Manam Motu

Manam Motu is a volcanic island off the north coast of Papua New Guinea in Madang Province, dominated by an active stratovolcano that rises directly from the sea. It is notable for its volcanic activity and small coastal communities.

The island is chiefly of interest to volcanologists and visitors interested in active volcanic landscapes; shorelines and the volcano’s cone are the principal features rather than developed tourist facilities. Settlement has historically clustered in coastal villages around the island.

Manam has a recorded history of eruptive activity through the 20th and 21st centuries and local populations have been relocated during major eruptive episodes. Traditional village life and subsistence agriculture have coexisted with the volcanic landscape.

The island lies in the Bismarck Sea off Madang Province on the north coast of mainland Papua New Guinea, reachable by boat from Madang and neighbouring coastal communities.

• Active volcano and evacuations: The island is an active volcanic landform in Madang Province and has produced repeated eruptions in the 20th and 21st centuries, prompting periodic evacuations of residents.
• Access and facilities: There is limited permanent infrastructure on the island; access is by boat from the mainland and services are sparse compared with larger nearby towns.

What to See #

• Manam volcano summit: The central volcanic cone and summit of the island, an active stratovolcano that rises steeply from the shoreline and dominates the island's topography.
• Coastal villages: Small coastal villages and plantations situated around the island's perimeter where most settlement and agricultural activity have historically occurred.