A
line divides East from West New Britain, yet they share the same turquoise
ocean dotted with reef-fringed atolls, magnificent rainforests plunging
into white sandy beaches and lush plantations which hug the coastline. In contrast to the popular tourist destination of
East New Britain, West New Britain is virtually
untouched, unexplored and unknown. The exception is Walindi Plantation
Resort, a favourite destination for divers from all parts of the
world. The Resort is located on a private owned oil palm
plantation on the shores of Kimbe Bay. The Bay is fringed by volcanic
mountains, some still active. Divers can explore volcanic caves draped in
staghorn coral and reef drop-offs. The clear blue waters are home to
dogtooth tuna, trevally, barracuda, dolphins and dugong and for night
diving, the luminescence lights the way. The most popular site for night
diving is known as "The Cathedral", a horse shoe shaped reef
with a large cave at one end. The floor is covered in white sand and the
outside is draped in staghorn and gorgonia coral. Walindi has resident
instructors to provide tuition for time divers. The fishing and
snorkelling are excellent. The pretty
little town of Talasea looks across the bay with its' many islands from
Williamez Peninsula, an active volcanic region. Talasea is the centre for
the manufacture of shell money. It was from this area that obsidian,
volcanic glass used in the manufacture of knives, spears and arrows used
for trade from about 3,000BC until recent times, was found. In the hills
behind Talasea are the wrecks of two US bombers, one of them a B24
Liberator.
On Pangula Island, across from Talasea is the
Valley of Wabua, meaning "Valley of Hot Water", a mass of
thermal geysers.
Non-divers can enjoy the superb natural surroundings.
The Muruk cave system in the Nakanai area of West New Britain is believed
to be the deepest recorded in the southern hemisphere. A French cave
expedition team recently explored the system and believe there is a canyon
about 1,200 metres below the entrance of the cave.
Apart from Walindi Resort there are several other options for accommodaton including the Palm Lodge in the provincial headquarters of Kimbe; the Hoskins Hotel in the small town of Hoskins where the main airport for West New Britain is located; the Kautaga Guest House on a small island off the western side of the peninsula and the Bialla Guest House.
Air Niugini and a number of third level airlines fly via Hoskins airport from other parts of Papua New Guinea every day. There are also a number of coastal ships which call in at Kimbe on their way to and from Lae and Rabaul.
SUMMARY
Population: 129 664 citizens and 526 expatriates.
Land area: 24 575 square km.
Members in Parliament: 3.
Headquarters: Kimbe.
Districts; citizens; major languages:
- Bialla; 25 720; Nakanai, Melamela.
- Gloucester; 12 009; Kaliai, Mok-Aria- Bibling, Kilenge.
- Kandrian; 21 630; Arawe, Moewehafen, Pulie, Rauto.
- Kirnbe; 70 305; Bali-Witu, Bola, Kove-Kaliai, Mok-Aria.
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