Rabaul and the Fire Dance Festival

A journey I’ll never forget

Visiting Papua New Guinea has been one of the most awe-inspiring adventures of my life. Despite the stigma that often surrounds this beautiful country, my trip revealed nothing but pristine waters, jaw-dropping sunsets, and some of the warmest, most welcoming people I’ve ever met. - Not even the worst food poisoning of my life could overshadow the incredible memories I made here!

After a quick stop in Port Moresby which was only a short 3h flight from Brisbane, we jumped on a small piper and finally touched down in Rabaul, East New Britain. I have to be honest I am not a great flyer and while I was too excited about the trip ahead I was still glad to touch down at the airport.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the lush jungle, vibrant coral reefs, and the ever-present Tarvurvur Volcano dominating the skyline. Here’s how our adventure unfolded:

Day 1: Kokopo!

We kicked off with a relaxed start. After arriving at Tokua (Rabaul) Airport, we settled into our hotel and attended a welcome meeting to get to know our group leader and fellow travellers. It was a chilled-out day, perfect for soaking in the laid-back vibes of Kokopo while gazing at the majestic Tarvurvur Volcano.

Day 2 & 3: Fire Dance Festival

The trip crescendoed with the Baining Fire Dance Festival, an incredible cultural celebration deep in the highlands of the Gazelle Peninsula.

We were welcomed to Vunakaur Village with a traditional Melanesian ceremony before feasting on a mumu lunch (root vegetables cooked under hot stones). As night fell, the fire dancers took centre stage, moving barefoot across flames with intricate masks and costumes to tell their village’s stories. It was mesmerizing.

Days 4 & 5: The Duke of York Islands

The Duke of York Islands were pure magic. Imagine crystal-clear waters, dugongs swimming alongside dolphins, and a pace of life that feels like stepping into a different world.

We stayed with a local family and got a taste of island life, from traditional weaving and fishing to snorkelling in turquoise waters. The Duke of York Islands stay was hands-down my favourite part of the trip. I’ll never forget the kids playing on the beach, the women weaving together under the shade, and the sudden downpours that vanished as quickly as they arrived.

Day 6: Rabaul’s History and volcano hike

Our day began with a historical tour of Rabaul. We explored World War II-era sites like Yamamoto’s bunker, the Japanese submarine base, and the eerie Japanese tunnels. Visiting the New Guinea Club offered fascinating insights into life before PNG’s independence and the devastation caused by the 1994 volcanic eruption.

Day 7: Kokopo’s Historic Gems

Back in Kokopo, we visited the Bitapaka War Cemetery—a solemn and moving reminder of World War I and II—and the beautiful Blue Lagoon. It was a great day to reflect and soak in the rich history of the region.

Highlights of the Trip

Favourite Place: The Duke of York Islands stole my heart. The pristine waters, lively culture, and raw beauty of the island created an atmosphere that felt almost dreamlike.

Favourite Activity: Hiking the volcano in Rabaul was both thrilling and exhausting! Although the day ended with food poisoning and an unexpected trip to the hospital, it was still an unforgettable adventure.

Most Memorable Cultural Experience: The Fire Dance Festival. Dancing with the locals, learning the history behind their handmade masks, and watching the stories unfold under the stars made this celebration of Melanesian culture truly extraordinary.

This trip was a reminder of how travel can shatter stereotypes and leave you in awe of the world’s beauty and diversity. Papua New Guinea is a destination that deserves to be on every adventurer’s bucket list—just don’t forget to pack your sense of wonder (and maybe some extra hand sanitizer)! 😊

How to visit

Lucky for me, this journey came as a gift from the travel agency I worked for at the time. I was invited to join a preview trip for the Baining Fire Dance Festival, organized by South Sea Horizons. Alongside an amazing group of travel industry professionals—some of whom became lifelong friends—I embarked on this unforgettable experience. Tours can be booked through intrepid travel and South Sea Horizon along with other incredible journeys in PNG.