Alotau / Papua New Guinea

Alotau – Papua New Guinea

In the southwestern tip of Papua New Guinea, on the northern shore of Milne Bay in the Solomon Sea, lies Alotau. The capital of Milne Bay Province has about 16,000 inhabitants.

During World War II, the town was the center of the famous Battle of the Bay, where in 1942 Japan suffered its first land defeat in the Pacific War. In 1969, Alotau became the provincial capital, taking over this role from Samarai, located on the island of the same name. Today, it is a pleasant and safe harbor and an increasingly frequent stop for cruise ships in the Pacific Islands region.

The defeat of Japan in Alotau is commemorated by a beautiful park with a memorial, established on the waterfront at the site of the World War II battlefield. A reminder of the unique culture of Papua New Guinea are the skull caves, referring to the original custom and respect shown to the dearly departed by placing their skulls in caves across the country.

One of Alotau's biggest attractions is the beautiful Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Those who want to get acquainted with the culture of the region and the whole country should not miss a visit to the Massim Museum with interesting exhibitions of wood carvings, canoes, woven baskets, as well as contemporary art and photographs.

The town is surrounded by mountain peaks covered with dense jungle, and from the Top Town lookout, there are breathtaking panoramic views of the entire bay.

Visitors can enjoy canoe rides, and at local markets, not only fresh produce is available, but also traditional handicrafts. Beautiful souvenirs include original wood carvings or perhaps hand-woven baskets and bags.

Every year in November, Alotau hosts the grand Kenu and Kundu Festival (translated as Canoe and Drum), a carnival full of music and dance, which thousands of people do not miss.

Alotau is the gateway to Milne Bay Province, on whose territory lie about 160 of the world's least civilized islands. The bay is known for its coral reefs and will especially appeal to diving enthusiasts, who will find one of the world's richest marine ecosystems here.

Ecotourism, which is beginning to develop around Alotau, benefits from the beautiful rainforest and countless opportunities for hiking, bird watching, or even cave bats. There are beautiful waterfalls, or even hot springs.

In Alotau, there are several restaurants offering local delicacies – specialties include fresh seafood and fish or dishes made from sweet potatoes, known here as yams.

Places worth seeing

Alotau Harbour – Take a walk along the beautiful waterfront and enjoy stunning views of the clear sea dotted with hundreds of boats, barges, and canoes. 

War Memorial Park – Recall the events of World War II, when the Japanese army was first defeated in a land battle in the Battle of Milne Bay.

Top Town Lookout – Be enchanted by the breathtaking panoramic views of the stunning bay from the mountains covered with dense rainforest, rising above the town.

Massim Museum – View the beautiful exhibition of wood carvings, hand-woven baskets, canoes, and contemporary art or photographs in the newly opened museum.

Tawali Skull Cave – Peek into the ancient burial tradition of Papua New Guinea in the skull cave about 50 kilometers east of the town.

Milne Bay – Dive beneath the crystal-clear surface and discover the vibrant life of the beautiful coral reefs off the shores of some of the world's least civilized islands.

Gonubalabala – Enjoy a 1.5-hour boat ride to a remote islet, known as an ideal place for observing elegant manta rays.