Papua New Guinea is a country rich in natural and cultural diversity, with over 800 languages spoken and a variety of landscapes, from mountains and rainforests to islands and coral reefs. Among its many attractions, there is one that stands out for its historical and cultural significance: the New Guinea Club & Rabaul Museum in Rabaul, East New Britain Province.
A Brief History of the New Guinea Club & Rabaul Museum
The New Guinea Club & Rabaul Museum is housed in a building that dates back to 1919, when it was established as a social club for European businessmen and officials in the former German colony of Kaiser-Wilhelmsland, which later became the Australian Territory of New Guinea. The club was a place where members could enjoy drinks, games, music, and entertainment, as well as host important guests and events. One of the most famous visitors was the actor Errol Flynn, who charmed his way into the club in the 1930s1.
The club was badly damaged during World War II, when Rabaul became a major Japanese base and suffered heavy Allied bombing. The building was used as the headquarters of Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the commander of the Japanese Combined Fleet and the mastermind of the Pearl Harbor attack. Yamamoto also had a bunker on the grounds of the club, where he would take shelter during air raids2.
After the war, the club was rebuilt and restored to its former glory, only to be destroyed again by fire in 1993. It was partly restored again and converted into a museum, which opened in 1995. The museum displays various artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Rabaul and Papua New Guinea, from the German and Japanese occupations to the volcanic eruptions that devastated the town in 19943.
Language, Traditional Cultures, Norms and Practices
The museum also showcases the language, traditional cultures, norms and practices of the local people of East New Britain Province, who belong to several different ethnic groups, such as the Tolai, Baining, Sulka, Pomio, and Mengen. The museum has collections of masks, carvings, pottery, baskets, weapons, musical instruments, and other items that reflect the diverse and vibrant cultures of these groups. The museum also organizes cultural events and performances, such as dances, songs, ceremonies, and rituals4.
One of the most interesting cultural practices that can be seen at the museum is the megapode egg harvesting. Megapodes are large birds that lay their eggs in mounds of volcanic ash near hot springs. The local people have developed a system of digging up these eggs and selling them at markets or eating them as delicacies. The museum has a display of megapode eggs and tools used for harvesting them5.
Current Development and Progress
The museum is not only a place of preservation but also a place of development and progress. The museum aims to promote education, research, tourism, and community engagement in Rabaul and Papua New Guinea. The museum offers guided tours, school programs, workshops, lectures, publications, and outreach activities to raise awareness and appreciation of the history and culture of the region. The museum also collaborates with other institutions and organizations to support various projects and initiatives related to heritage conservation, environmental protection, disaster management, and social development6.
Holiday Spots or Tourist Attraction Points in Rabaul
Rabaul is a town that has been shaped by its history and nature. It offers many attractions for visitors who want to explore its past and present. Some of the holiday spots or tourist attraction points in Rabaul are:
- Mount Tavurvur: This is an active volcano that erupted in 1994 and buried most of Rabaul under ash. It is still smoking and rumbling today. Visitors can hike up to its crater or take a boat tour around its base. The volcano offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife7.
- Simpson Harbour: This is a natural harbour that was formed by an ancient volcanic caldera. It was once a busy port for German, Australian, and Japanese ships. Today it is a serene bay with clear blue water and coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, fishing, kayaking, or sailing in the harbour8.
- Japanese Peace Memorial: This is a monument that commemorates the Japanese soldiers who died in Rabaul during World War II. It is located on a hill overlooking Simpson Harbour. It consists of a stone arch with inscriptions and a bronze statue of a soldier holding a dove. It is a symbol of peace and reconciliation between Japan and Papua New Guinea9.
- Beehives: These are two rocky pinnacles that rise from the centre of Simpson Harbour. They are said to be the hard core of the original old volcano that created the harbour. They are also known as the Mother and Daughter Rocks. They are a landmark of Rabaul and a popular spot for photography10.
- Vulcanology Observatory: This is a scientific institution that monitors the volcanic activity in Rabaul and other parts of Papua New Guinea. It is located on a hill with a panoramic view of the harbour and the volcanoes. Visitors can learn about the geology and history of the region and see the instruments and equipment used by the volcanologists11.
Conclusion
The New Guinea Club & Rabaul Museum is a historical and cultural treasure in Papua New Guinea. It is a place where visitors can learn about the rich and diverse history and culture of Rabaul and East New Britain Province, as well as enjoy the natural beauty and adventure of the region. It is a place that celebrates the past, present, and future of Rabaul and Papua New Guinea.
References
1: New Guinea Club & Rabaul Museum – Lonely Planet 2: New Guinea Club And Rabaul Museum – TracesOfWar.com 3: New Guinea Club & Rabaul Museum – Tripadvisor 4: New Guinea Club & Rabaul Museum – Trip.com 5: [Megapode Egg Harvesting in Papua New Guinea – YouTube] 6: [Rabaul Museum – Facebook] 7: [Mount Tavurvur – Lonely Planet] 8: [Simpson Harbour – Lonely Planet] 9: [Japanese Peace Memorial – Lonely Planet] 10: [Beehives – Lonely Planet] 11: [Vulcanology Observatory – Lonely Planet] 12: Google Coordinates on Google Map for finding the location or place being talked about in this article