Alotau, the capital of Milne Bay Province in Papua New Guinea, is a hidden gem for cruisers seeking history, culture, and natural beauty.
Whether you’re exploring World War II sites, diving into local traditions, or enjoying breathtaking landscapes, this guide covers everything you need to know for an unforgettable stop in Alotau.
Where Your Ship Docks
Cruise ships dock at the Alotau International Wharf, a relatively small yet well-equipped port located just outside the town center.
Port Facilities
While the port doesn’t have a dedicated cruise terminal, it provides:
- Basic amenities such as restrooms and a small welcome area
- Local vendors selling handcrafted souvenirs, fresh fruit, and seafood
- Tour guides and taxis waiting just outside the dock for travelers looking to explore independently
Proximity to Town
- The town center is about a 5-minute drive from the port.
- Some travelers prefer to walk, but due to heat and humidity, taxis or guided tours are recommended.
- Many of the best attractions require a short drive or boat ride.
Transportation Options
- Taxis: Readily available at the port, but prices should be negotiated beforehand as meters are uncommon.
- Public Transport: Minibuses run through town but can be challenging to navigate for non-locals.
- Shore Excursions: Many cruise lines offer pre-arranged tours, which are convenient for those looking to explore without the hassle of organizing transport.
- Car Rentals & Private Guides: A great option if you want a more personalized experience of Alotau.
Getting Around Alotau
Walking
- The main town area is walkable, but tropical heat can make long walks uncomfortable.
- Attractions such as the Alotau Market and Cultural Handicrafts Stalls are within reasonable distance from each other.
Taxis & Private Drivers
- Taxis are not metered, so always agree on a price before getting in.
- Hiring a private driver for the day can be a cost-effective way to see multiple attractions at your own pace.
Public Transport
- Minibuses (known locally as PMVs – Public Motor Vehicles) are available but often overcrowded.
- Not ideal for visitors who are unfamiliar with the routes and schedules.
Boat Transfers
- Some excursions require short boat rides to nearby islands and snorkel spots.
- Boats can be arranged through local tour operators at the port.
Things to Do Around the Port
Alotau offers a mix of history, culture, outdoor adventures, and stunning island landscapes. Here are 20 must-visit attractions and activities:
Historical & Cultural Experiences
- Alotau War Memorial – Commemorates the Battle of Milne Bay, where Australian forces secured an important victory against Japanese invaders during WWII.
- Turnbull War Memorial Park – Honors RAAF Squadron Leader Peter Turnbull, who played a pivotal role in the Battle of Milne Bay.
- Masurina Lodge WWII Display – Features artifacts, weapons, and wartime photographs, giving visitors insight into Papua New Guinea’s WWII history.
- Local Village Tours – Experience traditional Papuan customs, including canoe-building, fire-making, and storytelling.
- Milne Bay Cultural Festival (Seasonal) – If your cruise stop aligns, this vibrant festival features tribal dances, drumming, and canoe races.
Outdoor Adventures & Nature
- Top Town Lookout – Offers panoramic views of Milne Bay and is a fantastic spot for photography.
- Skull Cave – A sacred ancestral burial site where real human skulls from past tribal traditions can still be seen.
- Canoe & Kundu Festival (Seasonal) – A celebration of Papua New Guinea’s seafaring heritage, featuring elaborately decorated war canoes and traditional drumming.
- Snorkeling at Wagawaga – The clear turquoise waters are home to coral reefs teeming with marine life.
- Doini Island – A paradise island escape, perfect for snorkeling, hiking, and spotting tropical wildlife.
Local Markets & Shopping
- Alotau Market – The best place to experience daily local life, with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and seafood.
- Craft & Bilum Bags Market – A must-visit for handwoven bilum bags, colorful textiles, and locally made jewelry.
- Cultural Handicrafts Stalls – Perfect for purchasing wood carvings, masks, and Tapa cloth (traditional bark cloth).
Unique Experiences
- Meet the Huhu War Canoe Builders – Watch skilled artisans build and carve traditional war canoes, a craft passed down for generations.
- Traditional Cooking Class – Learn how to prepare Mumu, a local dish cooked in an underground oven.
- Guided Rainforest Walks – Discover the rich biodiversity of Alotau’s tropical jungle.
- Sunset at Alotau Wharf – A stunning spot to watch local fishermen bring in their daily catch.
- Birdwatching in Alotau – Spot rare species like the Raggiana bird-of-paradise in their natural habitat.
- Scuba Diving at Samarai Island – Explore coral reefs and WWII wrecks submerged in crystal-clear waters.
- Dance with Locals – Some excursions offer an interactive traditional dance performance, a truly immersive experience.
Food & Drinks in Alotau
Alotau is a fantastic place to experience authentic Papua New Guinean cuisine, which emphasizes fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional cooking methods.
With the abundance of fresh ingredients sourced from the sea and local farms, dishes are often simple yet full of rich, natural flavors. Many meals are cooked using age-old techniques, such as underground pit cooking, which enhances the taste and texture of the food.
If you’re a foodie, don’t miss the chance to try local specialties, fresh tropical drinks, and even some fusion cuisine offered in Alotau’s small but growing food scene.
Must-Try Dishes
Mumu – A staple dish in Papua New Guinea, Mumu is a slow-cooked feast where meat (usually pork or chicken), root vegetables like yams and sweet potatoes, bananas, and coconut milk are placed in an underground oven lined with hot stones. The result is tender, smoky, and flavorful food, infused with the rich taste of coconut and earth-fired spices.
Saksak – A unique dessert dumpling made from sago starch, often steamed and served with sweet coconut cream. Its chewy texture and mild flavor make it an excellent way to finish a traditional meal.
Fresh Barramundi – A popular local fish, barramundi is either grilled over open flames or cooked in a spicy coconut curry sauce. It’s typically served with steamed rice or cassava, giving it a perfect balance of flavors.
Kaukau (Sweet Potato Dishes) – Sweet potatoes, known locally as kaukau, are a dietary staple in Papua New Guinea. They are often boiled, mashed, fried, or roasted, and sometimes cooked in coconut milk for extra richness.
Taro & Cassava-based Meals – Taro root and cassava are widely used in traditional dishes. Whether grilled, mashed, or boiled, these starchy vegetables are commonly served as a side to grilled meats and fish.
Tulip Greens – A unique Papua New Guinean vegetable, tulip greens are commonly stir-fried with garlic, coconut milk, and sometimes a touch of chili. They are highly nutritious and add a flavorful balance to heavier meat dishes.
Banana Rice Cakes – These sweet and sticky rice cakes are flavored with ripe bananas and coconut milk, giving them a natural sweetness and satisfying chewiness.
Coconut Crab – Found in the coastal regions of Papua New Guinea, the coconut crab is a delicacy known for its sweet, succulent meat. It is typically grilled or steamed and served with a side of rice or tropical salad.
Papuan Coffee & Cacao Treats – Papua New Guinea is known for its high-quality coffee and cacao, so be sure to try a fresh brewed coffee or locally made chocolate while in Alotau.
Best Places to Eat in Alotau
While Alotau doesn’t have an extensive restaurant scene, there are a few notable spots where you can enjoy authentic local dishes and fresh seafood.
Napatana Lodge Restaurant – This charming waterfront lodge serves a mix of local, Asian, and Western dishes, making it a great place to try grilled seafood, curries, and tropical-inspired meals. It’s also one of the oldest accommodations in the region, offering a relaxed setting with ocean views.
Driftwood Resort Café – Known for its grilled fish, seafood platters, and tropical fruit smoothies, this spot is perfect for a casual yet delicious meal with a view of the Milne Bay waters.
Alotau Waterfront Restaurant – Located close to the harbor, this eatery serves traditional Papuan food with a modern twist, including fresh coconut crab, taro dishes, and seafood curries.
Local Street Food Stalls (Alotau Market) – If you’re looking for authentic and affordable food, head to the local market area, where vendors sell grilled meats, fried plantains, fresh seafood, and traditional snacks.
Masurina Lodge Dining Area – A good option for those wanting a quiet meal with international and local fusion dishes.
Shopping in Alotau
Alotau is a great place to find unique souvenirs, handcrafted goods, and locally made art pieces.
Many of these items are produced by local artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Best Souvenirs to Bring Home
Bilum Bags – These handwoven string bags are one of the most recognizable cultural symbols of Papua New Guinea. They come in a variety of patterns and colors, with each region having its distinct style. Bilum bags are traditionally used to carry food, babies, and personal items.
Wood Carvings & Masks – Papua New Guinea is famous for its intricate tribal masks and wood carvings. Many of these pieces are used in traditional ceremonies and feature bold patterns and expressive faces.
Tapa Cloth (Bark Cloth) – This handmade cloth is created from the bark of certain trees and then painted with tribal patterns. It’s often used in cultural ceremonies and as wall hangings.
Pearl & Shell Jewelry – Many artisans craft beautiful necklaces, bracelets, and earrings from mother-of-pearl shells, often incorporating local gemstones and beads.
Locally Made Coconut Products – Alotau offers a variety of coconut-based products, including soaps, oils, and skincare items, made using pure, organic coconut extracts.
Papuan Coffee & Cacao – If you’re a coffee lover, pick up some locally grown, organic coffee beans. For chocolate enthusiasts, handcrafted cacao bars are a must-try.
Where to Shop in Alotau
Alotau Market & Craft Stalls – The best place for authentic, handmade goods. Located near the waterfront, this market is filled with local vendors selling woven baskets, bilum bags, fresh produce, and seafood.
Handicraft Stalls near the Port – A smaller collection of stalls close to the cruise terminal, offering wood carvings, jewelry, and textiles.
Driftwood Resort Gift Shop – A great spot to find curated, high-quality souvenirs if you prefer shopping in a more relaxed setting.
Best Time to Visit Alotau
Papua New Guinea has a tropical climate, meaning hot temperatures and high humidity year-round. However, some seasons are more favorable for travel than others.
May to October (Dry Season) – This is the best time to visit, with mild temperatures, less rain, and lower humidity. It’s the ideal season for outdoor adventures, snorkeling, and cultural festivals.
November to April (Wet Season) – Expect heavy rainfall, high humidity, and occasional cyclones. Travel during this period can be more challenging due to flooded roads and rough sea conditions.
Festival Time: If you want to witness traditional canoe races and cultural performances, try visiting during the Canoe & Kundu Festival (November).
Safety & Travel Tips
Currency: The local currency is the Papua New Guinea Kina (PGK). Most local vendors accept cash only, so it’s best to carry small denominations.
Health & Safety:
- Avoid drinking tap water – stick to bottled or boiled water.
- Use insect repellent to protect against mosquito-borne diseases like malaria.
- Be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach.
Cultural Etiquette:
- Always ask before taking photos of locals, as some tribes consider it disrespectful.
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting villages or cultural sites.
Crime & Scams: While Alotau is generally safe, keep valuables close and avoid walking alone at night.
Conclusion
Alotau is a breathtaking cruise port that offers history, culture, and adventure in an unspoiled tropical paradise.
Whether you’re exploring WWII battle sites, snorkeling in pristine waters, or engaging with local communities, this destination promises an enriching experience.
Plan ahead, embrace the local culture, and make the most of your time in this extraordinary part of Papua New Guinea.
