Located on the eastern tip of the South Pacific island nation of Papua New Guinea (PNG), lies the beautiful province of Milne Bay and the sleepy town of Alotau.

Booming with cultural diversity and a unique way of life, Milne Bay is known for its beautiful beaches, tropical climate, rich marine life, fishing and diving spots, and lush rain forests. It has so much to offer, so much so that you may not know where to even begin!

So if you are ever on this side of the world and looking for great adventure, here are the Top 10 Carefully Crafted Things to Do in Milne Bay!

 

1. Learn about the WW2 Battle of Milne Bay

Alotau saw some serious action during World War II, specifically the Battle of Milne Bay between the Australian Allies and the Japanese army.

In August 1942, the Japanese forces arrived at the shores of Milne Bay with the strategic aim of building a naval and air force base as support for their plans for an overland invasion of Port Moresby. As they advanced, they were met with great resistance by the Allied forces on the ground. The Battle of Milne Bay is significant because it marked the first successful defeat of the Japanese forces by the Allies at that time. It was at that point that the war played out in favor of the Allies.

Visit relics, battle sites, and memorials in and around Alotau town and learn about this historic battle.

 

 

2. Hop on board for an adrenaline-packed fishing experience

Fishing in Milne Bay is wild; in these warm and clear waters, where the fish are plentiful, you never know what to expect! Milne Bay consists of a chain of islands surrounded by vast coral reefs and many hotspots where the fish are biting, home to trevally, mackerel, tuna, and more!

If you're up for a fun day out on the water landing a big catch, jump on board for an exciting fishing experience!

 

3. Visit the Eastern Tip of Papua New Guinea—East Cape

East Cape, also known as "Kehelala" to the locals, is located at the most eastern tip of PNG; its unique location is what makes it special. Enjoy beautiful sightseeing on a 1-hour drive tour from Alotau to East Cape; upon arrival, you are greeted with smiles from the friendly locals; taste the local cuisine at the market there; and finally, take and share a photo of you standing at the tip of Papua New Guinea!

 

 

4. Snorkel in and around the Muscoota Shipwreck

After being used as a coal barge during WW2, HMS Muscoota began to leak and was scuttled in the Discovery Bay of Wagawaga. More than 70 years later, she makes for the perfect snorkeling spot! The Muscoota shipwreck is among the many great snorkeling spots Milne Bay has to offer.

 

 

5. Enjoy a Day in the Sun at Kileton Island

Among the many beautiful white sandy beaches scattered throughout the province, only 2 kilometers out from Alotau is the stunning Kileton Island!

Have a cold beer on the white sandy beach or snorkel among a vast array of unique coral reefs. Delight yourself in the colorful corals and abundance of marine life; you will only want to keep going!

Kileton Island is ideal for an enjoyable, fun day in the sun!

 

6. Dive into the Colonial and Missionary Past of Milne Bay

During 1889–1899 were the years of the Gold Rush, which brought European interest to the provinces, specifically Samarai Island, which was known to be the boom town and entrance to Milne Bay at some point, the central location that eventually spread prospectors throughout the rest of the province. Following its destruction in World War II, today little is left of Samarai Island.

Around the same time as the gold rush, the church was permanently established in the province by Catholic and Methodist missionaries.

Explore the colonial and missionary periods frozen in time on Samarai Island, Kwato Island, and Kileton Island.

 

 

7. Experience the local way of life in Milne Bay at Nuli Sapi

Located on Logea Island, 1 hour and 30 minutes from Alotau (or 5 minutes from Samarai Island), sit the Nuli Sapi Bungalows, overlooking the China Strait.

Here at Nuli Sapi, apart from fishing and snorkeling with manta rays, other activities that you can do to experience the local way of life include clay pot cooking, fishing from a canoe, crab hunting, and more!

If you are big on ecotourism, Nuli Sapi is a must!

 

(Photo credit: Rich34222 Ecmouth United Kingdom – Trip Advisor)

 

8. Diving in and around Tawali

If you love diving, pull on your fins and diving goggles; Tawali is waiting for you!

Just off the coast of Milne Bay, only accessible by boat, with 24 dive spots, sits the iconic Tawali Dive Resort. Explore the vibrant underwater world and discover a whole new perspective with this exhilarating snorkeling experience!

 

9. Watch the Goldie's Bird of Paradise.

Grab your binoculars, insect repellent, and a hat!

Papua New Guinea's national animal, the Goldie's Bird of Paradise, is found nowhere else in PNG except in the foothills of Normanby and Ferguson Islands in Milne Bay Province.
Birdwatchers, this is an experience you don’t want to miss. Hire a local guide who is knowledgeable about the area and the bird species found there, and prepare for an extraordinary bird-watching experience!

 

 

10. Visit the Scull Cave... if you're up for it!

If you're brave and up for an adventure, the scull caves are located near the Tawali Resort, 1 hour and 30 minutes' drive from Alotau.

It stems from an ancient practice where, when a revered member of the community dies, they are buried upright with a clay pot placed over their heads. As eerie as it may seem, visiting the Skull Caves can be a fascinating and educational experience for those interested in Milne Bay history and archaeology.

 

 

If you are planning a trip to Milne Bay in search of an adventure or just to escape the busyness of city life and enjoy a relaxing vacation, we hope our non-exhaustive list of things to do in Milne Bay will help you plan and enjoy your stay in the bay. See you soon!