|
|
|
Manus
I
New
Ireland
I
North
Solomons
I
Sandaun
I
East
Sepik
I
Madang |
|
East
New
Britain
I West
New
Britain I
Miline
Bay
I
Simbu
I
Morobe
I
Oro |
|
Western
Highlands
I
Southern
Highlands
I
Eastern
Highlands
I
Gulf
I
Enga |
|
Central
Province
I
Western
Province
I
National
Capital
District |
|
|
|
|
|
North
Solomons
Province
has
two
main
islands,
Buka
and
Bougainville
plus
a
scattering
of
smaller
islands
and
atolls.
It
is
located
north
east
of
mainland
Papua
New
Guinea.
Blessed
with
a
lovely
French
name
shares
with
an
explorer
and
one
of
the
Pacific
most
beautiful
plants,
Bougainville
is a
jewel
of
the
South
Seas.
And
while
a
decade
of
disturbance
has
wilted
the
memories
of
some,
the
island
is
being
reborn,
and
the
business
centre
of
Buka
is
booming. |
|
|
|
The
North
Solomons
Province
has
been
known
for
its
picture-perfect
beaches
and
bays
since
French
explorers
spread
the
stories
of
its
beauty
almost
200
years
ago.
The
influence
of
the
French
is
still
found
in
the
Polynesian
languages
spoken
on
the
Takuu
and
Nukumanu
islands.
In
fact
23
languages
are
spoken
throughout
the
province. |
|
|
|
Almost
a
decade
of
civil
war
left
only
the
language
of
violence
until
recently
on
the
island
of
Bougainville.
Now
the
fighting
is
finished
and
the
lovely
island
of
Bougainville
is
flourishing. Air
Niugini can
take
you
from
Port
Moresby
to
Buka
three
times
a
week
aboard
the
swift
and
comfortable
F28
jet
services.
Flights
are
scheduled
for
Tuesday,
Thursday
and
Saturday,
with
the
aircraft
returning
the
same
days.
Number
of
guest
house
and
a
small
island
resort
provide
and,
along
with
the
market,
a
good
range
of
shops
will
keep
shoppers
happy.
Cafes
and
coffee
shops
make
deliciously
good
use
of
local
produce
new
the
brand
new
hospital.
Whether
snorkeling
or
SCUBA
diving,
the
waters
off
the
coast
are
a
treasure
cove. |
|
|
|
A
Visibility
is
almost
unlimited,
with
wartime
wrecks
including
a
Japanese
Zero
aircraft
only
a
few
meters
deep.
The
crafts
and
customs
of
Buka
and
North
Bougainville
are
fascinating
for
anyone
interested
in
the
culture.
Featured
on
the
provincial
flag
is a
tall
hat,
known
as
Upei.
The
Upei
is a
woven
headdress
worn
by
young
men
at
their
initiation
and
marriage
ceremonies. |
|
|
|
Buka
is
the
provincial
capital
and
has
excellent
fishing,
snorkelling
and
swimming
in
the
clear
waters
of
the
Buka
Passage
(but
take
care
of
the
strong
currents).
Shops
and
services
for
the
town
are
located
along
the
main
waterfront,
including
the
market
and
water
taxis.
Sohano
Island
is
just
a
few
minutes
by
boat
from
Buka,
with
its
colonial
buildings
and
manicured
lawns
and
gardens.
The
steep
cliffs
provide
fine
views
over
Buka
Passage
and
there
are
good
swimming
beaches.
The
volcanic
island
of
Bougainville
is
covered
in
heavy
jungle,
and
is
home
to
one
of
the
world's
largest
caves,
Benua.
The
island's
highest
point
is
Mount
Balbi
(2685m),
a
dormant
volcano. |
|
|
|
The
descent
over
the
crystal
waters
gives
a
taste
of
what’s
to
come,
and
the
friendly
welcome
at
the
airport
is
only
a
few
minutes
drive
from
the
town
and
taxis
or
PMVs
are
now
plentiful.
North
Solomons
wooden
carving
is
also
well
known,
with
Tinputz
carving
geometrical
designs
and
the
folk
of
North
Bougainville
producing
rather
abstract
animal
and
human
forms.
To
the
south
the
village
artisan
at
Rorivana
turn
out
realistic
human
carvings. |
|
|
|
While
roads,
including
the
main
road
down
to
the
east
coast,
are
still
being
re-built,
coastal
shipping
is
still
thriving
between
Buka
and
Kieta,
near
Arawa
in
the
south. |
|
|
|
Arts
and
crafts:
Look
out
for
the
intricately
and
skillfully
woven
Buka
baskets
made
from
jungle
vine.
Sohano
Island:
Located
a
few
minutes
by
boat
from
Buka,
this
was
the
seat
of
provincial
government
until
1960
and
still
has
colonial-period
buildings
and
manicured
lawns
and
gardens.
The
steep
cliffs
provide
fine
views
over
Buka
Passage
and
back
to
Buka,
and
there
are
some
good
swimming
beaches. |
|
|
|
Things
to
do |
|
Snorkelling:
Buka
Passage
is
good
but
be
aware
of
the
strong
currents
and
get
local
advice.
The
many
little
islands
near
the
southern
end
of
the
passage
are
also
good.
Visit
the
offshore
islands:
Boats
go
out
regularly
and
these
islands
are
great
for
swimming
and
fishing.
Walking:
Trails
just
outside
town
are
pleasant
but
take
a
local
with
you.
Swimming:
The
outer
islands
of
the
North
Solomons
are
isolated,
tranquil
and
beautiful
with
white
sandy
beaches
and
clear
aqua
water
–
a
perfect
place
to
relax
in
the
sun. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
