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Before you go
Your trip to Kokopo.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Kokopo – East New Britain Destination Rabaul and Kokopo Capital
How to get there
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Aeroporto de Tokua (Rabaul) (RAB) Tokua · 12 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Via Tokua Airport (RAB), a few kilometres east of town, with flights from Port Moresby and other cities in the country. Transfers are usually arranged with your accommodation.
How many days
One day for the museum, Bita Paka and the waterfront; with Rabaul, which is about 20 km away, three to four days in the region.
When to go
It is hot year-round with frequent rain, heavier from December to March. In July, the National Mask and Warwagira Festival usually has activities in Kokopo and Rabaul.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. Trips to Rabaul, the volcanoes and the war sites are usually arranged through your accommodation or local operators, with a driver.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Kokopo
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Morning
War and Cultural Museum
Start at the Kokopo War and Cultural Museum, with tanks, guns, wrecked aircraft and photographs of the Japanese occupation, and the cultural objects room at the back.
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Afternoon
Bita Paka
Head to the Bita Paka War Cemetery, south of town, with more than a thousand Allied graves on a lawn surrounded by forest.
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Late afternoon
Blanche Bay waterfront
Return to Kokopo’s waterfront at late afternoon, with views across Blanche Bay and the Rabaul volcanoes on the horizon.
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Evening
Baining fire dance
If there is a scheduled performance, watch the Baining fire dance, performed at night with giant masks; ask at your accommodation.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to see in Kokopo?
The Kokopo War and Cultural Museum, the Bita Paka War Cemetery and the Blanche Bay waterfront. Kokopo is also the base for trips to Rabaul and the volcanoes.
What is the distance between Kokopo and Rabaul?
About 20 km by road, along Blanche Bay.
Why did the capital move from Rabaul to Kokopo?
Because in 1994 eruptions of Tavurvur and Vulcan covered most of Rabaul with ash. The provincial government moved to Kokopo, outside the caldera.
Where can I see the Baining fire dance?
In performances arranged by accommodations and operators in Kokopo and at the National Mask Festival in July. The dance takes place at night around a bonfire.