Kokopo: A Beachfront City of History and Festivity
Serving as East New Britain’s capital, Kokopo, Papua New Guinea, is home around 20,000 residents. It was previously referred to as Herbertshöhe under the rule of the Germans during the late 1880s until the late 1910s. It was also the German New Guinea’s capital until 1910. Today, Kokopo is the base of the Papua New Guinea Hunters (PNG Hunters), a rugby league founded back in 2013.
Best Time to Visit
Kokopo in July is marked with comfortable weather and high temperatures, with numerous tourists coming into the town. This is because the Warwagira & Mask Festival is held during this month. Since tourism is booming, expect expensive Kokopo, Papua New Guinea hotels, especially in July and August.
What to Do & Area Attractions
To familiarize yourself with the local culture, the Kokopo Market is always worth a stroll. It has plenty of local produce and crafts that you can take home as souvenirs, too. You can then learn more about the city’s history with a trip around the Kokopo War Museum, where a large collection of airplane parts and relics dating back to World War II are housed.
When staying overnight, check out Kokopo Beach Bungalows Resort, which sits by the shore and provides guests with free continental breakfast. Another beachfront accommodation in the area is the four-star Rapopo Plantation Resort. Guests booked at the hotel can enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast, a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a beautiful view of the beach.