Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
Museums
If you're in Rabaul and want to visit museums, a great place to start would be the New Guinea Club Memorial Museum. This museum displays artifacts from Papua New Guinea's colonial past, as well as exhibits on the World War II history of Rabaul.
Other museums in the area that might interest you include the Kokopo War Museum, which focuses on the battles that took place in the region during World War II, and the Volcano Observatory & Geological Museum, which offers insights into the area's volcanoes and geology.
Food
Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try according to local people in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea include:
1. Mumu - a traditional cooking method where meat and vegetables are wrapped in banana leaves and cooked underground with hot stones.
2. Lap lap - a dish made from grated root vegetables mixed with coconut milk, onions, and sometimes meat, then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked over hot stones.
3. Kokoda - a type of ceviche made with raw fish that is marinated in lime juice, coconut cream, and spices.
4. Tarangau (Coconut Crab) - a local delicacy, where the flesh of the giant coconut crab is cooked in various ways like grilled, fried, or cooked in soup.
5. Saksak - a sweet dish made from sago starch, which is a staple food in Papua New Guinea. It is often served with coconut cream and sugar.
These dishes showcase traditional Papua New Guinean cuisine and are definitely worth trying if you're in Rabaul!
Activities
Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Rabaul include:
1. Snorkeling and diving: With its crystal-clear waters and colorful marine life, Rabaul is a popular destination for snorkelers and divers.
2. Visiting the hot springs: There are several hot springs in the area, including the popular Tavurvur Hot Springs, where visitors can soak in naturally heated pools surrounded by lush rainforest.
3. Exploring the local markets: Rabaul's markets are a vibrant hub of activity, where locals come to buy fresh produce and handmade goods.
4. Hiking: There are many hiking trails around Rabaul, offering stunning views of the area's volcanoes and coastline.
5. Attending cultural events: Papua New Guinea is known for its rich cultural traditions, and there are often festivals, dances, and other events taking place in and around Rabaul that provide a window into local culture.
