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Nature and culture · Kavieng, New Ireland
Laraibina Eel Sanctuary
Stream at the village of Laraibina on the east coast of New Ireland, where large freshwater eels, considered sacred by the community, come to be fed.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Laraibina Eel Sanctuary
Laraibina is a village on the east coast of New Ireland, along the Boluminski Road, south of Kavieng. Large eels live in a freshwater stream in the village; they are called malio in Tok Pisin and are regarded as sacred and protected by the community.
Residents attract the eels with food, and the long, dark animals emerge from among the rocks and roots to feed near the bank. Visits are led by the families who care for the site and who explain the cultural importance of the eels to the community.
The sanctuary is one of New Ireland’s best-known attractions and is usually included in day tours along the Boluminski Road.
Access is by road from Kavieng, and the visit should be arranged in advance with the community or a local operator.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 2 hours in the village; the trip from Kavieng takes most of a day.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon, at the time agreed with the community.
How to get there
It is on the east coast of New Ireland, on the Boluminski Road, south of Kavieng. Go with a local operator or arrange the visit with the community.
Tip
Ask beforehand whether you should bring food for the eels or if the community provides it, and pay the visit contribution in cash.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Laraibina Eel Sanctuary
Where is the Laraibina eel sanctuary?
In the village of Laraibina on the east coast of New Ireland, along the Boluminski Road, south of Kavieng.
Can you feed the eels at Laraibina?
Feeding is led by the families who care for the stream; they show how to approach and offer the food. Always follow their instructions.
Do you need to book the visit to Laraibina?
Yes, it’s advisable to arrange the visit in advance with the community or with an operator in Kavieng, who organizes tours along the Boluminski Road.