RAPOPO PLANTATION RESORT

Rabaul, the capital of East New Britain province, was built up from a mangrove swamp by the Germans, called Simpsonhafen at the time, who introduced coconut plantations as a major cash crop and export. It came under British Empire rule in 1919, when it became the capital of the Australian Mandated Territory of New Guinea until 1937, when it was first destroyed by the nearby volcano, Mt Tavurvur. In 1942 it fell into Japanese hands, becoming the main base of the Japanese Imperial Navy in the South Pacific theatre until 1945. Despite the town of Rabaul being destroyed in 1994 by a volcanic eruption, there are very interesting underground bunkers and tunnels to be visited. As a result of the volcanic explosion, 80% of the buildings in Rabaul collapsed under the weight of the ash, and the provincial capital was moved 20 kilometres away to Kokopo. Kokopo is now a busy, clean town, with a lovely, lively market. 

Rapopo Plantation Resort  is conveniently located between Kokopo and Tokua Airport and is part of a working plantation. The resort has an idyllic setting, surrounded by a working cocoa and coconut plantation. It is about a 5 minute drive to Kokopo and a 10 minute drive to Tokua (Rabaul) Airport.  The resort is right on the beach front, overlooking Pigeon Island and the bellowing Mt Tavurvur. The resort is quiet except the sound of the breaking waves. The magnificent views of Mt Tavurvur at daybreak and sunset are superb. There are landscaped gardens and tropically themed décor and cool comfort with air-conditioning in every room.

Eco-friendly Rapopo Plantation Resort offers deep sea game fishing, internationally-qualified scuba experts to guide you through the magical world of coral gardens, the teeming habitat of the bountiful, multi-colored marine life, and some excellent World War Two wrecks.