25/05/2023
If you are looking for an adventurous and scenic way to explore Rabaul Harbour, you might want to consider a tour that includes visiting the beehive rocks, taking a boat ride around Matupit Island to the shores of Mount Tavuruvur Volcano, and sightseeing around Talvat Point before returning to Rabaul. In this blog post, I will share with you my experience of this tour and some tips on how to make the most of it.
The tour started from the Rabaul Yacht Club, where we boarded a small motorboat that took us to the beehive rocks. These are two cone-shaped islands that rise from the water near the entrance of the harbour. They are actually remnants of ancient volcanoes that have been eroded by the sea over time. The rocks are home to various seabirds and offer a stunning contrast to the blue water and the green hills in the background.
I was amazed by the beauty and tranquility of the beehive rocks. I felt like I was in a different world, away from the hustle and bustle of the town. I enjoyed watching the birds flying around and nesting on the rocks. I also noticed some fish swimming near the surface of the water. Our guide told us that the beehive rocks are a popular fishing spot for locals and tourists alike. He said that we could try our luck if we had some fishing gear with us, but we decided to stick to our itinerary.
Tip: If you want to go fishing at the beehive rocks, make sure you bring your own fishing gear or rent some from the yacht club. The best time to fish is in the morning or evening, when the fish are more active.
After taking some photos of the beehive rocks, we continued our boat ride around Matupit Island, which is one of the four islands that form the rim of Rabaul's caldera. Matupit is inhabited by the Tolai people, who have a rich culture and history. We learned that they have adapted to living in a volcanic environment and have developed a system of land tenure based on the fertility of the soil. We also saw some of their traditional houses and gardens along the shore.
One of the most interesting aspects of Tolai culture is their use of shell money, called tabu, which is still widely used today for ceremonies and exchanges. Tabu is made from polished shells that are strung together in different patterns and lengths. Each tabu has a different value and meaning depending on its shape, color, and origin. We had a chance to see some tabu at a local market, where they were sold alongside fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts. Our guide explained that tabu is not only a currency but also a symbol of identity and social status for the Tolai people.
I was fascinated by the variety and intricacy of tabu. I wanted to buy some as souvenirs, but I was not sure how much they were worth or how to bargain with the sellers. Our guide offered to help us, but he also warned us not to offend anyone by offering too little or asking too many questions. He said that tabu is more than just money; it is also a sign of respect and friendship. He advised us to buy only what we really liked and could afford, and to thank the sellers sincerely.
The highlight of the tour was reaching the base of Mount Tavuruvur Volcano, which is one of the most active volcanoes in Papua New Guinea. It last erupted in 2014, sending ash and smoke into the air and affecting nearby towns and villages. We could see steam rising from its crater and hear rumbling noises from inside. Our guide told us that it was safe to approach the volcano as long as we stayed on the beach and did not climb up the slope. He also warned us not to touch any rocks or sand that were hot or had a sulfur smell.
I was both excited and nervous to see Mount Tavuruvur up close. I had never seen a volcano before, let alone an active one. I wondered what it would feel like if it erupted again while we were there. I hoped that it would not happen, but I also secretly wished that it would, just for a moment, so that I could witness its power and glory. I felt a mix of awe and fear as I stood near its base and looked up at its smoking peak.
We spent some time marveling at the power and beauty of nature and taking pictures of the volcano from different angles. We also collected some volcanic rocks as souvenirs. Then we got back on our boat and headed to Talvat Point, which is a scenic spot on the opposite side of the harbour. There we had a picnic lunch and enjoyed the view of Rabaul town and Simpson Harbour. We also saw some WWII relics, such as bunkers and gun emplacements, that reminded us of Rabaul's history as a major Japanese base during the war.
I was surprised by how much history was hidden in Talvat Point. I had read about Rabaul's role in WWII before, but I had never seen any evidence of it in person. I was curious about what happened there during those years and how it affected the people who lived there. Our guide told us some stories about the battles that took place there and how some locals resisted or collaborated with the Japanese forces. He also showed us some artifacts that he had found in the area, such as bullets, helmets, and coins.
Tip: If you are interested in learning more about Rabaul's WWII history, you can visit some other sites that have more information and displays, such as Rabaul War Museum or Bitapaka War Cemetery. You can also join a guided tour that covers more historical locations, such as tunnels, caves, wrecks, and memorials.
After lunch, we returned to our boat and made our way back to Rabaul Yacht Club, where our tour ended. It was an unforgettable experience that gave me a glimpse of Rabaul's natural and cultural wonders. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see Rabaul Harbour from a different perspective and have some fun along the way.
