| Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 | |
One day in RabaulCountry forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Papua New Guinea | ||
We're considering going on a cruise in October that has one day in Rabaul (8am to 6pm). We're experienced backpackers (100+ countries). We've taken one cruise before (in the Caribbean) and were surprised how much we enjoyed it, because we thought it wouldn't be "our thing". We found the secret was to go our own way at the ports of call, and not do the standard ship-arranged trips. However we are wondering what the situation is in Rabaul. Would it be easy to get a bus or taxi, and could we rely on it getting us back in time for the boat to sail (very important!). We're keen snorkellers - is there somewhere close for this as well. What else is there to do in one day. We're in our 60's and fit, but probably don't need to climb the volcano (we did this in Moroni in the Comoros soon after an eruption, and don't need to do it again!) | ||
Would you mind telling me what cruise ship goes there? I'm trying to get to PNG and a cruise would be ideal since I'm a single girl! | 1 | |
Does the ship go to Rabaul or to Kokopo? I'm assuming it goes to Rabaul because thats where the deepest port is... There are no taxis in Rabaul, so thats out. Snorkelling....there are plenty of reefs off the shore between Rabaul and Kokopo and a very regular PMV that goes from the market in Rabaul to the market in Kokopo. There are also some sites around the villages North East of the volcano and around Submarine Base at Tavui Point. Ask the locals about crocodiles....one was in the area when I was there a month ago. Also, if you're into WWII history, between Rabaul and Kokopo there are several caves that the Japanese dug to hide their ships and guns in. You'll see signs from the road and if you tell your PMV driver, he'll let you off at the right point. Check the LP on the area because it does a fairly good job in Rabaul. | 2 | |
Thanks for the info zachleigh. Not sure I wanted to know about crocodiles though. Certainly puts a bit of a damper on going snorkelling! Have now got a copy of the LP which is good. At present I think the ship goes to Rabaul, but this hasn't been confirmed. | 3 | |
The area is pretty safe, but don't walk around at night. Also, the old part of Rabaul has a bit of a reputation. Its fitting too as the place looks like a post-nuclear war movie set. When I was there, a tourist got robbed at the museum. If you walk around up there, I'd try to find a local to go with. Otherwise, I'd say Rabaul/Kokopo are some of the safest cities in the country, if you use common sense.. | 4 | |
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=121079&id=1555694351&l=d8b34826e1 from April this year I would have thought the cruise ship would have arranged for local tours to escort you round the sites? Failing that - the people you want for a brilliant day tour of Rabaul are Kabaira Dive - they have a fantastic day tour - many of the top side shots were taken on that day tour - takes you round the historical WWII stuff & the volcano without climbing it They are based an hour from the harbour but I am sure they will gladly sort something out for you - my money is still on the cruise ship providing a tour - not much point docking there for a day & leaving passengers to their own devices - it's about providing local revenue - & you'll need someone with wheels I'd forget the snorkelling because the stuff in the harbour is too deep & the vis is poor - there;s obviously good reef over at Kabaira I utterly love Rabaul & spent 8 days there - this was my second visit & I'm sure I'll go back again. Enjoy! | 5 | |
Thanks globaltourist. Yes, the cruise ship does have tours, but I've only just booked the cruise after someone has dropped out, and it is too late to pre-book a tour. Even if we can book one when we get on the boat, I want to know what other possibilities there are. I'm using the cruise as a means of getting around to these different places, and as a backpacker the thought of being on one of these cruise-organised tours is a bit daunting. I'll look into Kabaira Dive. | 6 | |
Also might want to call the guy who runs the Diabetic Center in Rabaul. He can organize things. The Rabaul Hotel can as well. Hes listed in the LP. | 7 | |
Go snorkelling at the Submarine Base. It might be a little tricky to organise, but if you contact Rabaul Hotel (Bruce & Suzy Alexander) in advance, they could probably arrange transport for you - it's a reasonable way out of Rabaul. There's not a huge amount else to do in Rabaul (other than marvel at the Ground Zero feel it has). But you could go to the Barge Tunnels, Vulcanology Observatory (which really just gives a good view over Rabaul town and of the volcano). Bita Paka War Cemetery is beautiful but probably too far away (it's nearer Kokopo). But definitely try to get over to the Submarine Base ! | 8 | |
Thanks AM. Some people on the cruise have arranged, through the internet, a tour with Paivu tours at about half the cost of the one organised by the cruise company. At the end of this, my husband and I are going to be taken to the Submarine Base for snorkelling. I have read a number of reports about the snorkelling there, ranging from saying it is fantastic, to more recent ones saying that everything is covered in ash. Have you had any recent reports about the snorkelling there? | 9 | |
Hi No, haven't heard anything recently. i was there in April and that was just as the winds were changing (they blow over Rabaul half the year Apr-Oct (ish, I think), and toward Kokopo for the rest). Can't think of anyone I know who's been recently either. Hopefully it's clear for you because it's a magnificent site. I'm a diver,but I still think that snorkelling Submarine Base gives you one of the best introductions to underwater life in PNG. Have fun ! | 10 | |
Wow great to reading so many great reviews about Rabaul. Website - www.paivutoursrabaul.com email: info@paivutoursrabaul.com be sure to pass on to others -- great tours and they can provide a/c'd buses for the tours also :) | 11 | |