Overview
New Britain (Niugini Simbu/NSB context note): The abbreviation 'NSB' in Papua New Guinea most commonly refers to New Britain or is associated with the New Britain island provinces — specifically West New Britain Province and East New Britain Province — or in some administrative contexts to North Solomons/Bougainville. This guide covers New Britain as a destination, noting that travelers should verify current provincial boundaries and administrative designations with local authorities before travel.
New Britain is the largest island in Papua New Guinea, situated in the Bismarck Archipelago northeast of the mainland. It is divided into East New Britain (capital: Kokopo/Rabaul) and West New Britain (capital: Kimbe). The island blends dramatic volcanic scenery, rich World War II history, vibrant reef ecosystems, and deeply rooted Tolai and other Melanesian cultural traditions.
Rabaul, once the island's dominant town, was heavily shaped — and partially destroyed — by volcanic eruptions, most notably in 1994. Today Kokopo serves as the provincial capital of East New Britain, while the skeletal remnants of Rabaul and the active volcanic cones nearby remain among the most arresting landscapes in the Pacific.
West New Britain is less visited and offers dense tropical rainforest, the Kimbe Bay marine environment (internationally recognized for coral reef biodiversity), and palm oil plantation landscapes that reflect the province's economic base. Together the two provinces offer an unusually wide range of natural and historical experiences for travelers willing to manage the logistical realities of visiting rural Papua New Guinea.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Papua New Guinea has specific entry requirements that can change. Do not rely on general summaries — check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the Papua New Guinea Immigration & Citizenship Authority official website for current requirements before booking.
Health Precautions
Malaria is present throughout PNG, including New Britain. Consult a travel medicine clinic well in advance of your trip — prophylaxis options and recommended vaccinations (including typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and routine immunizations) should be discussed with a qualified physician. Bring a well-stocked first-aid kit, as medical facilities outside Kokopo and Kimbe are very limited.
Travel Advisories
Several governments issue elevated travel advisories for Papua New Guinea citing crime, civil unrest risks, and limited emergency services. Check your home country's official travel advisory site before departure and register with your embassy or consulate if recommended.
Practical Preparation
- Carry sufficient cash in PGK; ATM availability outside main towns is unreliable.
- Mobile coverage exists in main centers but can be absent in rural and coastal areas; verify locally with local SIM providers (Digicel and Telikom PNG are the main operators).
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended given remoteness.
Getting There
By Air
The primary gateway to East New Britain is Tokua Airport (RAB), located near Kokopo. Air Niugini operates scheduled services connecting Tokua to Port Moresby's Jacksons International Airport and select other domestic destinations. Flight schedules and availability vary; book through Air Niugini or a reputable travel agent and verify timetables locally as they are subject to change.
For West New Britain, Hoskins Airport (HKN) near Kimbe is the main entry point, also served by domestic routes from Port Moresby. Some smaller airstrips serve more remote communities via missionary aviation or charter operators — verify availability and current operators locally.
By Sea
Interisland shipping connects New Britain to the PNG mainland and nearby islands, but schedules are irregular, conditions can be challenging, and information is best obtained locally at ports in Rabaul/Kokopo or Kimbe. This option requires flexibility and is not recommended for travelers on tight schedules.
Getting Around
Within East New Britain
PMV (Public Motor Vehicle) buses and shared taxis operate on main routes between Kokopo, the Rabaul area, and nearby towns. They are inexpensive but crowded and schedules are informal — simply wait at roadsides and ask locally. Hiring a private vehicle with a local driver is considerably more comfortable and allows access to sites on your own timetable; arrange this through your accommodation or a locally based operator.
Within West New Britain
Kimbe town and its immediate surroundings are navigable by PMV and taxi. Access to dive sites and remote areas typically requires boats arranged through dive operators or lodges. Roads outside the main corridors can be rough, particularly after rain.
General Advice
Road conditions vary significantly across both provinces. Driving after dark is not recommended due to poor road conditions and limited lighting. Always ask your accommodation for up-to-date local advice before traveling independently to remote areas.
Where to Stay
Accommodation Options
Kokopo has the widest selection of accommodation in East New Britain, ranging from mid-range hotels catering to business travelers to smaller guesthouses. The Rabaul area has more limited options. Verify current availability and book in advance where possible, as choice is constrained.
In West New Britain, Kimbe has functional mid-range accommodation. Dive-focused lodges around Kimbe Bay are the primary option for visitors focused on marine activities — these often include meals and diving as part of a package. Verify current operators and availability directly before travel, as the remote tourism industry can be subject to change in operation.
Guesthouses and Community Stays
In more remote areas, mission guesthouses and community-run accommodation may be available. These are basic by international standards but represent an opportunity for more direct engagement with local communities. Ask locally for current options.
Things to See & Do
Rabaul Volcanic Landscape
The Rabaul caldera is one of the most geologically striking environments in the Pacific. Multiple active volcanoes — including Tavurvur — can be viewed from the Rabaul area. Visitors should check current volcanic activity levels with local authorities before approaching any volcanic site. The town of Rabaul itself, partially buried by ash from the 1994 eruption, is a haunting and historically significant place to walk through.
World War II History
New Britain was a major theater of operations during WWII, with significant Japanese military presence. The area around Rabaul and Kokopo contains tunnels, shipwrecks, aircraft wrecks, and memorials from this period. The Kokopo War Museum (verify current opening hours and admission locally) holds artifacts and exhibits documenting the conflict. War relics are also scattered through the surrounding landscape — do not remove or disturb any artifacts.
Diving and Marine Life — Kimbe Bay
Kimbe Bay in West New Britain is considered by many marine biologists to be one of the most biodiverse coral reef systems in the world. It supports a remarkable density of reef fish species, hard and soft corals, and regular sightings of sharks, manta rays, and other pelagic species. Several dedicated dive operators and liveaboards serve the bay; verify current operators and availability before travel.
Cultural Experiences
The Tolai people of East New Britain maintain active cultural traditions, including the practice of the Tubuan (Duk-Duk) secret society ceremonies. These are not tourist performances — participation or observation of ceremonial activities requires an invitation and appropriate cultural sensitivity. Ask your host or guide about any cultural events that may be taking place during your visit and always seek permission before photographing individuals or ceremonies.
Birdwatching
New Britain's forests host numerous endemic and regionally significant bird species, including birds-of-paradise, hornbills, and kingfishers. The island sits within one of the planet's most significant areas of avian diversity. A local guide who knows forest trails is essential for productive birdwatching.
Food & Drink
Local Staples
The everyday diet in New Britain centers on root vegetables — taro, sweet potato, cassava, and yam — along with rice, fish, and coconut-based preparations. Fresh seafood is widely available in coastal areas. 'Kaukau' (sweet potato) and 'mumu' (food cooked in a traditional earth oven with hot stones) are culturally significant dishes encountered at community events.
Restaurants and Dining
Kokopo has a modest range of restaurants and takeaway options, including some catering to expatriates and business travelers with familiar international dishes. Kimbe's options are more limited. Outside main towns, travelers should expect to eat what their guesthouse or lodge provides and plan accordingly — self-catering options are very limited in rural areas.
Drinking Water
Tap water should not be assumed safe to drink outside well-maintained facilities. Bottled water is available in main centers. In remote areas, water purification tablets or a portable filter are advisable.
Practical Information
Money
The Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK) is the local currency. ATMs exist in Kokopo and Kimbe but reliability cannot be guaranteed — carry sufficient cash before leaving main centers. Credit cards are accepted at some larger hotels and businesses; do not rely on this outside main towns.
Communications
Dijicel PNG is the most widely available mobile network. Local SIM cards can be purchased in main towns and are inexpensive. Internet access is available at some accommodations and in town centers but may be slow or intermittent.
Emergency Services
Emergency service infrastructure in PNG is significantly limited compared to developed countries. Hospitals and clinics in Kokopo and Kimbe can handle basic care; serious medical emergencies may require evacuation to Port Moresby or Australia. Verify emergency contact numbers locally and with your accommodation upon arrival — do not rely on any specific number in this guide as accurate.
Electricity
PNG uses 240V/50Hz supply with Australian-style Type I plugs (three flat pins). Bring appropriate adapters. Power outages are not uncommon outside main centers.
Safety
General Security
New Britain's main towns, particularly Kokopo, have a better security reputation than Port Moresby, but travelers should remain alert and apply standard personal security precautions at all times. Avoid displaying valuables, be cautious after dark, and ask your accommodation for current neighborhood advice.
Raskol Gangs and Petty Crime
Petty theft and occasional serious crime do occur in urban areas of PNG. Travel in groups where possible and be aware of your surroundings in markets, transport hubs, and after dark. Keep copies of important documents separate from originals.
Natural Hazards
Volcanic activity near Rabaul requires ongoing awareness — monitor local advice and the Rabaul Volcano Observatory (verify current contact and information channels locally). Tropical cyclones are possible, particularly November–April. Reef and water activities carry inherent risks; dive only with reputable operators and follow all briefings.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Melanesian Cultural Values
New Britain's communities — Tolai and many others — place high value on reciprocity, community obligations, and respect for elders and traditional authority. Visitors who approach interactions with patience, humility, and genuine curiosity tend to be received warmly. Rushed or transactional behavior is culturally dissonant.
Photography and Permission
Always ask permission before photographing individuals, communities, or ceremonial activities. Many people are happy to be photographed but it is not universally the case, and some ceremonial or sacred contexts prohibit photography entirely. Respect any refusal without negotiation.
Dress and Behavior
Modest dress is appreciated, particularly outside resort environments and in villages and churches. Public displays of affection are uncommon and best avoided. When visiting communities, following the lead of a local guide on appropriate behavior will serve you well.
Traditional Exchange Economy
Traditional shell money (tabu) remains culturally significant among the Tolai and is used in ceremonial exchanges. This is not a tourist novelty — it is a living institution with deep social meaning. Observe and learn about it with appropriate respect.
