Top Things to do in Alotau, Papua New Guinea

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Alotau is one of the provincial capital cities of Papua New Guinea, which is situated on a peninsula on Milne Bay in the Coral Sea. The town and surrounding sea served as the setting for the Milne Bay Battle (1942), in which Allied troops, mostly Australian ones, handed the invading Japanese army its first resounding defeat in World War II. A War Memorial honors the conflict. Today, palm oil plants have mostly taken over the region.

The locals continue to practice their Tawala cultural practices. Travelers to the place will be proud to experience their skills in Bibiko Village with Kundu drum rituals and exhibits of their spectacular war vessels. There is a lot that you can learn and explore here.

This blog has listed the top 5 things to do in Alotau, Papua New Guinea, to help you with your checklist when you land here.

Top 5 things to do in Alotau, Papua New Guinea

Alotau is a small Papua New Guinea city with a rich culture and heritage. The historical city has witnessed the two World Wars and takes great pride in its history. The city is surrounded by the beautiful Coral Sea, offering exquisite views. Below are some of the amazing things to do in Alotau, Papua New Guinea: 

1. Take the Battle of Milne Bay Tour

The course of World War II depended heavily on the outcome of the Milne Bay Battle (1942), fought between Australia and Japan. The Japanese sought to take control of Milne Bay from the Allied powers after the Pearl Harbor attack to reinforce Japan with air and naval power. Thus, the battle placed enormous strategic value on Milne Bay's position at the easternmost point of Papuan Land. Milne Bay has preserved the battle history with evidence of planes, tanks, ships, and ammunition.

Take a bus to the Corporal John French Memorial and see the place where Corporal John French was recognized and awarded for his valiant efforts in taking down the Japanese army. The Robinson's Ambush at Cameron Springs, where the first military action took place, is west of the memorial. On returning to the city, visit the renowned shoreside memorial that was erected in 2002 by the Australian Government to remember the soldiers who took part in the Battle of Milne Bay.

2. Snorkel at the Wreck of Muscoota

When you are in Alotau, you must take a snorkel trip to the Wreck of Muscoota to add adventure to your trip. The location is situated at Milne Bay's southern shore, Wagawaga. Originally called Buckingham, the shipwreck serves as a prime snorkeling and diving location near Alotau. You can take a boat ride to the destination and enjoy a premium snorkeling experience under the supervision of professional guides. In recent years, fish, sponges, clams, corals, and other aquatic life have taken up residence atop the shipwreck. You will learn about the region's history and its illustrious past as you dive into the Muscoota.

3. Experience Alotau's village life

Travel to Huhu, the war canoe's birthplace. Interestingly, Sir John Guise, the first Governor General, initially penned a portion of the Papua New Guinea constitution here. Learn about the palm tree and its history while driving by one of the biggest palm oil plantations in the world.

You may observe how western culture has been incorporated into the traditional way of life by driving to Bibiko Village. Witness firsthand the way of life in a typical Papua New Guinea village while savoring delectable cuisine made from taro, cassava, yam, cassava, and other green veggies.

4. Explore the Coral Sea at the Manta Watch Camp

The secluded and breathtaking heavenly island of Gonubalabala in the South Pacific is where the Manta Watch Camp is situated. It is so remote that Google Maps is yet to include it! The Milne Bay Reefs are teeming with life, from little bizarre and amazing creatures to enormous pelagic prizes like sharks and hammerheads. 

Visitors can enjoy the pristine underwater. Go for boating, diving, or snorkeling. The hosts at Manta Ray Camp will provide a safe space where you can freely enjoy the white sand beaches with traditional delicacies. That is why the Manta Watch Camp is one of the fun things to do in Alotau.

5. Get an experience of the Huhu War Canoe Festival

The yearly Huhu Bay War Canoe Festival is one of the most important cultural occasions. Despite being available to the public, very few persons from outside the communities attend the festival. Several Milne Bay villages that utilize their canoes to socialize and get together are brought together by it.

Those who want to get the essence of this festival can visit the Massim Museum, where canoe drawings and the festival's cultural significance are displayed promptly. The museum has objects, drawings, storyboards, carvings, and much more.

Planning a visit to Alotau?

When you visit Papua New Guinea, do not forget to visit the hidden gem, Alotau. The place is small but full of adventures and sightseeing destinations. If you wish to cruise around the coral sea, you should book your trip to Alotau from CruiseBooking.com. Book your tickets fast and check the top 5 things to do in Alotau, Papua New Guinea.