4.5-Hour War History Tour in Rabaul and Kokopo with Bitapaka

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore the historic Japanese Underground Hospital, a four-storey WWII tunnel
• 02 Immerse yourself in Rabaul's wartime past at the Kokopo War Museum
• 03 Enjoy scenic drives with views of the Blue Lagoon tunnels
• 04 Pay respects at Bitapaka War Cemetery, a memorial for 1,120 soldiers

Embark on a 4.5-hour journey from Rabaul Wharf through key sites of wartime history in East New Britain. Visit the historic Japanese Underground Hospital, a four-storey WWII tunnel, continue to the Kokopo War Museum for deeper insight into Rabaul's wartime past, and enjoy scenic views including the Blue Lagoon tunnels along the way. Depending on the day, briefly explore the vibrant Kokopo Market or head straight to Bitapaka. The tour concludes at Bitapaka War Cemetery, a memorial for 1,120 soldiers, mostly Australians, before a leisurely drive back to Rabaul Wharf.

8:25 AM: Arrive at the unique Japanese Underground Hospital, a fascinating four-storey tunnel that served as a hospital during WWII.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kokopo, Rabaul

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Kokopo Highlights and War History Tour

• 8:00 AM: Depart Rabaul Wharf for the Japanese Underground Hospital.
• 8:25 AM: Arrive at the unique Japanese Underground Hospital, a fascinating four-storey tunnel that served as a hospital during WWII.
• 8:50 AM: Depart the Underground Hospital and take a scenic drive to the Kokopo War Museum. Along the way, see the tunnels at the Blue Lagoon and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
• 9:20 AM: Arrive at the Kokopo War Museum, a significant site where you can delve deeper into the history of war in Rabaul.
• 9:40 AM: Depart for Kokopo Market, except on Sundays, when you go straight to Bitapaka.
• 9:50 AM: Arrive at Kokopo Market and briefly tour the beautiful market.
• 10:10 AM: Depart for Bitapaka War Cemetery.
• 10:40 AM: Arrive at Bitapaka War Cemetery. Bitapaka has a history dating back to WWI and is now a memorial for 1,120 soldiers, mostly Australians.
• 11:10 AM: Depart Bitapaka War Cemetery for a scenic drive back to Rabaul Wharf.
• 12:30 PM: Arrive at Rabaul Wharf.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Transport
• English-speaking tour guide
• Bottled water
• Site fees

What's Not Included

• Insurance

What to bring

• Sunglasses and hats
• Sunscreen
• Small change, preferably in PNG Kina, to buy gifts at the sites

Know before you go

• The tour does not involve a lot of walking.
• This is a scheduled tour, so timing is precise.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

Tour start

Rabaul East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.