Confront Our Culture
Rabaul is renowned for its rich traditions of song, dance, and ceremonies. These range from deeply rooted cultural rituals to songs telling stories of recent events, and even entertaining performances filled with humor and local flavor.
In more recent times, “String Bands” featuring guitars and ukuleles have become popular, followed by “Paus Bens” — groups using electric and electronic instruments. This music is so beloved that you’ll hear it playing in every shop and on every bus around Rabaul and Kokopo.
Choral singing is also a key part of Tolai life. Church groups often perform both traditional and contemporary hymns in beautiful, undirected four-part harmony.
National Mask Festival and Warwagira
Held every mid-July, the National Mask Festival and Warwagira is a highlight of the cultural calendar. This multi-day event showcases the best of our singsings, string bands, paus bens, and choirs. Designed mainly for visitors, the festival offers an up-close look at a wide variety of cultural performances.
We can organize a custom visit for you that combines festival highlights with broader experiences around the Rabaul-Kokopo area and the nearby Duke of York Islands.
Island Life on Matupit
Welcome to another world—Matupit Island, my home. As your ship enters Rabaul Harbour, you’ll see Matupit lying low to the starboard side. Once a true island, it is now a peninsula stretching out into the harbor between the Tavurvur volcano and Rabaul town.
Your journey will start at the Volcanological Observatory (“Haus Guria”), followed by a tour through the ruins of old Rabaul town. You’ll see areas impacted by the volcanic eruptions of 1994 and 2014, and stop at the famous hot springs, where local youth will boil megapode eggs for you—a unique experience!
Though heavily affected by the 1994 eruption, Matupit was mostly spared in 2014. You’ll explore areas being restored by the resilient Matupit community, including the United Church, local homes, public buildings, and, most importantly for us Tolais, our food and flower gardens.
An Interactive Experience
This is more than a tour—it’s a chance to live our culture.
You’ll help us prepare a traditional “mumu” and “aigir” lunch (with chicken or vegetable options). Mumu involves cooking food parcels underground with hot stones, while aigir uses a pot with heated stones—all flavored with rich coconut milk.
You’ll learn to weave fine mats with pandanus leaves, make baskets with coconut fronds, and string “tambu” shell money for display. Join our singing group and learn a simple Tolai song and dance.
After lunch, we’ll take you to Rabaul Market, where you’ll see the vibrant abundance of tropical produce, local crafts, and handmade items—all available for purchase.
Tours to Your Taste
We also offer personalized tours for individuals and small groups. Just tell us what you’d like to see and experience—we’ll make it happen.