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Province · Islands Region
Bougainville
Bougainville is an autonomous island region at the far eastern end of the country: Buka, Mount Bagana, cocoa and World War II history.
In the photo: Kessa Beach, Buka Island
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The province
Get to know Bougainville
The Autonomous Region of Bougainville comprises Bougainville Island, Buka Island and smaller atolls at the far eastern end of Papua New Guinea, near the Solomon Islands. It has its own government, and the provisional capital is in Buka, on the shore of the narrow Buka Passage that separates the two islands.
Bougainville Island is mountainous and covered in forest, with volcanoes such as Bagana, one of the most active in the area. Along the coast there are reefs, beaches and villages that depend on fishing, gardens and cocoa.
Bougainville cocoa has gained international recognition, and the region’s chocolate festival in the south of the island brings together producers, competitions and cultural performances.
During World War II the island was the scene of fighting between Japanese forces and the Allies. Near Buin, in the south, lie the wreckage of Admiral Yamamoto’s plane, shot down in 1943.
The United States government advises against travel to the central region of Bougainville Island, especially the Panguna mine area. Before planning, check the current travel advice from your country’s government.
When to go
It’s hot and it rains frequently at any time of year, especially in the interior mountains. Bougainville uses a time zone one hour ahead of the rest of the country (UTC+11). The chocolate festival usually takes place in the second half of the year: check the dates before you go.
Getting there
Buka Airport (BUA), on Buka Island, has flights from Port Moresby and from Kokopo (Tokua). From Buka town, boats cross the passage to Bougainville Island. Boat and flight schedules change frequently: confirm before you go.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Bougainville
Does Bougainville have a different time zone?
Yes. The Autonomous Region of Bougainville uses UTC+11, one hour ahead of the rest of Papua New Guinea, which uses UTC+10. Neither observes daylight saving time.
How do I get to Buka?
By plane, via Buka Airport, with flights from Port Moresby and from Kokopo. The town sits on the shore of the Buka Passage, from where boats go to Bougainville Island.
Where is the site of Admiral Yamamoto’s plane?
In the forest near Buin, in the south of Bougainville Island. The plane was shot down in 1943, and the wreckage remains there. Visiting depends on a guide and on permission from local communities.
What is the Bougainville chocolate festival?
It’s a festival dedicated to the region’s cocoa, with chocolate competitions, a producers’ fair and cultural performances in the south of the island. In 2026 official tourism promotion listed it for September in Buin. Check the dates before you go.