3 tourist spots in Rabaul! A fierce battlefield in Papua New Guinea during the Pacific War

Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, was one of the battlefields of the Pacific War. Here, the Japanese and Papua New Guinea governments jointly erected the South Pacific War Memorial.

This is a place where many bereaved families and Japanese tourists visiting Rabaul come to pay their respects. It is located on a quiet plateau overlooking Rabaul Bay, surrounded by lush greenery. However, during World War II, fierce battles were fought in this very location. When visiting the South Pacific War Memorial, it is a good opportunity to reflect on those who perished far from their homeland.

1. Tavurvur Volcano

Tavurvur Volcano is a tourist attraction in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, where visitors can enjoy natural hot springs.

Also known by Flower-Blowing Mountain, this volcano has a beautiful name but is famous as an active volcano that has erupted multiple times. The 1937 eruption claimed the lives of 507 Rabaul residents, and in 1994, simultaneous eruptions of Tavurvur and Vulcan Volcano covered Rabaul in volcanic ash, causing significant damage. As a result, the airport built by the former Japanese military was abandoned, and a new airport was constructed in the neighboring town of Kokopo.

The most recent eruption occurred in 2014, with an ash plume reaching approximately 18 km into the sky, forcing nearby residents to evacuate.

Despite its active nature, this potentially dangerous volcano is also known as a famous hot spring destination. The seaside hot springs, heated by geothermal activity, can be scalding near the source but become pleasantly warm at a distance. Visitors should wear swimsuits when entering the hot springs.

Since it is not a crowded destination, it offers a secluded, hidden-gem atmosphere.

2. South Pacific War Memorial

Rabaul was known as the headquarters of the former Japanese Southern Area Army. Located in the neighboring town of Kokopo, the Kokopo War Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of war in this region, which was a major battlefield during World War II. It is a must-visit site for nearly all visitors to Rabaul.

The museum houses wartime relics brought by the Japanese military, surrender documents, as well as tanks and fighter planes from World War II. It is a valuable historical site. Among the exhibits is the Zero Fighter, the primary carrier-based fighter of the Imperial Japanese Navy, silently telling the story of the battles fought in Rabaul.

◆ Don't miss the Yamamoto Bunker!

Nearby, visitors can explore the Yamamoto Bunker, where Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet, spent his last night before being shot down over Bougainville. The underground bunker, still containing anti-aircraft guns, has been preserved in its original state, offering a glimpse into the past.

Although the 1994 eruption of Tavurvur Volcano buried much of the surrounding town in volcanic ash, this underground bunker remained intact.

There is also the Daihatsu Cave, which was once used to store large motorized landing craft. These remnants vividly convey the war's history.

3. Kokopo War Museum

◎ Visit Rabaul, now a quiet and peaceful destination

How did you find this guide? We have introduced three major tourist attractions in Rabaul. Rabaul is now recognized as a tropical resort destination.

Additionally, since Tavurvur Volcano continues to erupt from time to time, it is essential to check for the latest updates from Port Moresby’s government.

Enjoy exploring Rabaul, a peaceful tropical destination today!

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3 tourist spots in Rabaul! A fierce battlefield in Papua New Guinea during the Pacific War