MSC Cruises company to visit our country,” said CEO of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, Mr. Eric Uvovo.

“Cruise tourism has huge potential benefits for the country, and the PNGTPA is committed to supporting the tourism industry in maritime provinces develop their cruise tourism products and infrastructure”

“Developing cruise tourism requires a whole of government approach,

most important of all, it needs a provincial government working together with its local tourism businesses to develop a conducive environment for cruise ships and the tourists they bring,” Mr. Uvovo further stated.

An official welcome party by the Milne Bay Provincial Government, the local tourism industry and government agencies cordially greeted the cruise ship’s management, exchanging gifts and putting on a cultural performance.

MSC Poesia comes from a modern fleet of cruise vessels by MSC Cruises – the world’s third largest cruise brand. MSC Cruises is a subdivision of MSC Group, a Swiss-based shipping and logistics corporation spanning over three centuries of maritime operations.

A spectacular vessel, the MSC Poesia is a 293.8 meter long and 59.64 high ship, carrying over 3,000 passengers serviced by a crew of 900 plus. The

cruise ship has 16 decks, including three swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts, a Zen Garden and more. Most impressive of all is the ships environmental technology, which has an energy saving and monitoring system that includes an onboard wastewater treatment plant.

Papua New Guinea was fortunate enough to welcome MSC Magnifica – another elegant cruise ship vessel from MSC Cruises. MSC Magnifica arrived in Alotau on the 26th of March.

Image: MSC Poesia arriving in Alotau, Milne Bay Province, Sunday 5th March, 2023.

Picture Credit: Mary Kanawi

The stunning cruise liner, MSC Poesia, made its maiden visit to PNG.

MSC MAIDEN CALL

MARCH 5th, 2023

Alotau

2147 pax on board

900+ crew on board

Booked tours 879

Actual tours 751

39 vehicles booked

11 vehicles no showhence cancellations 128 cancelled due to logistic issues.

Kiriwina

1740 booked tours

cancelled due to bad weather -and rough seas

Rabaul

650+ booked tours

26 vehicles booked

The main reception area on the fifth deck of the MSC Poesia.

Picture Credit: Liebert Kirakar

MSC Poesia crew taking pictures with traditional dancers from the Kaikuwali Theatre Group in Alotau.

Picture Credit: Liebert Kirakar

Captain Pietro Sarcinella and fellow ship master receiving finely carved gift bowls from the Milne Bay Provincial Government.

Picture Credit: Liebert Kirakar

The MSC Poesia docking at the Rabaul Wharf, Simpson Harbour.

Picture Credit: Liebert Kirakar

AIR NIUGINI AND PNGTPA WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP

PNGTPA and Air Niugini secure a partnership to help with tourism growth in PNG

By Air Niugini Corporate Communications Department

Air Niugini and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) executives had a meeting on Monday 27th March with the focus to progress a mutually beneficial partnership, for tourism growth across Papua New Guinea.

Air Niugini’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gary Seddon and PNGTPA CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo met to share ideas, discuss challenges and opportunities – to encourage a more collaborative approach toward tourism development.

Mr. Seddon recognized the efforts across the industry, to restart tourism after years of uncertainty and restrictions.

He said “Air Niugini is about to

undertake a major investment program in its fleet. Next generation aircraft will improve reliability and expand our network, for the benefit of our country. These aircraft will be larger and more efficient.”

Mr. Uvovo indicated that TPA would be willing to establish an MOU with Air Niugini to commit to a series of tourism initiatives – that build on existing products across the country, with Air Niugini offering to support greater access through a competitive range of airfares.

“TPA is excited about the prospect of a collaboration if it benefits tourism SMEs and PNG tourism businesses. Tourism grows local economies with substantial jobs growth.” Mr Uvovo said

To find out more:

Phone: (+675) 327 3364

Email: csc@airniugini.com.pg

Bottom Left: Air Niugini Acting CEO, Mr. Gary Seddon, PNGTPA CEO, Mr.

The PNGTPA and Air Niugini have also partnered to develop costsaving domestic travel packages.

PNGTPA JOINS 2023 WORLD INDIGENOUS BUSINESS FORUM

PNGTPA join steering committee of the 2023 World Indigenous Business Forum to showcase PNG's tourism potential.

By Pauline Riman

Papua New Guinea’s preparations for the 2023 World Indigenous Business Forum – to be staged in October at the APEC Haus, began with the announcement of over a dozen government agencies joining the organizing steering committee in early March.

Hon. Richard Maru and Hon. Kessy Sawang, Minister and Vice-Minister respectively for the Ministry of Trade and Investment, made the upcoming forum’s preparatory announcement at a press conference at the Hilton Hotel.

Both Ministers acknowledged the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) for accepting their Ministry’s invitation to join the organizing steering committee. During the conference they emphasized TPA’s expected contribution to the World Indigenous Business Forum, which includes support for destination marketing and promotion, especially the production of videos highlighting

Papua New Guinea as a unique travel and tourism destination, and also developing tour packages for visiting forum participants from around the world.

Representing TPA on the organizing steering committee for the World Indigenous Business Forum, will be Ms. Alice Kuaningi, Acting Director of Marketing, Research and Promotions. Ms. Kuaningi and the TPA marketing division, have a great deal of experience with supporting world class events hosted in Papua New Guinea, especially the APEC 2018, FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, 2015 Pacific Games, 2014 Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture, and more.

PNGTPA Chief Executive officer Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo expressed his overwhelming support towards the Ministry of Trade and Investment.

“The World Indigenous Business Forum is a wonderful occasion to showcase Papua New Guinea as an incredible travel destination. Our tourism sector also

has a large network of local tourism businesses who contribute to our economy, and we are looking forward to encouraging their presence at this very important forum”

“I would like to thank the Ministry of Trade and Investment, the MarapeRosso Government and the National Executive Council for nominating the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority to be an integral part of the planning towards the World Indigenous Business Forum. I am confident that my team will perform exceptionally to help the Government of Papua New Guinea deliver this world class event,” Mr. Uvovo said.

The World Indigenous Business Forum is an annual event established by the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute of Canada. The Forum has been staged throughout various parts of the world since 2011, and has amassed a global community of indigenous people who are focused on inspiring, mobilizing and supporting organizations and entrepreneurs in the sustainable development of indigenous businesses and communities across the globe. Visit the World Indigenous Business Forum website: www.wibf.ca

Image: (L-R) MSME Council Representative; Secretary for Department of Trade and Investment Mrs. Jacinta Manua, Vice-Minister for Investment and Trade Hon. Kessy Sawang, Tourism Promotion Authority Director Marketing Ms. Alice Kuaningi, Minister for Investment and Trade Hon. Richard Maru, MSME Council Representative Mr. Des Yaninen Picture Credit: PNGTPA.

WORKING TOWARDS A NEW NATIONAL TOURISM POLICY, MARKETING STRATEGY

PNGTPA commences a series of regional consultations with tourism stakeholders for the development of a new PNG National Tourism Policy and Marketing Strategy.

By Pacific PSDI

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) has commenced a series of regional consultations on the development of a new PNG National Tourism Policy and Marketing Strategy.

PNGTPA, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI), traveled across PNG on 9-28 February 2023 and spoke with tourism industry stakeholders as part of its National

Tourism Policy 1995 review.

The regional consultations will cover PNG’s four regions—New Guinea Islands (Kokopo), Momase (Madang), Highlands (Mt Hagen) and Southern (Port Moresby).

The first consultations, held on 9-10 February in Kokopo, were attended by the region’s tourism industry stakeholders, operators, guides, event organizers and provincial tourism offices.

Attendees discussed PNG tourism

policy reform issues, priorities, and options; the policy development process; future opportunities for New Guinea Islands’ tourism industry; and the role of the PNGTPA in enabling, marketing, and coordinating the tourism sector.

PNGTPA Chief Executive Officer Eric Mossman Uvovo said consultations on the new National Tourism Policy and Marketing Strategy were critical, and would inform subsequent legislative amendments to the PNG Tourism

Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture Hon. Isi Henry Leonard speaking during the Strategy Workshop held at the Lamana Hotel, Port Moresby. Seated on the left is Chief Executive Officer of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, Mrv. Eric Mossman Uvovo. Picture Credit: PNGTPA.

Promotion Authority Act 1993.

“Since the establishment of PNG’s National Tourism Policy 1995 and Destination Marketing Strategy 20182022, a lot has changed,” Mr Mossman Uvovo said.

“The Papua New Guinea tourism industry is primarily driven by the private sector. Hence, these consultations are important to ensure the new policy helps PNG to develop tourism sustainability, maximize its

Alongside these private sector consultations, PSDI will have interviews with multiple PNG government departments and agencies to gauge views on the policy and potential avenues of reform.

PSDI is an ADB technical assistance program undertaken in partnership with the Governments of Australia and New Zealand. PSDI supports ADB's 14 Pacific developing member countries to improve the enabling environment for business and to achieve inclusive, private sector-led economic growth.

It is supporting the PNGTPA to rebuild the PNG tourism sector following COVID-19, and to undertake longer-term tourism sustainability and resilience planning.

funded by the Government of PNG. The ultimate goal of the TPA is to market and promote PNG to the world as a desirable travel destination.

Participants at the National Tourism Policy and Marketing Strategy Workshop held at the Lamana Hotel, Port Moresby.

Picture Credit: PNGTPA.

Image: ADB representative Mr. Kia Henry Nema with members of the tourism industry at the National Tourism Policy and Marketing Strategy workshop

Bottom Left: PNGTPA Acting Director of marketing Research and Promotions Ms. Alice Kuaningi.

Picture Credit: PNGTPA.

PNGTPA SUPPORTS PNGTIA MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

PNGTPA and PNGTIA secure partnership to boost membership for 2023.

By Joybertina Piasinu

The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) has partnered with the PNG Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA) to boost membership for 2023.

In joint efforts to build back the tourism industry after the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, PNGTPA has provided a 50,000 Kina subsidy to the association for 2023 membership fees. Under the subsidy, past and current members pay 30% while PNGTPA pays 70% of the total membership fees.

Other interested members of the Tourism & Hospitality Industry are encouraged to also register. Since the promotion of membership drive, registered members for 2023 have risen to 35 registered members. This is a good indication shown by the industry members about their commitment to build back better post COVID-19. We expect more tourism industry operators to register before end of April with the aim of having about 100 members registered. All visitors wishing to book a tour, accommodation or host an event, can check our social media page and

website for a full listing of registered members. Members of the public, visitors, tourists are encouraged to book tours services, accommodation and other related services with PNGTIA registered members.

Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, CEO of PNGTPA acknowledges our Tourism Industry members as key partners, “Tour Operators, Guest Houses, Hotels, Restaurants, Transport Services, Airlines, Attractions, Museums, Festivals and others offer specific services to leisure travelers, tourists, visitors, the public as well as Business Travelers who have the option of extending their trip to experience the destination of their choice. Through such a recognized and registered membership with PNGTIA, TPA will be able to promote each business as well as invite participation at upcoming, events, trade shows, training, conferences and participate also in the subsidized travel packages.”

Mr Alois Mateos, President of PNGTIA thanked PNGTPA saying, “The PNG TPA is the national tourism office responsible for tourism development, marketing and promoting PNG as a desirable tourist destination. This gesture by

PNGTPA is very much appreciated by the industry members and we thank those who have utilized this subsidy to renew their membership. Under the subsidy, Associate Members pay 120 Kina while Corporate Members pay 240 Kina only. We encourage those members who have not yet renewed their membership to utilize this subsidy and join the association before the end of April 2023 to benefit from shared PNGTPA and TIA programs”.

The PNGTIA is a peak body for the tourism industry in PNG. It is a platform for tourism sector operators to come together and form one collective voice. It is the only professional, non-profit peak body that brings together all actors in the tourism value chain.

PNGTIA members posing for a photo Picture credits: PNGTPA

UPCOMING PNGTIA EVENTS

HOSPITALITY EXPO

20TH - 23RD JUNE 2023

LUKIM PNG NAU TOURISM EXPO

28TH - 29TH SEPTEMBER 2023

TOURISM TRAINING WORKSHOP IN ARAWA

By Pauline Riman

The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) conducted the first tourism business training workshop in Arawa, Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), from the 19th to 30th November 2022.

The MSME tourism business training is a key deliverable in the implementation strategy of the 20222026 Tourism Sector Development Plan, especially the goal of improving the overall quality, diversity and accessibility of PNG’s tourism products and services by training locally owned tourism businesses.

The training in AROB ran for twoweeks, and was delivered by master trainers from the Small and Medium Enterprise Corporation (SMEC) and assisted by Trainer of Trainers (TOT) who have certification from SMEC.

The SMEC trainers applied the ‘Start Your Business’ (SYB) training module,

which is certified by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and is taught across 109 countries around the world.

There were 51 local tourism business owners and employees who participated in the training, and each proudly graduated with a SMEC Start Your Business certificate.

Ms. Lorena Ritsi, Acting Secretary for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Government (ABG) – Department of Commerce and Economic Development, acknowledged and commended PNGTPA for bringing the tourism business training to her region.

“Being the first of its kind for the tourism sector – a collaborative approach for tourism development is needed in the region since AROB was already an emerging tourist destination,” said Ms. Ritsi during the

workshop training in Arawa.

She also indicated much more would be achieved through the MOU between the ABG and PNGTPA, which was signed two-months later in February 2023.

“This was the first ever fully certified SMEC training conducted by PNGTPA. Prior to this training, a majority of the AROB tourism business operators who participated had nil training in business management,” said PNGTPA’s Business Development Officer Mr. Dunstan Uluchoe, who is also the project lead for the MSME Tourism Business Training nationwide roll-out.

During his initial scoping exercise in AROB, Mr. Uluchoe observed many local SMEs functioning without proper records, business plans and operational structures.

Mr. Uluchoe further stated, “Many participants were actively running tourism businesses, or employed in the industry, and this made the training

PNGTPA held first tourism business training workshop in Bougainville.

more practical for them. Seeing the participants fully concentrating each day and learning business tools was amazing. And most importantly, I got full satisfaction witnessing 51 people – mostly business owners, graduating with enhanced technical skills that have been missing in their business operations.”

Mr. Uluchoe is now working on the post-training monitoring and evaluation: this will guide the second phase of the AROB tourism business training, which involves the ‘Improve Your Business’ training module. Those who have participated and attained the SYB training certificate will be eligible to receive this forthcoming training.

The theme of PNGTPA’s nationwide tourism business training workshop envisions a brighter future for local business operators in the country: “Enhancing Tourism Business Knowledge through Capacity Building” / “Kisim Moa Save Long Strongim Turism Bisnis”. The success of the training in AROB paves a positive way forward for PNGTPA to work with other provincial governments to run tourism business training throughout the country.

The PNGTPA wishes to thank the Government of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, for its support in implementing the capacity building training.

PNGTPA Corporate Affairs Director, Ms. Abuti Kevin, addressing workshop training participants.

Picture credits: PNGTPA

Ms. Abuti Kevin assisting workshop participants during training session. Picture credits: PNGTPA

Successful participants of the MSME Tourism training Workshop displaying their certificates with SMEC trainers and PNGTPA.

Picture credits: PNGTPA

TRAINING FOR MT GILUWE TOUR OPERATORS

PNGTPA helps train locals of Mt. Giluwe' to help build their tourism capacity.

By Maureen Wei

Mt Giluwe, one of the highlands tourist’s hot spots, sleeps proudly among the clouds as the second largest mountain in Papua New Guinea, after Mt. Wilhem. Rising at about 4,367 meters (14, 327 ft) above sea level and is amongst the five largest mountain peaks in the highlands of Papua New Guinea.

The mountain’s ethereal yet rugged slopes cast a splendor of empyrean views that can only be appreciated in person when on the summit. Lovers of nature can appreciate the mountain’s vast alpine grasslands that houses different species of flora and fauna. The mountain is also a utopia for bird watchers, as it is home to the famous bird of paradise, ribbon tailed Astrapia, Stephanie’s Astrapia and other species of birds found only in this particular part of PNG.

Customarily, the locals settling near and at the base of Mt. Giluwe have a rich culture and unique traditions that tie them to the land and environment, making them experts and local tour guides. Because of the local’s deep connection to the mountain, and area surrounding it, the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority have launched a tourism capacity building project for local tour guides of Mt. Giluwe in Mt. Hagen.

The project is to build and train the locals in tourism capacity building within the corridors of Mt Giluwe. It was delivered in collaboration with Tambul District Administration, PNGTPA, Western Highlands Province Commerce and Tourism Division and No Roads Expeditions.

There were five basic hospitality and tourism skills that were taught; General tourism awareness, guest

house development, tour guides, basic cooking and first aid.

This project trained employees of two tour operators: Mt Giluwe Tako Tours and Trekking of Tambul from Western Highlands Province, and Samera Cooperative Society (Mt Giluwe Eco Tourism Project) from Southern Highlands Province.

Mt. Giluwe has two ancient volcanic summits, which distinguishes it as the highest volcanic shield on the Australian and Oceania Continent, earning its spot as one of the Volcanic Seven Summits.

Photo Credits: No Roads Expedition

Tako Tours was recently incorporated to run in Mt. Giluwe. It’s a company owned by locals from the Tambul Nebilyer District in Western Highlands Province. They provide the services of accommodation and local trekking guides to tourists and visitors. It was formed purposely to develop a track from their village to the summit and also to provide other tourism-based ventures such as village home-stays. Their projects are still underway. Samera Cooperative Society incorporated communal effort from the Semera People to tap into tourism, fisheries and other opportunities. They have so far built a trekking route, developed a couple of campsites and recently developed trout farm. Plans of building eco -lodges and register 10 hectares of rainforest as local wildlife management to protect endangered flora and fauna species are still

underway.

Apart from Mt Giluwe Tako Tours and Trekking of Tambul and Samera Cooperative Society (Mt Giluwe Eco tourism Project) from Southern Highlands Province (SHP), there are a couple of other tour operators that provide guest house and eco- lodges from both Provinces which visitors can experience. They are Country Tours Ltd, Paiya Tours Ltd, New Guineas Tours expedition, Pacific Peace

Expedition, Miok Tours and Kumul Lodge.

Photo Credits: No Roads Expedition

Photo Credits: No Roads Expedition

Photo Credits: No Roads Expedition

Photo Credits: No Roads Expedition

PNGTPA BOOSTS PINK NOSE REVOLUTION CAMPAIGN

By Elizabeth Makis

Tourism Promotion Authority has boosted Surfing Associ ation PNG (SAPNG) with an amount of 115,000 PNG Kina towards the ‘Pink Nose Revolution Campaign’ in Sandaun, West Sepik Province as part of TPA’s mission to promote PNG to the world.

Surfers from the United States of America traveled, with Surf Association of Papua New Guinea President Andrew Abel, as part of a US Embassy Sports Envoy Program.

Surfing Association PNG Inc. is an advocate for Gender Based Violence in PNG. One of their programs is known as the “Pink Nose Revolution Campaign” which was the main focus of the visiting surfers.

The surfers Kellen Lovell, Maluhia Kinimaka, led by famous surfer, travel writer, film-maker, Alison Teal, arrived

in the country on the 22nd February, 2023 at Lido village, Vanimo, Sandaun Province.

They participated in the ‘Pink Nose Revolution’ involving anti-GBV awareness with school students and locals undergoing surfing drills and

clinics.

Apart from running awareness, the surfing team brought along a camera crew to film their community work and will assist in putting together a documentary film to showcase what the “Pink-Nose Revolution Campaign” is doing in PNG.

The ‘Pink Nose Revolution Campaign’ is part of SAPNG’s journey in changing local’s mindset and addressing Gender Base-Violence (GBV) in PNG.

The "Pink Nose Revolution Campaign" was established following the launching of Surfing Association Papua New Guinea in 2017.

“It was during this historical event in Tupira, Madang Province in 2017, where we launched the SAPNG ‘Pink Nose Revolution” to the world as an outcome-based strategy, emanating from the Internationally acclaimed

PNGTPA assists the Pink Nose Revolution Campaign to boost surfing tourism.

Alison Teal (First from right) with ladies from Lido, Vanimo, gettign ready to surf.. Picture credits: PNGTPA

PNG surfing Documentary “Splinters”, that world premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in NYC, USA in 2011” stated the President and Co-Founder of SAPNG Andrew C. Abel.

Papua New Guinea was able to be on the global spotlight for surfing when the inaugural 2017 PNG KUMUL World Longboard Champions event was staged at Tupira Surf Club and was also livestream to 120 million people around the world.

This in itself, has portrayed and pushed PNG in surfing as the host country of a world championship event showcased for the world to see, and now new opportunities are emerging because of the staged event.

'Pink Nose' simply refers to the Surf board's tip which was painted pink as a color to represent the female population giving a feminine touch as per the campaign's goal in educating women to be confident and willing to hold other roles in the likes of sports to bring positivity and change to their community.

The surfers arrived in PNG for a oneweek surfing camp and to teach clinics and workshops at Vanimo for four (4) days before departing PNG. Though, before they left, they had a summit with the media, PNG Government officials, like-minded diplomatic missions, civil society groups and private sector actors. The summit was held in Port Moresby on March 3rd. The purpose of the summit as explained by Public Diplomacy Officer in a letter to the TPA CEO stated that the meeting was to bring awareness about using sports as a tool to positively influencing people and to curb the rise of GBV.

“The women in Sports Summit will raise awareness of the need to bring gender policies to all 38 PNG sports federations. This program builds off the momentum of 2011 surfing documentary Splinters which was selected to participate in the Tribeca Film media, and government officials to be a catalyst for transformation in sports”, stated Damian Wampler.

The development of surfing for social good in Papua New Guinea is a powerful example of how constraints can inspire creativity and how a lack of resources can foster a breeding ground for innovation. Here, women making waves of change on the edge of surfing's known

Hawaiian surfer Maluhia Kinimaka with children from Lido Village, Vanimo, Sandaun Province. Picture credits: PNGTPA

Alison Teal, travel vlogger and surfer of "Alison's Adventures" teaching children of lido in Vanimo how to surf..

Picture credits: PNGTPA

PNGTPA CREATES DEGREE PATHWAY FOR TOURISM PROFESSIONALS

By Michael Tanas

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) has created an opportunity for tourism industry professionals to pursue studies at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) since 2021. This was an initiative created through a joint partnership between UPNG School of Business & Public Policy (UPNG SBPP) and PNGTPA.

The program, offered under UPNG SBPP, which is called Bachelor of Business & Management, Professional Studies in Tourism & Hospitality Management (BBM PS-THM) is a capacity-building initiative which is specifically designed for working-class professionals in the tourism and hospitality industry who wish to further their studies to a bachelor’s degree qualification. BBM PS-THM was made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between PNGTPA and UPNG on the 17th of June 2020, with an

aim to strengthen and improve overall capacity of human capital within the tourism sector in PNG. Currently, the program is offered through a classroom learning mode, however, going forward other means like online learning and distance mode can be applicable when proper facilities to support such initiative become available. The program is run on a full-time basis by SBPP, UPNG Main Campus in partnership with PNGTPA and is now in its third successive year in offering the program. The curriculum of the BBM PS THM is tailored to fit and meet the specific needs of the tourism industry. It also recognizes the knowledge, skills, capabilities, and professionalism a possible candidate may have acquired through the experience gained over the years of working within the industry.

More so, the program helps workingclass individuals from various

tourism network to acquire a formal academic qualification that matches their knowledge and skills and thus contribute to improving their employability, lifelong learning, social inclusion, and self-esteem. It also bridges the gap between theory and practice, develops a higher level of tourism and hospitality management competency, and improves the confidence of tourism practitioners from both the public and private sectors in the assumption of their current and future roles and responsibilities.

Because of such excellent opportunity, the number of interested applicants annually increases; since the program’s establishment. For this year 2023 had seen an influx of more applicants applying to participate in the program. There was a total of 46 applications, of which 34 applicants were accepted and received offer letters for enrollment, but, only 10 students successfully

PNGTPA and UPNG creates a pathway towards degree programs for tourism industry professionals.

Students of the Tourism and Hospitality Management Professional Studies Program at the University of Papua New Guinea 2023 Graduation Ceremony.

Picture credits: PNGTPA

enrolled. Most of the students who failed to enroll said that they could not afford the compulsory Tuition Fee of K3, 150; a few others gave work commitment reasons, but few did not enroll or withdrew after enrollment for personal reasons, including illness. Likewise in 2022, about 36 applications were processed, and only 17 applicants received acceptance letters. Of those 17 successful applicants, only 10 enrolled. As of 2021 when the first intake for BBM PS THM program was taken, more than 30 interested applicants submitted applications for processing. However, only 20 of them were accepted. Of those 20 accepted candidates, only 17 were enrolled. The increase in the number of applicants has shown that working people or professionals have realized the importance of the program and many have been made aware that such a program exists.

As per the MOU, PNGTPA meets most of the cost including administration cost, sustainability cost, lecturers and other costs including marketing and promotion. The fees structures are standard as prescribed by the University Council and PNGTPA has no control over it. Successful students are to pay only the tuition fees and boarding lodging fees if they wish to stay on campus. Boarding and lodging fees are optional.

BBM PS THM is a two years program offered on a full time basis per year. The minimum entry requirements are:

Gr. 10 graduates with complete certification and credentials from a recognized Secondary School with a GPA of at least 2 and have acquired at least 10 years of post-qualification experience in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry

02

Gr. 12 graduates with complete certification and credentials from a recognized Secondary school, with a GPA of at least 2, and have acquired at least 5 years of post-qualification experience in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry

03

Completed Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality from NTC recognized training institution, after completing Gr. 12 with a GPA of at least 2 and have acquired at least 3 years of post-qualification experience in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in a supervisory or managerial position

04

01 05

Completed Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality from NTC recognized training institution, after completing Gr. 10 with a GPA of at least 2 and have acquired at least 5 years of post-qualification experience in Tourism and Hospitality Industry in a supervisory or managerial position

Acquired first degree from any recognized University in any field with a GPA of at least 2 and have acquired at least three years of post-qualification experience in Tourism and Hospitality industry in a supervisory or managerial position

Tourism and Hospitality Professional Studies students (L-R) Jessy Pundu, Martilah Tunge, daughter Callianna Timinje, Talianne Oki, Dr. Joyce Rayel, Joeline Kavo, Florence Parkil, Verolyn Yeme, Muriel Gerari, Daphne Galore and Lynette Buseh, graduating at the 68th UPNG Graduation, April 2023 Picture credits: PNGTPA

PNGTPA'S TERTIARY STUDENT PRACTICAL PROGRAM

PNGTPA runs practical program for university students around PNG.

By Jonah Kei

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority’s (PNGTPA) recently held a student practical prgram. A total of three students, two final year students, from the Tourism and Hospitality Management Discipline of the School of Business and Public Policy in the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) and one final year Accounting and Management student from the Pacific Adventist University (PAU).

The students were given the opportunity to rotate within each of PNGTPA's divisions, such as Corporate Affairs, Marketing Research, Statistics, Policy and Planning, Product Coordination and Product Development. This was to allow the students to learn the various roles, responsibilities, and function of each division, and allow them to apply the skills learned in their respective tertiary institutes. Students were provided guidance from experienced PNGTPA staff members as they rotated through the various divisions engaging in different tasks. Students were periodically placed in different roles such as marketing awareness, product identification and development, policy planning and development, and power-point presentations, marketing and promotion, data collection and data entry.

PNGTPA has created a training place where the environment is conducive for learning, which allows the students to work and learn at the same time.

As part of PNGTPA’s obligation to build a productive Tourism Industry, they have planned to up-skill, develop and pass on knowledge to the students and graduates. This is to help build and improve the human resource capacity of the tourism industry.

The program has provided the space for the students practically apply any and all theories or policies, learnt in lectures, under the supervision of experienced PNGTPA staff.

The benefits of this student practical program, transcends the office spaces of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority. By engaging students in practical programs, it allows for the quality of our human resource to improve. Whether a student studying in the tourism and hospitality field, or another field all-together, this program equips those who pass through with the knowledge and practical skills to help them in their professional careers,

and that helps improve the quality of our nation's workforce. For such reason, the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority continues to provide more practical trainings for the students and graduates.

From 2018 to 2022, a total of twentyfour (24) students from various tertiary institutions have undergone the student practicum with PNGTPA. Institutes such as the University of Goroka, University of Papua New Guinea, Pacific Adventist University, Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment, National Polytech and Ningbo University in China.

Tourism and Hospitality Management students Brian Quinn (left) and Gabriel Junnie (right) doing their practical with PNGTPA.

Picture credits: PNGTPA

STUDENTS TESTIMONIALS

“I have learnt a lot of things. It has also given me an insight on what TPA does, the organization’s culture, management and most importantly, what it feels like to be in the actual working field after graduating from the university.”

“Studying in the lecture rooms, taking up notes, studying and doing tests, as well as doing assignments, projects, tutorials and presentations are totally different from the actual working environment. And for us to be given the opportunity whilst still studying and working on internship or practicum is a privilege and a gain on our path as I have said. It has given us the opportunity to acquire the experiences and the vibe of the actual working environment over the past ten weeks. This will indeed help us to be prepared on what the organization has to offer and what we need to do as a potential employee in the working environment.”

“In my personal experience, I have enjoyed my time being a trainee here with PNGTPA. I am grateful and I appreciate the opportunity that was given to me to be a part of this organization for the past 9 weeks. It was a privilege to begin my training in a flexible and friendly working environment within this organization. I have learned so much about professionalism and all credit goes back to PNGTPA.”

“The internship was a success at the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority. It was a 10 weeks’ program that was completed with so much of the love and aspiration being received from the organization. I have learnt most of the things I have never learnt in school. Despite the few challenges that was bothering me, I still manage to learn and experience from PNGTPA.”

-Mr. Joseph Kruman – UPNG, 2022

-Miss Nancy Paglau – UPNG, 2021

-Miss Lois Mala – UPNG, 2021

-Mr. Gabriel Junie – UPNG, 2021

SEPOE VILLAGE GUEST HOUSE BUNGALOWS

Impress yourself making sago and taste 'poi' and 'ikoka', and experience real Gulf culture at the Sepoe Village Guest House Bungalows.

By Elizabeth Makis

If you are looking for a more traditional setting, on your next escape in Papua New Guinea, Kerema, located in the Gulf Province, is a destination you should visit.

When planning your visit to Kerema, put Sepoe Guest House as your home-stay of choice, because you will be given a hands-on experience of Kerema culture in an enlightening setting. You will have the privilege of making sago and impress yourself in real Sepoe ethos while being immersed in real Kerema culture with the locals..

On top of that, the traditional camp styled lodgings of Sepoe Guest House have a private beach front, an idyllic off-grid location that offers guests the perfect escape from their busy lives. It is in such local accommodation, as Sepoe Guest House, that you will receive free genuine smiles and warm greetings as you enjoy ‘poi’ and ‘ikoka’.

The Sepoe Guest House and Bungalows, located in Sepoe Village in Kerema, is locally owned and operated

by Helen Tuakara.

Helen is no stranger to tourism as she has over a decade of experience in tour operations and tour guide services

Amongst other services that she specializes in, she provides tours across the Gulf Province and other parts of the country.

“I do other parts of amazing Gulf Province like Lakekamu River stay, Miaru Village stay, Visit Toare Village Amazing Masks. All POM city tours and Fisherman Island tours, Kokoda trekking, Mt Wilhelm trekking and PNG Adventure tours,” added Ms. Tuakara.

Interestingly, you will have the chance of mingling with the locals which you might not often get in a hotel stay where everything is more standardized, especially the inclusion of local food! Like being treated to their local signature dish of ‘poi’ and ‘ikoka’. More so, village tours, hiking, snorkeling and cultural experiences like sago-making form part of this package.

“Our guest's can get involved with the cultural settings and visiting the

village lifestyle and being with the people,” said Ms. Tuakara.

On top of that Tuakara is excited to say that Toare Masks Festival is coming up in June as well as Gulf Provincial Festival in December 1st and 2nd.

“I am so excited to mention here we have amazing Toare Masks Festival happening this year in June and Gulf Provincial Festival on December 1st and 2nd”, said Ms. Tuakara.

The main vernaculars spoken in Kerema are the Oiapu Language and Toaripi, as well as Tok Pisin. Culturally, the people there keep a strong connection with their customs and way of life similar with other provinces.

“My village people still keep their culture or customs. We don't throw our rubbish around other people's yards and keep in our bilums till we get home, we always make sure to serve the old people first with their food or never disturb their peace. We don't speak other languages besides our Oiapu Language, when we go to the garden or out hunting in the

get lost or be hurt by wild animals”.

“Well PNG's very tropical, and weather changes so always pack a rain coat and extra dry socks in your traveling pack to keep warm,” an extra piece of advice, added by Ms. Tuakara.

In terms of other services like the main market and police station Tuakara said, “The village Craft market and vegetables market is usually organized to sell near the village Bungalows where the guest stays, we have community police within the village, the hospital is about hours drive out of the village”.

Gulf Province is situated at the

large deltas. The gulf area is a riparian region where many rivers from the southern slopes of the Highlands drain into, which accounts for the abundant fish and sago in this area.

If you are a local Papua New Guinean and thinking of going to Sepoe Village for a visit, or a tourist wishing to see the Toare Mask Festival, Sepoe Guest House is always open, and more than ready to accommodate you and your need for adventure. Escape the hassles of the city, break-free from and the pressures of civilization, and discover how to loose yourself "600 Ways".

Sago is a staple food in Papua New Guinea. It is called ‘saksak in Tokpisin. It is a starch extracted from the pith of a palm called Metroxylon sagu.

FUN FACT

Owner,

For more information or reservations, contact Sepoe Village Bungalows on:

Email: maolahelen075@gmail.com

Facebook Page: Sepoe Village Bungalows

WhatsApp Number: (+675) 79496051

I provide bush track and beach trekking, culture group dancing, canoe fishing with the locals, sago making process, grass skirt making process, hosting a festival, beach bonfire and lots more village lifestyle

Sepoe Village Bungalows

The term "600 Ways" is a Papua New Guinea slang that makes reference to the bus route that motor vehicles use to travel from Port Moresby to Kerema. This bus route called "Route 600 ". Hence the phrase, "600 Ways"

Welcome to "PNG through a Lens". Take a moment to see the different beauties PNG has to offer, from pristine cold mountains in highlands to the serene turquoise islands. See through images, that Papua New Guinea truly is a land of a million different journeys.

Rabaul Harbor Photographer: David Kirkland

Mother and Daughter from Tufi, Oro Province Photographer: David Kirkland

Baining Fire Dancers, East New Britain Photographer: David Kirkland

Aerial photo of Nusa Island Retreat taken during the AMDJ TV Show Filming Project Photographer: Liebert Kirakar

theBoatdoingdonutswirlsoff Island,shoreofKalingamac MorobeFinschhafenDistrict, Province.Photographer: LiebertKirakar

Trobiand Island Dancers, Milne Bay Province

Photographer: David Kirkland

The famous Trobiand Island Yam House, Milne Bay Province. Photographer: Rocky Roe

Waterfall

NearMtHagen, Western Highlands Province Photographer: David Kirkland

Aerial view of Kalingamac Island facing the mainland, Finschhafen District, Morobe Province Photographer: Liebert Kirakar

Beautifulyoungwoman in traditional Kairuku

dressing Photographer: David Kirkland

Local seafood dish, of Milne Bay Province, Kiriwina. Photographer: Rocky Roe

Province Photographer: Rocky Roe

Be a part of the Journeys magazine and help inspire others to visit Papua New Guinea. Share inspiring photos of your journey through Papua New Guinea that highlight travel, culture, history, nature, local food and other interesting tourism activities.

Send your photos to : Ms. Pauline Riman and the Journeys Magazine Team

Email: info@papuanewguinea.travel

Traditional sailing craft, called the Panaeati canoe, Alotau, Milne Bay

Local Children Playing Near Mt Tavurvur, East New Britain Province

Photographer: David Kirkland

HIRI-MOALE FESTIVAL

Immerse yourself in the culture of the Hiri people and travel through time at the annual Hiri-Moale Festival.

Experiencing a culture and tradition, different from one’s own, is an unparalleled thrill that most people go through life without experiencing. To bear witness and experience the history of a people’s old way of life, perfectly preserved through generations of practice and story-telling, is what fuels the human ability to hunger for adventure.

There are many ways in which one can witness various displays of PNG culture, be it through traditional “singsing” groups, history museums, arts and crafts markets, guided tours and many more. But to properly experience what exactly is a Papua New Guinean way-of-life and to understand

Below: Cultural dancers line up to welcome the incoming Lakatoi

Right: Cultural dancer singing Motuan hymn

Picture credits: Quantum Media

HIRI-MOALE FESTIVAL 01

The Hiri Moale festival is a cultural display and re-enactment of the traditional sea trading expeditions of the Motu-speaking people of Port Moresby. Many years ago, some of the Motu-speaking people would go on annual trading expeditions to the Gulf of Papua in massive seafaring vessels called “lakatois”. There they would exchange with the inhabitants of that area clay pots, called “uro” and other valuables for sago and canoe logs. These expeditions were called “Hiri” and were not only spectacular in terms of the number, nature and size of the sailing craft involved and the cargoes they carried but also very important economically and in other ways to the Motuan people. Apart from the re-enactment of the Hiri Trade, the festival is littered with various activities one can indulge themselves in. There is no shortage of entertainment as cultural dance groups do performances for festival goers to enjoy, in preparation for the arrival of the Lakatoi. These cultural dancing groups, of the Motu people, provide color and saturation to the festival.

Visitors can find themselves mesmerized by the synchronicity and flow of the various performances. The intricacy of the traditional attire is complimented by the rhythmic and hypnotic choreographed dance movements, while the whole performance is engulfed in the thumping beat of the “kundu” drum and a chorus of song caroled in the native Motu tongue.

VANAGI CANOE RACE

Tourists experiencing the festival Picture credits: Quantum Media

Soon, the dancers and canoe racers give way for the main event of the day, the arrival of the lakatoi. As the sun slowly descends over the horizon, a large group of dancers assume formation in two long parallel lines from the base of the main stage to the edge of the sandy beach. This formation of dancers begins their traditional dance routine, like how it used to be during the early days of the trade, to welcome the arrival of the Lakatoi.

Young women dressed in traditional outfits, sing and sway their hips in rhythmic and alternating twists, causing their “grass skirts” to pivot in a hypnotic repeated motion. Young men pound their “kundu” drums, producing a melody for the entire dancing group to sing beautiful Motuan hymns. as the two lines of

dancers navigate, and gyrate, up and down the beach front, without missing a step.

Momentarily the large sails of the incoming Lakatoi become visible in the golden sunset, as it inches nearer to the shore. Government Officials of Papua New Guinea, such as Ministers and Governors, join the Lakatoi’s welcoming party; this demonstrates just how significant the history of this trade was to the country’s old history. The welcoming party give a warm reception to the Lakatoi, as garden foods and livestock are then exchanged by the leaders and chiefs for all to see. Each Government Official is gifted with different garden foods and livestock to re-enact how goods brought back from the Hiri Trade was distributed to the village chiefs and leaders. The ceremony ends

THE LEGEND

when all gifts have been exchanged, and slowly, while not letting a single note of their chorus slip, the parade of dancers perform their final exit dance as they make their way from the main arena.

The first voyage took place when Edai Siabo, from the village of Boera was sailing home from a fishing trip when a great eel appeared and dragged him under the sea. The eel was the spirit of the sea. The eel returned Edai to the surface, then instructed him to build a great lagatoi (sailing canoe) fill it with cooking pots, and to sail westward, following the south-east tradewind called the laurabada (Motu language).

Obeying the spirit, he built the first hiri lagatoi, named it Bogebada (which means sea-eagle), loaded it with pots his wife MADE. He then sailed up the coast into the waters of the Gulf of Papua following the southwestern trade winds. There they traded Uros (clay pots) with Rabia (sago) and returned home when the wind direction changed.

Arrival of the Lakatoi Picture credits: Quantum Media

HIRI-HANENAMO CONTEST 02

The Hiri Hanenamo contest is a traditional pageant where young women from villages in the Motu Koitabu region, aged between 18 and 25 years, dress in their traditional attire, and contest to be crowned the Hiri Hanenamo Queen. A pageant may be deemed as a modern concept by some, but the ideology and principles of the contest bear roots dating back to the very first hiri voyage.

In fact, the first original Hiri Hanenamo was the wife of Edai Siabo, the pioneer of the hiri trade many years ago. Her commitment and dedication to the rituals vital to ensuring a successful hiri

she must bring happiness to her family. It is from these traditional concepts which the Hiri Hanenamo contest derives most of its key values.

Hiri Hanenamo is not attributed to beauty alone, though it is one aspect of being a Hiri queen, it is also a prerequisite of being able to possess an amount of elegance and grace in carrying out duties and their performances are also considered. Many components of village life are also taken into consideration by the judges, including authentic tattoo designs, body decorations and ornaments relating to the contestant’s village.

Contestants undertake a series of accomplished traditional dancing, not only in the presence of a judging panel but in front of their village leaders, chiefs, and hundreds of spectators. The dance routine in itself is a master piece mixture, of movement, sounds, and visuals. The delicate hips swings are complimented by the carefully fashioned traditional attire, as each movement sends life to every element if the attire. The contestants sing native Motuan hymns and songs, with the most delicate pitch, accompanied by the beat of the kundu drums. Each contestants performance is a spectacle that cannot be done justice in the prison of a photograph, or the shallowness of a written article. To truly grasp the beauty of the contest, the

minimum requirement is to be sitting in the crowds.

The tittle of Hiri Hanenamo queen, for the year 2023, was awarded to the beautiful Miss Kinmjosh Damuri of Tubusereia village. It was no simple task selecting a winner from the eight contestants. However, Miss Damuri's elegance, grace, and representation of cultural values made her stand out from the other contestants. After being crowned the 2023 Hiri Hanenamo queen, Miss Damuri acknowledged her fellow contestants reinforcing that they were all winners, and all were ambassadors of their history and culture.

Apart from the prestigious Hiri Hanenamo crown, other special category awards were given, such as:

Best traditional attire: Miss Margareth Winnie

Best cultural knowledge: Miss Quanika Gaudi

• Best koe (sway): Miss Hevari Agalu. Another special category, Miss Hetura (friendship), was chosen by the contestants themselves and awarded to Miss Ray Arere from Kouderika village.

NATIONAL MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY

Take a step back in time and experience the richness of Papua New Guinea history and culture in the National Museum and Art Gallery.

By Elizabeth Makis

National Museum and Art Gallery is more than just a museum as some might think. It's a time capsule that preserves and stores all cultural and national history of Papua New Guinean. It starts from the ancestral days, right through colonial to the present state, as well as the country’s uniquely diverse natural flora and fauna.

It also serves as a research

ABOUT THE MUSEUM

and study center for works of art, biology, culture, and historical artifacts. Making it the national center for anthropology, archeology, natural history, contemporary arts, research and conservation.

With so much stored in one building, the museum can serve as a trip around PNG through time, where one can see beautiful history from all the provinces in the span of one day.

The museum was first built at the Independence Hill in Down Town Port Moresby and then moved to Waigani in 1975. It was officially opened in 1977 by then Prime Minister late Sir Michael Thomas Somare and late Queen Elizabeth II.

Its earliest collections dates back to 1800s by the early administration of PNG Sir William McGregor, where he collected most of the museums founding collections.

Other collections that came in after that were through gifts, purchase and repatriations from museums in THE US and IN Brisbane, Australia.

The museum has two sets of collections repatriated from museums in the US, and has about 60,000 registered collections while many unregistered,

The museum’s interior has five (5) main galleries and are distributed on the ground floor and the upper level of the building.

The main galleries ARE:

THE Bernard Mullu Narokobi Gallery

THE Be Jijimo Gallery

THE Ian Saem Majnep Gallery

THE Tumbuna Gallery

THE Susan Karike Gallery

BERNARD MULLU NAROKOBI GALLERY

Bernard Mullu Narokobi Gallery ‘is named after one of Papua New Guinea’s foremost philosophers and writers’ and a central figure in PNG’s transition from Australia territory to an Independent nation during the formative years of PNG.

Bernard Narokobi has been instrumental in contributing to the foundation of the museum as well as its physical set-up.

‘Built on Cultures’ is what the exhibition here portrays ‘which like Narokobi’s writings, are a window into the depth to which culture is ingrained in Papua New Guinean societies.

Cultures can also be depicted not only through writings or legends but through the different artifacts from all over PNG.

In this gallery, you’ll also find some contemporary and ethnographic collections. These are collections that relates to a particular cultural group or society within a province in PNG. It represents the changing of time between our traditional ways into the modern world.

‘Be’ means mouth and ‘Jijimo’ means sustaining continuity. Put together the term may be interpreted as “keeping alive by word of mouth”.

To access Voices from the War visit: www.pngvoices.deakin.edu.au

In all his years of service in PNG, Ben Mullu Narokobi undertook nation-building roles as a lawyer, politician, judge, activist and layman of the Catholic Church.

"Be Jijimo" refers to the Rirowa legend of the Binandere people that warns of the need to be vigilant and ‘keep the fire alive’.

This gallery contains ‘Tuari Helalodia’ exhibition. It is a Motuan phrase that refers to “memories from war”

This exhibition displays only four physical objects, which you will have the chance to listen and interact with over 150 audio recordings of stories collected through the Museum’s Oral History Project which aims to stimulate more storytelling and their permanent preservation through modern means.

BE JIJIMO GALLERY

Traditional masks Picture credits: Quantum Media

WWII guns and relics Picture credits: Quantum Media

Ian Saem Majnep Gallery is an archeology gallery which contains human historical artifacts that connects PNG to its cultural heritage. It was named after late Dr. Ian Saem Majnep in recognition for his work as a pioneering scientist who contributed so much to the understanding of archeology in PNG.

The gallery contains relics generally termed as ‘Ilosa’ or Taim Bipo (Time Before/Long Ago) which refers to the objects that traditional PNG society uses prior to colonial intervention. These includes obsidian stone stools, mortars and pestles of different shapes and sizes based on their usages.

Ian Saem Majnep was born 1948 in his home of Kalam, Madang Province. He completed his formal education in grade two, when the education system was known as the Standard Based Edtucation structure (called the 2-6-6 structures) in the 1900s.

In 1989, the University of Papua New Guinea awarded him an honorary doctorate in science.

Some of his most famous contributions were a book on the different birds in Kalam and writing the dictionary of the Kalam language of the Kalam-speaking region of the Kaironk Valley, near Simbai in Middle Ramu District, Madang Province.

The Tumbuna gallery housed some of the most unique traditional face masks and totem poles of sacred houses of PNG culture.

Also in this gallery are artifacts such as spears, kundus (a traditional drum beaten by hand), garamuts and spiritual carvings.

IAN SAEM MAJNEP GALLERY

TUMBUNA GALLERY

Old carvings and statues Picture credits: Quantum Media

Ancient pottery collection Picture credits: Quantum Media

SUSAN KARIKE GALLERY

Late Susan Karike was given the honor of being named after one of the galleries because of her contribution to the history of Papua New Guinea.

This gallery contains the ‘traditional technology exhibition which contains artifacts such as traditional tools, traps, and bilums (traditional bags) that depicts the knowledge of the past forever tied to our national identity.

Late Susan Karike, who passed away aged 60 on April 11, 2017, was the woman who designed Papua New Guinea's national flag when she was aged just 15 in the year 1971.

Away from exhibition area, the museum also has storage areas filled with thousands of artifacts. These artifacts not on display are placed in two different types of storage called wet storage and dry storage. These two storage methods are managed meticulously to conserve all artifacts from animal carcasses to hundred year old clay pots.

Dry storage is a preservation method in which old and historic artifacts, dating back decades and centuries, are kept in a room where humidity is strictly monitored and measured. In the museum this method is used for the storage of man-made artifacts, relics, and even storing of stuffed animal carcasses.

Wet storage, as the term selfdictates, is the polar opposite of the dry storage method. This method is used for the storing and preservation of biological tissue. The museum uses this method to store and preserve the remains of dead animals using a fixative and storing them in a permanent liquid solution in a jar.

Curated displays of objects from all the provinces in PNG sit for visitors to explore and educate oneself. If you would like to learn about the history of Papua New Guinea and soak yourself in the art and culture of the different 22 provinces that make up PNG in just one day, there is no better place to do so than the National Museum and Art Gallery.

National Museum and Art Gallery

Operating Hours:

Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 3:30pm

Weekends: 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Week days: Free entry.

Weekends: K5 for locals and K10 for expatriates.

For more information,visit:

www.museumpng.gov.pg

On Independence Dr. Sits three buildings side-by-side. The Parliament House, the National Court House, and the National Museum and Art Gallery. It symbolizes the three pillars of PNG society: The Authority, the Law, and the Culture.

Mr. Alois Kuaso Acting Director

National Museum & Art Gallery

Traditional hunting traps

Picture credits: Quantum Media

TIME TRAVEL ADVENTURES IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA BUCKET LIST to add to your

Discover the intrigue and wonder of Papua New Guinea’s incredible past. From our ancient Melanesian history to our impassioned modern politics leading to our Independence: 16th September 1975 - Papua New Guinea is a Pacific Island nation like no other. Journey back in time with our exciting historical tours offering tales of discovery and adventure - from early European

explorers, missionaries and settlers, to our German, British and Australian colonization. Remember with us the chaos and tragedy of the World Wars that saw the emergence of our national heroes like the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ - whose sacrifices will never be forgotten. Time travel in Papua New Guinea, we have a million different stories we want to share with you!

These are our top three picks for your time traveling adventure in Papua New Guinea, the land of a million different journeys

EASTERN HIGHLANDS

The month of September is an exciting time to visit the Eastern Highlands province, home of the famous Asaro Mudmen. A string of wonderful cultural festivals are hosted in this beautiful part of the country, including one of the nation’s oldest annual events - the Goroka Show, 15th to 17th September, 2023. Prior to that is the Kemase Eco-Tourism Cultural Festival, 13th to 14th September. Kemase is an hour’s drive from Goroka town, and is home to fascinating limestone caves that contain prehistoric cave paintings. While in Goroka, visit the J.K. McCarthy Museum; pay a visit to one of the local coffee factories to sample some of the world’s best- tasting coffee; plus take a guided tour of the local fresh food, craft markets, and tour guides.

KOKODA TRACK

Trekking world-famous Kokoda is not only a 96km physical endurance challenge, it’s also a spiritual journey, retracing the footsteps of the thousands of soldiers and Papua New Guineans who were killed or injured during WWII. In Australia, Kokoda is regarded as a rite of passage, and those who trek it feel an overwhelming sense of appreciation for what the ANZACs and Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels endured during the war. If that is not enough to sway you, the scenery you walk through will blow you away as you experience deep jungle and beautiful waterfalls. Reputable Kokoda tour operators are listed on the KTA website (kokodatrackauthority.org).

ANZAC Day was observanced in PNG on the 25th of April: Bomana War Memorial, Kokoda Isurava Memorial, Kalibobo Coastwatchers Memorial, Rabaul RSL Cenotaph, Alotau Memorial, Lae War Memorial.

East New Britain province, is a destination rich with history. Its main township of Rabaul was once the capital of KaiserWilhelmsland, or German New Guinea, 1884 - 1919. Memory runs long and deep for residents here, the most memorable being that of the twin volcanic eruptions of Vulcan and Tavurvur in 1994 that devestated Rabaul town. Over three decades later, Rabaul has been rebuilt by its residents. Every year during the week of the nation’s Independence Day Anniversary, the people of Rabaul come together to celebrate the annual Frangipani Festival, named after the town’s signature bloom, and one of the first flowers to blossom after the eruption.

Volcano tours are proving quite popular for visitors, especially watching the spectacular sunrise from the top of Mount Tavurvur. World War Two also left its indelible mark in East New Britain. The Rabaul Historical Museum, the Kokopo War Museum, and the Bita Paka War Cemetery are worth a visit. Guests will be intrigued by the many stories each museum object and relic contains, and just how significant this province was during the WWII New Guinea campaign.

Apart from the history, there is no escaping the tropical beauty of East New Britain. Discover delicious finds at the Rabaul and Kokopo fresh food markets. Enjoy romantic picnics in the Duke of York Islands and swimming with the friendly Bottlenose dolphins. Traditional culture livens up the local atmosphere in Kokopo with the annual Mask & Warwagira Festival this year, 12th - 16th July 2023. Don’t miss all the excitement that East New Britain has to offer.

Scan for more history adventures in Papua New Guinea!

RABAUL & KOKOPO

PAPUA NEW GUINEA TOURISM TIMELINE

O ver a Cent ur y of Travel and Discover y

1884

NEW GUINEA EXCURSION TRIP

T he 1800’s began the great industrial age, and the invention of the steam engine ships helped charter courses to new frontiers, expanding travel and trade to Papua New Guinea from all over the world, especially the governing colonial powers of Germany, Britain and Australiaincluding China and the Indo-Pacific region.

When the New Guinea mainland became a British protectorate in 1884, the Burns Philp & Company Limited began promoting travel to New Guinea in the ‘New Guinea Excursion Trip’ editorial in The Argus - an Australian daily newspaper in Melbourne

1912

The Chee Jour Ngee Hotel in German-occupied Rabaul was built by Ah Chee - the father of Chin Hoi Meen, founder of the CHM & Sons. The hotel was sold to a European plantation owner and renamed the Cosmopolitan Hotel in the 1920s.

1900-1914

GERMAN NEW GUINEA FLOURISHES

German settlers and travelers flourish in Herbertshohe, Neu-Pommoern (now Kokopo, East New Britain Province) - staying at the hotels: “Furst-Bismark”/”Deutscher Hof”/”Ralum-Hotel”. The famous Kokopo Beach Bungalows now occupies the site of the Kokopo Hotel (previously known as Hotel Deutscher Hof before the territory of Kaiser-Wilhelmsland - German New Guinea, was taken over by the British empire in 1914).

CHEE JOUR NGEE HOTEL

Image: 1905 Postcard from Neu-Pommern, Kaiser Wilhelmsland (New Britain, German New Guinea).

Burns Philp & Co Promo tional Poster of MV Bulolo - passenger, cargo and mail

Burns Philp building in Port Moresby (c. 1910s);

Fürst Bismarck in 1906.

Roland Seib

When gold was discovered in the interior of New Guinea in the 1920’s - gold prospectors flew into the remote areas, avoiding the hundreds of hostile native tribes that occupied the territory’s mainland.

1927

THE AVIATION PIONEER

A year after the Gold Rush began in Bulolo (Morobe Province), Australian aviator Ray Parer was the first person to navigate the airpaths of New guinea in search of gold. His planes helped transport prospectors and all manner of passengers across the territory.

1942

A POCKET GUIDE TO PAPUA NEW GUINEA

World War Two split the world into the allied and axis powers. The US entered the Battle of New Guinea in support of Australia when Japanese forces began encroaching on the territory. ‘A Pocket Guide to New Guinea’ was a 60-page publication for US WWII naval officersone of the first visitors guide book containing useful information about destination New Guinea.

1942-1945

HOTELS SERVE THE ALLIED FORCES

During World War Two, Port Moresby’s only two hotes at the time“Papua Hotel” and “Hotel Moresby”, were closed and became officers’ living quarters and clubs for Allied troops until the end of the war.

1937 AMELIA EARHART

On July 2nd, world famous aviator Amelia Earhart took off from Lae en route to Howland island nar Hawaii. Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan disappeared over the Pacific Ocean, and has since been presumed dead. A Monument commemorating her acheivement is being built in Lae.

pioneer Aviator Ray Parer

across the Atlantic Ocean. Ngee Hotel in Rabaul in Kokopo, c. 1910s.

issue of ‘A Pocket Guide to New Guinea’.

Port Moresby, 1944.

A.A. Koch

CHM + Sons

Roland Seib AWM

The oldest and longest running festivals in Papua New Guinea continue to celebrate three important provincial centers of the country - Goroka, Mount Hagen, and Lae. Experience these historical festivals in 2023:

GOROKA SHOW: September 15th-17th

LAE SHOW/MOROBE SHOW: November 4th-5th

HAGEN SHOW: August 19th-20th

1957

A SHOW TO END TRIBAL CONFLICTS

The Goroka Show first debuted in 1957 to encourage peace and unity among warring tribes. It was an initiative of the colonial law enforcement made up of Australian patrol officers known as ‘kiaps’. The Show is over six-decades old, and remains one of PNG’s world-famous cultural events.

1959 THE MOROBE COMMUNITY CELEBRATES

Beginning in 1959, the Morobe Show showcased the commercial, agricultural successes of the residents of Lae and its surrounding areas. It was also an occasion for pageantry and entertainment involving school parades and marching bands.

1961

THE MOUNT HAGEN SHOW BEGINS

Tribal warfare raged across the Western Highlands during the 1950’s and 60’s. The Hagen Show followed the successful peace-inspiring and community engaging events of the Goroka and Morobe Shows. Tribal groups from across the Highlands would come together to celebrate their differences.

In the 1950’s films in technicolor were becoming a novelty across theatres in Australia and other parts of the Western world. The 1957 film: “Port Moresby, Gem of the Pacific - Australian Colour Diary”, presented a beautiful montage of attractions, sites, and wonders of life in the thriving urban center of Port Moresby in the late 1950s.

1973

VARIRATA NATIONAL PARK OPENS

The first and largest national park in the Territory opens in 1973. Varirata, is located in the Sogeri Hinterlands – an hour ’s drive from Port Moresby

1973

AIR NIUGINI

In 1973 Air Niugini is established, connecting domestic routes across the territory. In its first year of operation, Air Niugini exceeds forecasts with a record 350,000 passengers.

Color Diar y”; (Middle)

Show taken in 1958. Credit: Ross Johnson; (Mid-right): Air Niugini F28 in Rabaul during the 1980s.

Credit: Dennis Bola; (Above) Jumbo the elephant at the Mount Hagen Show in 1973.

AN ICONIC DIVE RESORT

The Loloata Dive Resort opens, introducing divers and holiday makers to some of the country’s finest dive sites in Bootless Bay, Central Province.

1975

INDEPENDENCE DAY

On the 16th of September, 1975, Papua New Guinea achieves Indepdendence. The Independence Day anniversary celebrations take place throughout the country - a thousand tribes coming together to commemorate the birth of their nation.

1979

CAPTAIN MINSON PENI

Papua New Guinea’s first native pilot joined the ranks of Air Niugini in 1979. The late Captain Minson L. Peni hails from Djaul Island in the New Ireland Province. .

Following Papua New Guinea’s Independence, aviator and tourism pioneer Bob Bates established Trans Niugini Tours (TNT). The company remains one of PNG’s most successful inbound tour operators, bringing in visitors from all over

the globe who often stay at the boutique lodges: Rondon Ridge, Ambua, Kerowari, Murray River and Bensbach. The same year, the late Sir Peter Barter and his family opened the Madang Resort and tour company Melanesian Tourist Services (MTS).

1976 THE TOURISM PIONEERS: BOB BATES AND PETER BARTER 1977

1987

Now known as PNG Air, this is one of the nation’s most successful commercia airlines, providing,international, domestic and charter flights.

1993

The Tourism Promotion Authority was established under an Act of Parliament as a special purpose authority to help market and promote Papua New Guinea as a desirable tourist destination.

MILNE BAY AIR

PNG’s NATIONAL TOURISM OFFICE

1975, Independence Hill; (MidNiugini Tours. Credit: David Island Resort in the early 2000s. Captain Peni in the cockpit and Captain Lekwa Gure. C.1979

Air Niugini

RABAUL FRANGIPANI FESTIVAL

By Elizabeth Makis

The first flower to bloom after the volcanic eruption is Pegipegi (local language for ‘frangipani’), pointing to one of the many Frangipani plants growing around Rabaul Hotel, a local tour guide and Deputy President and Chairman for Rabaul Historical Society , Albert Koni, proudly stated as he sat humbly under a canopy-style terrace at Rabaul Hotel and tells of the history of Frangipani Festival as he grinned from ear to ear.

The Pegipegi (Frangipani) is the historical link and significance that point to the volcanic eruptions of Mt. Vulcan and Tavurvur in 1937 and 1994 which holds a special place in the hearts of almost all of East New Britain Province. This now merged into the East New Britain culture and is commemorated annually as the Frangipani Festival.

This festival memorial usually goes in line with the country’s Independence Anniversary that happens once a year on the 16th of September. As for the

Frangipani Festival, it happens on the 16th and 17th where Independence falls on 16th.

Sharing the same sentiments of a new beginning as an independent nation, East New Britain also looks forward to its new stages and growth as a new province after the devastation of the volcanic eruptions that has ruined all of Rabaul township.

Named after the frangipani flower, the town’s signature bloom and the first plant to blossom in the midst of the ash, the festival brings together

locals and former residents in the spirit of renewal to strengthen the partnerships in rebuilding one of Papua New Guinea’s most historical towns.

“The 1994 eruption was on the 19th of September and we sort of bring the Frangipani Festival with the Independence celebration for Papua New Guinea together”, explained the tour guide Albert Koni.

The tragedy of the twin volcanic eruption happened on the morning of Sept 19, 1994 as Vulcan and Tavurvur erupted and formed an ash cloud more than 18km above Rabaul. The eruption caused about 30,000 people to be evacuated from the town and massive damages to buildings and other structures.

“After the twin volcanic eruptions in 1994, Frangipani Festival started as a fundraising event. In years later, it became an annual social event called the Frangipani Festival”, said Albert Koni.

According to the Rabaul Historical website, it states that the Frangipani

A festival that started as a fundraising event now celebrates Rabaul's recovery from the devastating twin volcanic eruptions in 1994.

A Pal Na Pidik (Men's Secret House) Picture credits: Pearson Vetuna

Festival is a grassroots event, managed by volunteers and financed through the generous support of sponsors like the East New Britain Provincial government and local business houses in Kokopo and Rabaul.

The funds raised usually goes to the Rabaul Museum.

Meanwhile, Mr. Koni said that Rabaul Historical Society is the main organizer for this event.

“Frangipani Festival started off in Rabaul and Rabaul Historical Society, we are the forerunners. We always organized this event in Rabaul alone”, said Koni.

For this year, it’ll be the 86th Anniversary commemoration for the 1937 Volcanic eruption and 29th Anniversary for the Twin Volcanic Eruptions in 1994.

The festival will commence on the 16th and finished on 17th September, 2023 at Kalabond Oval.

Moreso, this special festival celebrates the rebirth of Rabaul after the 1994 twin volcanic eruptions that almost completely destroyed the Rabaul township.

15th - 16th

September 2023

Floats at the Frangipani Festival

Picture credits: Pearson Vetuna

The Frangipani festival floats showcases the resilience and tenacity of the locals Picture credits: Pearson Vetuna

A community float depicting Tolai culture Picture credits: Pearson Vetuna

NATIONAL MASK & WARWAGIRA FESTIVAL

The famous annual National Mask and Warwagira Festival, hosted in the East New Britain Province, returns after three years.

By Elizabeth Makis

The National Mask and Warwagira Festival is back after three years of being inactive due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The Mask Festival is set to commence, July 10th to 12th 2023 at the Athletics Field next to Kalabond Oval in Kokopo, East New Britain Province.

This Festival promotes the unique culture of the East New Britain people in storytelling modes which will be performed through singing, dancing and initiation ceremonies and these will be performed by traditional artists representing the distinct tribal groups in the province:

• Tolai

• Baining Pomio

Although, the priority will be given to the ENB local performers, the festival will also feature other performers from the New Guinea Islands region, like the mask dancers from the provinces of New Ireland and West New Britain.

The festival has been dormant for

three years due to the pandemic, and that is why the festival organizing committee are pleased and excited to announce that East New Britain’s most popular cultural event is making an exciting come back this year.

In an interview with the Deputy President for the National Mask and Warwagira Festival Mr. Tiolam Wawaga, he said that although they have not hosted the festival in the last three years, they are now looking forward to bringing this festival back on ground.

“Unfortunately, in the last three (3) years (2019-2022) we did not host it due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”, said Mr. Wawaga in an interview with Journeys Magazine.

The National Mask and Warwagira Festival is a nationally recognized event, officially acknowledged by the National Cultural Commission and Tourism Promotion Authority, and is one of the many cultural festivals that is happening around the country.

“It’s one of the ideal festivals in East

New Britain and most of the masks that are shown in the festival are from the ENB as well as from other provinces in the New Guinea Islands region, but most are masks from the Tolai society”, explained a local tour guide and operator Mr. Dominic Tulo of PNG Tour Guides.

With the expected peak season for tourists in PNG starting from June all the way to November, festivals such as the National Mask and Warwagira is predicted to have a good number of tourists visiting, given the time frame it has been absent from Papua New Guinea’s festival events calendar for the last three (3) years.

More so, this festival not only showcases the traditional mask dancers of the New Guinea Islands (NGI) region, but also highlights the rich cultural legacy of the region being passed on to its future generations. With the rapid changes in technology and modernization, the youth of today often lose sight of their traditions. By holding such cultural

Kinavai ceremony: A re-enactment of the landing of the Tolai people (one of the three main tribes in East New Britain).

Picture credits: PNGTPA

events, the young energetic people of East New Britain can remember their traditional knowledge by proudly participating and connecting their culture with the world.

The National Mask and Warwagira Festival will be a day and night event starting off with the traditional ‘Kinavai’- the arrival of the Tolai 'Tubuans' and 'Duk-Duks' at dawn, followed by exchanging of traditional Tolai ‘tabu’ shell money that will mark the opening of the festival.

As explained by Mr. Wawaga, the exchange of ‘tabu’ is a token of appreciation in welcoming them. In response to the welcome ceremony, the ‘Tubuans’ and ‘Duk-Duks’ will start to dance by way of complementing the welcome ritual.

The return of the National Mask & Warwagira Festival is a much needed boost for tourism in PNG. The festival provides an arena for some of our nation's unique cultures to be displayed. Whether your a local Papua New Guinean or expatriate, the festival is a spectacle for all to see. So, plan your trip now to East New Britain for the return of the amazing National Mask and Warwagira Festival.

FESTIVAL DATES

10th - 11th July 2023

Top Right Atabaran Mask Dancers

Middle: The Dukduk or Tolai Tubuan

Bottom Right: Agarere Mask Dancers

Picture credits: PNGTPA

Madas Baining Mask Dancers

Picture credits: PNGTPA

EAST NEW BRITAIN: A LIVING MUSEUM

A round-up list of historical locations, in East New Britain, that are guaranteed to intrigue history enthusiasts.

By Elizabeth Makis

East New Britain (ENB) has a rich traditional culture of its own, mixed together with war memorials, landmarks and colonial memories of the Australians, Germans and Japanese, as well as the locals themselves who were victims of the famous WWII Battle of New Guinea that began in 1942.

These historical sites and remains serve as a natural history museum in East New Britain (ENB).

Unlike

other museum set-ups, where you find items encased in glasses and shelves in a building. In ENB, you will have the benefits and real- time feeling of walking and

standing on the very soil of where those historical events unfolded. Very few destinations offer a rich array of historical experiences like East New Britain, this province is a living example of a time capsule. You get to travel back in time to experience the colonial history, World War II, volcanic eruptions, and many more.

Image: Tourist visiting the Bita Paka War Memorial Picture Credit: David Kirkland

Image: WWII gun turret at the Submarine Base

Picture Credit: David Kirkland

5 HISTORICAL SITES IN EAST NEW BRITAIN

BITA PAKA WAR CEMETERY

Bita Paka is a War Cemetery that contains the graves of Australian soldiers who lost their lives during the operations in New Britain and New Ireland, or who died in the area while prisoners of war, which were brought into the cemetery from isolated sites, from temporary military cemeteries and from camp burial grounds during WWII. Laid out in a well-kept field, nestled in the natural canopy of gigantic rainforest's trees, the War Cemetery provides an over-whelming sense of peace and tranquility to anyone who visits.

MONTEVIDEO MARU MEMORIAL

Near the waterfront in what was once downtown Rabaul (before the 1994 volcano eruption) sits a stone memorial to the victims of the "MV Montevideo Maru", a Japanese prison ship that was sunk off the Philippines, killing approximately 845 prisoners of war and 209 civilians.

It marks the location where the ship was loaded with its prisoners of war before sailing for Japan. The sinking of the "Montevideo Maru" was the worst maritime disaster in Australian history. The memorial is a small yet significant reminder of the tragedy that occurred in 1942 and pays homage to those fallen prisoners of war and civilians on-board the MV Montevideo Maru when it sank.

JAPANESE WAR MEMORIAL

JAPANESE WAR MEMORIAL

On a road above Rabaul is the Japanese War Memorial, which overlooks Simpson Harbor, once the sea anchor in the South Pacific of Japan’s invincible navy. The Japanese Memorial Monument is built on ash-covered Namanula Hill and is the main Japanese World War II Memorial in the Pacific.

There is a hole in the structure that allows sunlight to fall on the simple stone shrine in the center. There are altars, and various shrines, but what’s most memorable is the view of the harbor, surrounded on three sides by foreboding volcanic hills This monument serves as a memorial to those who sacrificed their lives in the islands and seas of the South Pacific during WWII and is dedicated as a symbol to world peace.

SUBMARINE BASE

This site serves as a historic reminder of how deadly the Japanese were during WWII. As Japan made Rabaul their headquarters during the war, they used a system of almost 100 kilometers of caves, tunnels, and lookouts to hide their tanks, hospitals, barges, artillery, ammunitions, and many more. And with a fleet of over 100,000 Japanese ships, aircrafts, and soldiers, they were able to cut off Australian soldiers from receiving any aid or supply from the United States.

The Submarine base serves as a truly remarkable historical reminder to how hard soldiers fought during the war and allows for people to catch a slight glimpse into the past thanks to perfectly preserved history.

NAMANULA HILL

Rabaul still remains a memory of Germany’s dominance and reach. Rabaul was a town planned and built by the Germans, and Namanula Hill was the site of the German Headquarters, built by the second colonial Governor of German New Guinea, Albert Hahl, who governed from 1902 to 1917. It was he who founded the town of Rabaul, establishing it as the capital of the German New Guinea colony.

Namanula Hill still stands to this day to represent the birth of Rabaul, and the formation of its township and administration. For even though Germany lost the territory of New Guinea, Namanul later became headquarters of New Guinea under Australian Colonial Administration from 1921-1944.

TRAVEL TIP

While traveling, you don’t have to worry too much about where to get food because in terms of snacks and lunch, you can just stop at a road side market and buy local goodies like ripe bananas and the local delicacies like kulau for your lunch.

It’ll be worth your money because if you have K10 you can buy as many goodies at a small amount which will help you save up rather than having lunch in a hotel and paying more than you want.

ACCOMMODATION & TOUR GUIDES

Before embarking on any adventurous trip to the beautiful province of East New Britain, it is necessary to find a relaxing place to spend the night and an experienced friendly tour guide to show you around. So

Rapopo Plantation Resort Kokopo Rd, Kokopo, ENB

611 Papua New Guinea (+675) 982 9944 or (+675) 982 9489

reservation@rapopo.com

www.rapopo.com

here are lists of some of the many local tour guides, hotels, and lodges located around the province, that are guaranteed to make your visit to East New Britain a memorable one.

ACCOMMODATION

Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort 1 Kurkur Place, Kokopo, ENB 611 Papua New Guinea (+675) 982 8788

reservation@kbb.com.pg www.kbb.com.pg

Gazelle International Hotel Makau Esplanade, Kokopo, ENB

611 Papua New Guinea (+675) 982 5600 or (+675) 7233 9131

reservation@gazelle.com.pg www.gazelleinterhotel.com

TOUR GUIDES

PNG Tour Guide (+675) 7836 7015

info@pngtourguide.com

Kokopo Dive & Water Adventures (+675) 7836 0226

reservations@divekokopowa.com

Kulau Lodge North Coast Rd, Kabakaba Village, Rabaul, ENB

611 Papua New Guinea (+675) 7246 6892 tripadvisor.com

Rabaul Historical Tours (+675) 8210 0846

tours.historical@gmail.com

For more hotels, lodges, and guest houses located in East New Britain Province, check: www.papaunewguinea.travel

www.tripadvisor.com

MUSEUMS TO VISIT

Museums located in East New Britain that offers visitors a chance to revisit the past.

By Elizabeth Makis

Know your destination better by starting it where it will be worth your time, and there is no better place than at Kokopo War Museum and Rabaul Historical Museums. The two museums are a branch of the National Museum & Art Gallery located in Port

ABOUT THE MUSEUMS

The Kokopo War Museum and the Rabaul History Museum are dens of war history displaying various collections of war remnants and relics. Most of these relics date back to the 1942 World War II, the German colonial occupation period, pre-war and the Japanese occupation. They also house and showcase East New Britain's local art and culture.

Why it’s ‘a-must’ visit site?

These museums house almost all of East New Britain’s history dating back to colonial times, before and after the volcanic eruptions of 1937 and 1994 as well as remains from WWII in 1942.

The museums are an ideal start to ones journey through Rabaul and Kokopo, prior to visiting any historical sites, as it provides tourists with information on all past events that occurred in the province.

Equipped with the knowledge of the province's history and past allows visitors to be transported to the time where the history of East New Britain will feel contemporary.

Where are the museums located?

Both museums are located in East New Britain Province, in the island of Papua New Guinea.

The Kokopo War Museum is located on a road near the waterfront in Kokopo, near the golf course and the Gazelle International Hotel. The Rabaul History Museum sits down Mango Avenue (near an empty stretch of ciders). Both museums are located within their respective townships, allowing for easy access and transportation to both sites from any lodging and accommodation.

KOKOPO WAR MUSEUM RABAUL HISTORY MUSEUM

TWO FAMOUS ATTRACTIONS

ADMIRAL YAMAMOTO'S BUNKER

One famous relic at Rabaul Historical Museum is the remains of Admiral Yamamoto’s bunker.

Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto was the mastermind behind the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii where almost 20 American naval vessels were damaged or destroyed, as well as more than 300 aircraft. More than 2,400 Americans died in the attack, including civilians, and at least 1,000 more were wounded.

Isoroku Yamamoto was a Marshal Admiral of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) and the commander-in-chief of the Combined Fleet during World War II. He was killed when his plane was shot down, while traveling to Bougainville, by U.S soldiers.

Yamamoto’s bunker is a defensive structure designed and built during the war to protect him from materials from falling bombs, artillery and other attacks.

B-17E FLYING FORTRESS NAUGHTY BUT NICE

Inside Kokopo War Museum’s ‘War Section’ on the second floor are cockpit fragments of the B-17E Flying Fortress, Naughty But Nice.

During WW II, this aircraft’s last mission was flown on the night of June 26th, 1943, against the Japanese bastion of Rabaul. After making a successful bomb run, Naughty But Nice was approached from beneath by a Japanese Navy fighter plane flown by Shigetoshi Kudo. Kudo utilized his aircraft’s oblique-firing 20mm cannon to set Naughty But Nice on fire. No one aboard ever saw Kudo’s aircraft, and thought that they’d been hit by anti-aircraft ground fire. Only the B-17’s navigator, Jose Holguin, escaped by parachute. He was captured by the Japanese.

In 1981, Jose Holguin returned to the crash site with members of an Australian research and excavation team, and several parts of 430 were recovered, including the part included in the Kokopo War Museum's display.

For more information on what happened to B-17E and its crew, check:

https://www.smithsonianmag. com/air-space-magazine/ more-70-years-later-rabaulsaerial-battleground-stillhaunting-180973537/

Lieutenant Holguin was held and tortured as a prisoner of war until his fortunate release as a Prisoners of War when Japanese surrendered in May 3rd 1945.

The now Rabaul Historical Museum was once the Japanese Navy Headquarters until late 1943. called the New Guinea Club. The Rabaul Historical Museum was then known as the New Guinea Club

Travel Save

TIME TO TRAVEL! TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE GREAT HOLIDAY PACKAGES!

The Tourism Promotion Authority proudly partners with Air Niugini to bring you more opportunity to explore the country while saving your Kina.

ABSOLUTE BEACH FRONT, RAPOPO PLANTATION RESORT!

PGK 1,859* twin share / per person

Inclusions:

• Return Airfares Port Moresby to Rabaul

• 2 Nights Accommodation

• Complimentary Hot Breakfast

• Complimentary Airport Transfers

• Complimentary Laundry Services

• Complimentary Back Massage

• 20% Discount on Spa services

• 15% Discount on Tours

• Complimentary Transport to Kokopo

• 5 Kg Additional Baggage

• All Applicable Taxes

NESTLE IN THE COMFORTS OF GOLDEN MEDALLION HOTEL!

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Phone: (675) 327 3364

Email: csc@airniugini.com.pg

Website: www.destinations.com.pg

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Photo by Brook Sabin