Tabar GroupTabar Group at a Glance
About Tabar Group
Tabar Group is an island group in New Ireland Province of Papua New Guinea comprising several volcanic islands north of New Ireland. The archipelago includes inhabited islands with traditional villages, coastal plantations and surrounding reef systems.
The three principal islands commonly cited in the group are Big Tabar, Tatau and Simberi; Simberi hosts an open-pit gold mining operation that has altered local infrastructure and provided a focal point for employment and shipping. Sea transport between the islands and to mainland New Ireland is the principal link for goods and people.
The islands are volcanic in origin and support coastal forest, village agriculture and nearshore coral reefs; they lie to the northeast of mainland New Ireland within PNG’s Bismarck Sea region.
- Gold mining: The northern island contains an active gold mine that has significantly influenced the local economy and transport links to the group.
What to See#
- Big Tabar: One of the three principal islands in the group, supporting local villages, coconut plantations and traditional village settlements.
- Tatau: A smaller inhabited island with coastal villages and reef systems used by local fishers.
- Simberi: The northern island known for hosting a commercial open-pit gold operation and associated infrastructure, making it the most industrialised of the group.
Best Time to Visit Tabar Group
The dry season offers the easiest sea travel; check local boat schedules and weather closely before planning island hops.
Weather & Climate near Tabar Group
Tabar Group's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2654 mm/year), wettest in August, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 24° - 30° | 27° | 263 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 24° - 30° | 27° | 239 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 24° - 30° | 27° | 221 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 25° - 30° | 27° | 218 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 24° - 30° | 27° | 187 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 24° - 29° | 27° | 235 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 24° - 29° | 26° | 220 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 24° - 29° | 26° | 273 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 24° - 29° | 26° | 206 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 24° - 29° | 27° | 191 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 25° - 30° | 27° | 219 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 25° - 30° | 27° | 182 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Tabar Group
The Tabar Group is remote. Access is normally by local inter-island boat services from New Ireland Province (Lihir, Kavieng) or by charter. Travellers should arrange transport and permits through provincial authorities or an experienced operator in Kavieng.
Tips for Visiting Tabar Group
- If visiting by boat, coordinate with locals for the best landing points - reefs and currents can complicate small-boat approaches.
- Respect local customs: several of the Tabar islands have tight-knit communities with private areas and customary protocols.
- Bring insect repellent and supplies; services are basic on most islands.