Touring and Places to Stay in East New Britain

The Cultures and Traditions of East New Britain includes the Tolai's, Pomio's and Bainings'.

 

 

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East New Britain Province is located on the northeastern coast of Papua New Guinea. It is home to a diverse range of cultures and traditions that have evolved over centuries. Here is a brief description of some of the cultures and traditions found in East New Britain Province.

Tolai Culture

The Tolai people are the largest ethnic group in East New Britain. They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their vibrant traditional dances, rituals, and elaborate ceremonies. The Tolai people have a matrilineal kinship system, where descent and inheritance are traced through the mother's line. They are skilled fishermen, renowned for their expertise in constructing and navigating the traditional sailing canoes known as Oaga.

Mask Making

East New Britain is famous for its intricate and distinctive masks. The Tolai people are skilled artisans and create masks as a form of artistic expression and for use in various ceremonies and rituals such as traditional dances, Tubuans, Dukduks and Baining's Fire Dances. These masks are often carved from wood, bark and feature intricate designs and vibrant colors with feathers.

Yam and Banana Cultivation

Agriculture plays a significant role in the culture of East New Britain, particularly yam and Banana cultivation. The Tolai people have a strong connection to the land and traditionally grow yams as a staple crop. Yam gardens are meticulously maintained, and the harvest of yams and bananas is celebrated with feasts and rituals.

Dukduk (Tubuan) Society

The Dukduk secret society is an important aspect of Tolai culture. It is an exclusive male society that plays a role in maintaining law and order, settling disputes, and preserving traditional customs. Members of the Dukduk society wear distinctive costumes and masks during their performances and rituals.

Fire Dance

The Baining people, who reside in the Gazelle Peninsula of East New Britain, are known for their mesmerizing fire dance. This ancient ritual involves dancers wearing masks and dancing around bonfires while holding flaming torches. The fire dance is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune to the community.

Sing-Sing or Tolai Warwagira

Sing-sings are colorful cultural festivals that showcase the diversity of cultures within East New Britain. Different ethnic groups come together to perform traditional dances, music, and rituals, adorned in elaborate traditional costumes and body paint. Sing-sings are vibrant celebrations of the region's cultural heritage and are often attended by locals and visitors alike.

These are just a few examples of the rich and diverse cultures and traditions found in East New Britain Province. The region's cultural practices and customs continue to play an integral role in the lives of its inhabitants, preserving their heritage and fostering a strong sense of community.

 

If you Travel to Kokopo, East New Britain.

 

Kokopo is the capital of East New Britain Province in Papua New Guinea and serves as a gateway to the region's natural wonders, cultural sites, and historical landmarks. It offers a range of accommodations for travelers, including hotels, resorts, and guesthouses.

 

Some popular accommodation options in Kokopo.

Gazelle International Hotel (linked image above)

Located in the heart of Kokopo, Gazelle International Hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and conference facilities. The hotel provides a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area.

Rapopo Plantation Resort

Situated on the waterfront with stunning views of the Duke of York Islands, Rapopo Plantation Resort offers a tranquil and luxurious experience. The resort features spacious rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a spa, ensuring a relaxing stay.

Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort

This beachfront resort offers a range of accommodation options, from bungalows to guesthouses. It provides easy access to the beach, along with amenities like a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar.

Kokopo Village Resort

Nestled amidst lush tropical gardens, Kokopo Village Resort offers comfortable rooms and traditional-style bungalows. The resort has a restaurant and bar, and it organizes cultural activities and tours for guests.

Kokopo Beach Bed and Breakfast

If you're looking for a more intimate and affordable accommodation option, Kokopo Beach Bed and Breakfast is a good choice. It offers comfortable rooms, a communal kitchen, and a shared lounge area.

Now, let's explore some of the tour guides available in Kokopo who can help you discover the region's attractions:

Kokopo Village Resort Tours

Kokopo Village Resort offers guided tours to various cultural and historical sites, including visits to traditional villages, mask carvers, and World War II relics.

Rabaul Historical Tours

Rabaul Historical Tours specializes in showcasing the historical significance of the Rabaul area. They offer guided tours to sites like the Rabaul Volcano Observatory, Bita Paka War Cemetery, and underground tunnels.

Duke of York Islands Tours

If you're interested in exploring the Duke of York Islands, there are tour operators, such as Kokopo Dive and Kokopo Tours, that organize boat trips and snorkeling excursions to these beautiful islands.

Volcano Tours

Rabaul is known for its active volcanoes, and there are tour operators like Kokopo Tours and Rabaul Volcano Tours that offer guided trips to witness the volcanic activity, including trekking to the rim of the Tavurvur volcano.

Cultural Experiences

To delve into the local culture, tour guides like Rabaul Mask Festival Tours and Kokopo Cultural Tours can arrange visits to traditional villages, cultural performances, and encounters with local artisans.

These are just a few examples of the accommodations and tour guides available in Kokopo. It's advisable to do some research, read reviews, and contact the operators directly to plan your trip and ensure a memorable experience in East New Britain Province.