Alotau

Located 365 km away from Papua New Guinea’s capital of Port Moresby, Alotau is the gateway to the Milne Bay Province. This sleepy, sprawling and rather rustic township rests on the northern shore of Milne Bay and features a large fresh food market as well as a vibrant arts and crafts market. The best time to visit is during the first weekend of November when the town hosts the Milne Bay Canoe & Kundu Festival. One of Papua’s cultural highlights, the festival features dozens of canoes, some carrying 40-plus warriors adorned in traditional dress, paddling to the rhythmic beat of island drums. The dance performances are even more spectacular and are performed by brilliantly attired groups of tribesmen from all around Milne Bay. Other attractions in the area include a number of WWII monuments and some excellent opportunities for both saltwater and freshwater fishing safaris!