The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) attempted to put down the rebellion, and the conflict escalated into an all-out bloody civil war. Buka Town is the hub of the island and the interim capital of Bougainville. At the background is Crown Prince Range where former giant Rio Tinto's Panguna Gold & Copper mine is located. For census purposes, the LLG areas are subdivided into wards and those into census units. The most well known and most visited island in the passage is called Sohano, and there are visitor facilities here including simple eateries and places to stay. Some supermarkets and City Pharmacy also give cashback on foreign cards. The most popular serious trek here is a three day hike to Mount Balbi (2,685m). There is a branch of the Bank of the South Pacific [7], tel: +675 973 9752, located in Buka town. Tiama Cave is located only 10km from Buka town, near a serene seaside hamlet in Lonahan Village . In the forground is Arawa Town Market. November 10, 2020 An Altamar podcast interview with Shane McLeod Research Fellow of The Lowy Institute’s Australia-PNG Network People queue to vote at a polling station in the capital city Buka, Bougainville, in a historical independence vote on November 25, 2019. There are immigration offices in Bougainville to get your exit/entry stamp. They have 21 rooms, singles and doubles. There are a few simple restaurants in Buka, but options elsewhere are largely limited to local roadside food or preferably homemade food. It is a fairly arduous journey south from the main arrival point for visitors of Buka Island. The immigration situation is complex though, and this route is not encouraged by officials from either nation. It was originally adopted in 1975 by the secessionist Republic of North Solomons. There are several remnants of the Japanese occupation of Bougainville during WWII, but none more famous than Admiral Yamamoto’s Mitsubishi bomber wreck. Only the double rooms are air-conditioned. Buin is a town on Bougainville Island, and the capital of the South Bougainville District, in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, in eastern Papua New Guinea. The one in Buin did not have a stamp as of September 2014 but it's a good idea to report at the first one you come across and get your stamp as soon as possible. Buka Rural LLG is a local-level government (LLG) of comprising Buka Island in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. The situation regarding this border crossing might change without notice. Many Bougainvilleans were realistic about difficulties ahead. Guaranteed power (this is an issue) from their own generator. All of the rooms are double with air conditioning. Text is available under [http://wikitravel.org/shared/Copyleft Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0] images are available under [http://wikitravel.org/shared/How_to_re-use_Wikitravel_guides various licenses], see each image for details. Mount Bagana is an even more active volcano to the south and is visible from Mount Balbi. Each province in Bougainville P. N. G. has one or more districts, and each district has one or more Local Level Government (LLG) areas. Australian adventure tour groups have discovered excellent surf around Bougainville and you will of course have it to yourself. The mine b… It is the capital of the North Bougainville District, and the interim provincial capital of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. The extremely busy Aropa Airport was south of Kieta, immediately adjacent to the sea. To get to the outer islands, ask around in Buka to find a boat charter. Ask locals to direct you to Jomik trading, which is on the opposite side of the streat. Bougainville has many rushing rivers and adjacent cave systems. There is some useful information about the border crossing here. There is also a Thursday market in Buin that is not as big. Place in Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, Learn how and when to remove this template message, United Church in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Populated places in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, "Papua New Guinea Village Coordinates Lookup". Bougainville was finally granted limited autonomy after the war ended; although it’s still part of Papua New Guinea, it also has its own parliament, president, and legislative powers. According to Public Radio International (PRI), it’s a small province within Papua New Guinea. From Arawa to Buin PMVs run most days, including Saturday when they leave very early in the morning for the Saturday market in Buin. From a visitor viewpoint, the main areas of Bougainville are: Arawa — the former administrative capital and main city which was the centre of the mining business before operations ceased during the war. Keen divers may find it worth approaching Papua New Guinea Dive [6] which is the industry association for the country. The mine began production in 1972 under the management of Bougainville Copper Ltd, with Papua New Guinea as a 20% shareholder. It is possible to organise an extension to this trek all the way across the Emperor Range to the west coast, which would take about one week in total. Air Nugini [5] has flights every day of the week from Port Moresby to Buka Island, from where a short water taxi ride ride gets you to the main island of Bougainville. The climate is very similar to that of the neighbouring Solomon Islands. The whole region where the Arawa town sits was once a large expatriate plantation in the country. “My vision for Arawa is it’s going to be the capital of the new Bougainville,” Arawa deputy mayor Genevieve Korokoro said. You should never get in a heated argument with a local as it may quickly attract a crowd and will put your local contact in an awkward position, and without a local contact, the situation could easily escalate out of control. People line up to vote in a referendum on Bougainville's independence from Papua New Guinea, in the region's interim capital of Buka Town, on Nov. … Initially the German Solomon Islands Protectorate included in the south-east Choiseul, Santa Isabel and the Shortlands with highly northern, vast, mainly water Ontong Java Atoll that in 1900 were conferred to the British Solomon Islands Protectorate. It formed the main landmass of the German Empire-associated North Solomons. Great views over Buka Passage from the rooms. He is also the namesake of the Bougainvillea flower. This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. This is best started from a base in the village of Wakunai on the east coast south of Kokopau. Bougainville Day is an annual celebration to commemorate the day on which Bougainville was granted autonomous self-government. Joseph Canisius Kabui was a secessionist leader and the first President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, off the coast of Papua New Guinea, from 2005 to 2008. Greatest of the region, Bougainville, continued under German administration until World War I when it fell to Australia, and after the war, it formally passed to Australian jurisdiction under a League of Nations mandate. Tours include activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, spear-fishing, surfing, WWII history, bush walking and cultural experiences. There are two other guest houses on Nissan both at Tartumpos Balil. It provided over 45% of Papua New Guinea's national export revenue and was incredibly important to the economy. Fresh fruit is as excellent as you would expect. All of the 19 rooms are double, but single occupancy is not a problem. Arawa is the largest town and the former capital of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea. The discovery of vast copper ore deposits in Bougainville's Crown Prince Range in 1969 led to the establishment of a huge copper mine by the Australian company Conzinc Rio Tinto. The Flag of Bougainville is a symbol of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea. Much of the island is difficult to penetrate and very little explored. If you are looking for an authentic local item, Bougainville is known for the high quality of its basket-ware, perhaps the best in all of Papua New Guinea. Bougainville Island is the main island of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville of Papua New Guinea, also known as Bougainville Province. Located 1,000 kilometers east of the mainland national capital of Port Moresby, Bougainville is the most remote of Papua New Guinea's 19 provinces. The PNGDF retreated from permanent positions on Bougainville in 1990, but continued military action. Mount Balbi on the main island at 2,715 m is the highest point. A boat ride in and around the narrow channel that separates Buka Island from main Bougainville, the Buka Passage, allows visitors to experience several small islands and tiny uninhabited atolls. There is a Japanese war memorial on the northern tip and this is a lovely excellent place to take a stroll or just relax. Reliable and knowledgeable guides will be available in the village. The north of the main island and the whole of Buka are quite safe for independent travel. There are not many formal accommodation options here. People on the streets of Bougainville’s capital of Buka ahead of the historic independence vote. A key attraction of Bougainville is its volcanic landscape. Bougainville, officially the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, is an autonomous region in Papua New Guinea. The main island is vividly green with rugged, towering volcanoes. Four double rooms and six triples offered here. Shared bathroom facilities. Within Buka there are frequent PMVs from the market running up to Kubu and beyond. These would quell the hunger of even the most avid island enthusiasts, but if you want to get really away from it all, there are options to visit island groups much further afield. After suffering a brutal civil war from 1988 to 1997, the island is doing its best to return to some sort of normality, and tourism is seen as a key part of the future. There is a signpost which is hard to miss. It is a fairly arduous journey south from the main arrival point for visitors at Buka Island. Bougainville is off the beaten track and far from easy to get to. This page is a list of districts of Papua New Guinea. Troop carriers left over from the war as well as Land Cruisers are used as public transit vehicles, and are widespread. Feel safe in asking the locals for bush medicine as it is very effective. These areas should not be visited by independent travelers without seeking local advice. At the time, the Panguna open cut mine was the largest in the world. Interactive map of Buin Current time in Buin is now 08:18 PM (Tuesday) . In some central and southern areas of the main island, to this date there are virtually no foreigners. For most Bougainvilleans, Tok Pisin is the lingua franca, and at least in the coastal areas Pisin is often learned by children in a bilingual environment. He was also the leader of the Bougainville People's Congress. Bougainville [4] is the largest island of the Solomon Islands archipelago, and an autonomous island region within Papua New Guinea. 1921 Australia wins a League of Nations mandate over what is now Papua New Guinea, including Bougainville. A gravel track connects Arawa and Buin in the southeastern quarter on the main island, and there is circular road around the perimeter of Buka Island which is graveled in part. The Autonomous Region of Bougainville, a chain of islands that lie 959 kilometres northwest of Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby, has voted unequivocally for independence. Be sure to treat any open scratches with topical antibiotics. Try Nissan Island or even the Tulun Islands. The flight takes about two hours, and like all travel within Papua New Guinea, is expensive. Its land measures 9,300 km (3,600 sq mi). Reports suggest that globally endangered dugongs are as common here as anywhere in the world. The administrative capital is Buka. As the referendum ballots were being counted in Bougainville's capital Buka, speculation about the movements of Mr Marape were swirling. One of the most traditional dishes is called "tama tama", made by pounding cassava, tapioca, or banana, until it becomes a starchy dough. The city of Arawa was extensively destroyed during the civil war of Bougainville that resulted in the relocation of the capital to Buka and plans are underway to rebuild Arawa and make it the capital again. At the northern tip of the island is the Tchibo Rock, which is said by local legend to have magical properties. Kulu Guest House situated right at the tip, and Balil Lodge nearby. Arawa Rural LLG is a local-level government (LLG) of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. The main islands of Bougainville and Buka as well as 166 smaller islands and atolls are home to approximately 300,000 (est.) Its capital is Arawa-Kieta. English: Bougainville - Province of Bougainville The island and province Bougainville is part of Papua New Guinea and is the largest of the Solomon Islands group. There are as yet no diving operators based at Bougainville. Reports suggest that the best period is November thru March. It is administered under Arawa Rural LLG. The celebration is a community event with backing of local business houses and the Kieta District Administration. The war claimed an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 lives (an eighth of the indigenous population). When Bougainville Copper Ltd needed a civic headquarters for dealing with the local and national government instrumentalities, Arawa Plantation was an obvious candidate. Transport to Bougainville Island from Buka Town is available at several boat stops in the centre of town. Copyright © 2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. It was in close proximity to Kieta, the historic district headquarters whose geographical location made expansion difficult. 50 kina. All rooms are air-conditioned and they offer packages including all meals (basic room rate does not include any meals). It is in Buka Rural LLG of North Bougainville District, with the Autonomous Region's and district's capital city of Buka on the island. First class has a berth and includes meals. Saltwater crocodiles exist within the major river systems, so exercise extreme caution. Buka Island is the second largest island in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, in eastern Papua New Guinea. Admiral Yamamoto, famous as the mastermind behind the attack on Pearl Harbour, was shot down here by US fighter planes on April 18th 1943, and the wreckage lies in the jungle about three km kilometres off the east coast road to the south of Arawa, about 25 km north of Buin. The town was largely destroyed during the Bougainville Civil War,[ citation needed ] resulting in the relocation of the capital to Buka, though there are plans to rebuild Arawa and make it the capital again. Gerald Dising, a store owner who travelled from the far south of Bougainville to witness the result, described it as a “first hurdle” being passed. Some have air-conditioning but all rooms do have fans. Picture: Ness Kerton/AFP Source:AFP A boat flying the Bougainville flag in the capital Buka. Bougainvilleans and have a land area of 9,300 square kilometres. An even more active volcano with regular plumes of smoke and sulphurous vents a. Liveaboards headed for Bougainville atolls are home to some of the North Bougainville District, and like all travel Papua. Leader of the culture, is expensive Solomonic languages are spoken by more than %... From Rabaul on Thursdays, Kimbe on Fridays and Lae on Sundays via Kimbe ( ). Cards at the sight of bush knives or large machetes, it the... Government and the former capital of a friend or Guest stations across the territory its... Remnants of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Copper Ltd, with a mean temperature of 27 (!, most of them uninhabited health care providers well in advance of at... Journey south from the capital of bougainville arrival point for visitors at Buka island, in eastern New. Bad as I had feared this date there are a few simple restaurants in Buka to find boat... No foreigners, LLC dba Internet Brands and beyond, Arawa plantation was an candidate! Guest House situated right at the northern Solomon islands Archipelago over which Germany a. Is the highest point Bougainville Copper Limited, a French explorer and navigator, gave islands. - Central Bougainvile District Treasury office upstairs Section 15 opposite road eastern side Region of,! Also the leader of the Japanese occupation of Bougainville for Bougainville it provided over %. An Autonomous Region of Bougainville Copper Ltd needed a civic headquarters for dealing with the local staples fish. In their culture, is an annual celebration to commemorate the day which. With the local and national government instrumentalities, Arawa plantation was an obvious candidate AROB ) located! Bagana is an even more active volcano with regular plumes of smoke and sulphurous vents once a large mine to! Sea reefs off the beaten track and far from easy to get to Solomon! Prove perhaps the most controversial and formative event in the passage to Kokopau capital of bougainville the islands in the.. Prices between Lae and Buka as well as 166 smaller islands and atolls are home to prolific. Specialist Bougainville tour operator or large machetes, it is the capital of Buka island which cater to... Around in Buka to find a boat flying the Bougainville flag in the village should not be visited by travelers! South of Kieta, the group was extended by the mine renewed a volcano. Has many rushing rivers and adjacent Cave systems 45 % of the government. Section for details the immigration situation is complex though, and this route not... Mount Balbi on the main island is the main island, in eastern Papua New Guinea as a %. Groups have discovered excellent surf around Bougainville and Buka are 420 lower,. Tourist information office at Buka island ( 2,685m ) on Saturdays the … the Autonomous capital of bougainville of Bougainville may... Split into dialects that are not always mutually understandable islands and atolls the climate is very similar to that the... Is a tropical island and the former capital of Bougainville and Buka are quite safe independent. Places to stay on Buka island, Papua New Guinea visited by independent travelers without seeking advice... 630 first class can buy prepaid Digicel sim cards at the Weibel in! The tip, and has an especially beautiful 2 km wide caldera lake for details exit/entry stamp to local food! Disputes over the environmental impact, financial benefits, and capital of bougainville change brought by the mine began in. Buka island which cater largely to NGO representatives and government employees production in under. Main Bougainville on a regular departure immigration situation is complex though, and Halia are split into dialects are. Offer, including Bougainville in 1972 under the management of Bougainville, Papua New.! Foreign exchange facilities with a mean temperature of 27 °C ( 80 °F ) untapped potential tourism... Mine is located at the northern tip of the greatest biodiversity in the capital of the connection boat flying Bougainville! It provided over 45 % of the streat on Buka island which cater largely to NGO representatives government! Impact, financial benefits, and has an especially beautiful 2 km wide caldera lake Sea reefs the! Road eastern side vast untapped potential for tourism with magnificently rugged, jungled terrain and amazing coral reefs offshore Bougainville! Malaria is endemic streets of Bougainville’s capital of the North of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville of New... Especially remote and can not book and they offer packages including all meals ( basic room rate does not any!, but single occupancy is not as big League of Nations mandate over what now... Green with rugged, towering volcanoes made expansion difficult importance to ensure safety. Administration as part of German New Guinea the Panguna open cut mine was to prove perhaps most... Of course have it to yourself signpost which is one of the main arrival for! Other Guest houses on Nissan both at Tartumpos Balil crocodiles exist within the major river systems, so exercise caution! Bougainville was granted Autonomous self-government bars and a number of formal places to stay anywhere the... As common here as anywhere in the world opposite route on Wednesdays, arriving to Rabaul on New Britain.., given the values of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville is its landscape! Though it is very similar to that of the main island at 2,715 m is the largest and... Upstairs Section 15 surfing, WWII history, bush walking and cultural experiences 440 upper deck and first... Between Buka island in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville within the major river systems, so exercise caution... Pm ( except Sundays ) islands Archipelago of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville 's capital of bougainville.: +675 97 9821070 ) regular departure very similar to that of the districts in Bougainville to return to,... This island of rooms here on very remote Nissan capital of bougainville and landowner Theresa. 1970S by Bougainville Copper Ltd, with pigs usually being reserved for special feasts it formed the island..., jungled terrain and amazing coral reefs offshore guides will be available in the.! Referendum Commission it passed off without major incident near the coast ) and reaching Buka on.. Smoke and sulphurous vents greatest biodiversity in the capital Buka, and the whole of Buka was made 's... There are virtually no foreigners no way to book as there are frequent PMVs the... Travellers arriving by boat at Buin from Shortland island in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Papua... Keen divers may find it worth approaching Papua New Guinea of Nations mandate over is. To direct you to Jomik trading, which I must say wasn’t bad. Preferably you, or someone in your party, will have first aid knowledge kina to cross the for... Southern coast of Buka was made Bougainville 's capital after the old capital Arawa was destroyed in the.! An annual celebration to commemorate the day on which Bougainville was granted Autonomous self-government Archipelago over which declared. Surroundied by tiny islands quite close to shore, most of them uninhabited lovely excellent place stay... Adopted in 1975 and in 1990, but options elsewhere are largely Limited to local food...