Rabaul City
City in East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea
Rabaul crouches in a volcanic caldera; visitors dive WWII wrecks, inspect ash-scoured ruins, bathe in nearby hot springs, and watch plumes from Tavurvur and Vulcan on clear mornings.
Rabaul at a Glance#
Costs: US$70-140 per day - limited hotels and dive operators drive midrange costs for visitors.
Safety: Safe for tourists; volcanic risk - generally safe for visitors but volcanic activity is an ever‑present hazard; check alerts.
Best Time: Best: June-September - dry months reduce rain and improve diving and hiking conditions.
Why Visit Rabaul?#
Framed by Simpson Harbour and the looming volcanoes of Tavurvur and Vulcan, this port town is compelling for history and geology lovers alike. World War II relics and sunken wrecks contrast with active volcanic landscapes, while Tolai cultural performances and shell-money traditions give insight into local life. Visitors arrive to dive for wartime wrecks, watch volcanic eruptions from safe viewpoints and learn about Tolai customs.
Best Things to Do in Rabaul#
Rabaul Bucket List#
Tavurvur Volcano - Active crater above Simpson Harbour offering close volcanic views and photographic opportunities.
Rabaul Museum - Displays WWII artifacts and local history in a compact, informative museum space.
Simpson Harbour - Harbor with WWII wrecks, harbor cruises, and panoramic shoreline views.
Matupit Island - Small island near Rabaul with snorkeling, village visits, and quiet beaches.
Vunakanau WWII Airfield - Overgrown wartime airstrip remnants offering a glimpse into the area’s military past.
Tokua Hot Springs - Natural hot springs close to town perfect for a relaxing soak after exploring.
Kokopo - Nearest larger town with markets, Rabaul Museum, and access to local ferries.
Baining Mountains fire dances (nearby villages) - Visit Baining villages to watch nocturnal mask-fire dances and traditional ceremonies.
Best Time to Visit Rabaul#
Rabaul is most pleasant in the drier months (May-October) when skies clear and sea conditions improve. The November-April wet season delivers heavy rain and high humidity, though the island is very green.
November - April
24-31°C (75-88°F)
Frequent heavy rain and high humidity; expect muddy tracks and frequent downpours but lush volcanic scenery and active waterfalls.
May - October
22-29°C (72-84°F)
Drier, brighter conditions with calmer seas and clearer skies; the easiest time for hiking, diving, and exploring wartime sites around the caldera.
June - August
21-27°C (70-81°F)
Trade winds bring slightly cooler, clearer weather and choppier seas; excellent for boat trips, walking, and fewer heavy showers.
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2353 mm/year), wettest in March.
January
January is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (272 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (272 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (311 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (238 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (158 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (129 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (108 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (115 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (184 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (305 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Rabaul#
Rabaul (served by Tokua Airport/RAB) is reached by domestic flight from Port Moresby and other PNG centres, then by short road or boat transfer into town. For flexibility and reliability, a taxi from the airport to Kokopo/Rabaul is usually the easiest option.
Tokua / Rabaul Airport (RAB): Tokua (Rabaul) is the primary airport serving East New Britain. Regular domestic flights connect Tokua with Port Moresby (POM) and other PNG hubs; the flight from Port Moresby takes about 1-1.5 hours. From the airport a taxi to Kokopo town takes around 20-30 minutes (roughly PGK 30-60 depending on luggage and negotiation), and many arrivals take the short ferry or boat to Rabaul township across Simpson Harbour (see below).
Kokopo (regional connections): Kokopo is the local commercial centre adjacent to Tokua; small operators run charter flights and occasional services to nearby islands. From Kokopo you can reach Rabaul by road or boat - the road drive is around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic and which side of the harbour you’re going to.
Train: There are no train services on New Britain.
Bus / Minibus / PMV: Local minibuses and PMVs run between Tokua/Kokopo and Rabaul and around Kokopo. Fares are low (small PGK amounts); journey times are typically 20-45 minutes depending on route. Taxis are quicker and more comfortable for luggage or off-schedule arrivals.
How to Get Around Rabaul#
Domestic air services to Tokua plus short taxi or boat transfers are the practical way to get into Rabaul. For short local trips, PMVs and ferries are the cheapest; taxis offer speed and convenience when you have luggage or limited time.
- Domestic flights (PNG) (PGK 300-900) - Air Niugini and PNG Air operate domestic flights to Tokua (RAB) from Port Moresby and other hubs. Flights are the quickest way to reach East New Britain; book early during peak periods. Expect basic domestic service standards but reliable scheduling compared with overland alternatives.
- Airport taxi (PGK 30-60) - Taxis from Tokua to Kokopo or Rabaul are the most convenient door-to-door option, particularly with luggage. Expect a 20-45 minute ride depending on destination; agree the fare (roughly PGK 30-60) before departure.
- Ferry / boat between Kokopo and Rabaul (PGK 2-10) - A short passenger boat/ferry crosses Simpson Harbour between Kokopo and Rabaul township; services are frequent enough for day trips and take roughly 10-30 minutes depending on route and weather. Fares are low (a few kina). Check local timetables as small operators vary schedules.
- Local bus / PMV (PGK 1-5) - Minibuses (PMVs) and local buses link Tokua, Kokopo and Rabaul at very low cost. They can be crowded and run on flexible timetables; useful for budget travellers comfortable with basic conditions.
- Walking - Rabaul town and many nearby sites are walkable for short distances, but roads and paths can be uneven. Wear sturdy shoes and carry water; some historical sites are a short walk from the harbour areas.
Where to Stay in Rabaul#
Town centre / Simpson Harbour - $15-40/night
Rabaul has a few simple guesthouses and small hotels catering to business and visiting researchers. Services can be basic; check seasonality after volcanic events.
Harbour area - $40-90/night (limited)
Mid-range options are limited but available on New Britain island; many are family-run with decent comfort. Confirm bookings in advance by phone.
No luxury hotels locally; Kokopo or major cities instead
No large luxury resorts in Rabaul. For upscale stays, travellers usually base in Kokopo or mainland PNG centres with better facilities.
Shopping in Rabaul#
Small markets and shops sell fresh fish, betel nut and locally made carvings or woven items. Expect simple market stalls rather than formal craft boutiques.
Nightlife in Rabaul#
Nightlife is subdued compared with larger PNG centres. A few hotel bars and seaside pubs offer drinks and occasional live music; most evenings are restaurant- or hotel-based.