Useful Information for Visitors to Bougainville
If you are considering travelling to Bougainville, you should NOT expect a polished infrastructure, easy online booking systems, regular transport timetables, and a large number of tourists.
Instead you will find communities where tourism is still a relatively new concept. You need to travel with a respect for local protocols, and an understanding that things will happen when people are ready. If you have an open mind and a flexible approach, you will be welcomed by incredibly friendly people and opportunities to explore areas which only few visitors have had the privilege of seeing.
Climate
Bougainville’s climate is tropical with temperatures ranging from 26-30 degrees Celsius and high humidity. Rainfall in Bougainville varies with topography and latitude. Southern Bougainville tends to receive almost double the annual rainfall of parts of Northern Bougainville, 4500mm and 2500mm respectively.
Time Zone
The Autonomous Region of Bougainville is 11 hours ahead of Universal Coordinated Time (UCT+11), in the same time zone as the Solomon Islands. It is one hour ahead of Port Moresby. There is no daylight saving.
Currency & Banking
The unit of currency in Bougainville is the Papua New Guinea Kina (PGK). Most businesses in Buka Town accept EFTPOS, although if travelling to rural areas cash tends to be the most reliable way to operate. Cash is also needed at the markets.
The Bank of South Pacific (BSP) is the only commercial bank in Bougainville and has branches in Buka and Arawa (www.bsp.com.pg).
Language
Most Bougainvilleans speak three languages - their local indigenous language, Pigeon English, and English. In most places you will be able to get by speaking English, but it is great to learn a few words of Pigeon English - or Tok Pisin as it it locally known.
Morning Tru - Good Morning
Abinun tru - Good Afternoon/evening
Tenkyu Tru - Thank you very much
Nem Blong Me Mary - My name is Mary
Gutpla dei - Have a good day!
Ne ken wari - No problem!
The power points are the same as in Australia and New Zealand. Many areas in Bougainville have mains electricity - in Buin and Arawa these are solar generated and in Buka they are run on diesel. However power cuts are common, and you will often find that your accommodation has a back-up generator. You might find it useful to bring a torch and a power bank to recharge your own devices.
power
Health
Bougainville is classified as a malaria-prone zone. Travellers should consult a doctor to arrange protection against malaria. For protection against biting insects, use a tropical strength insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts, trousers and shoes in the evenings.
Treated drinking water is not provided in Bougainville. It is advisable for visitors to drink bottled water, boiled water, and rainwater in towns and rural areas. Water purification tablets or a Steri-pen are useful in rural areas.
There aren’t any privately owned medical clinics, but there are government run hospitals in Buka Town and Arawa as well as a medical clinic in Buin. A well supplied pharmacy operates in Buka Town.
Safety Guide -lines
Beyond the roads and town areas, all land is in communal ownership. Before visiting a site make sure you speak with the chief of the local community to get permission. A payment would usually be expected to visit a site which is on private land. It is best to travel with a local guide who will be able to help you with this and make sure you follow protocol.
Bougainville is generally a very safe place but as with all developing countries and post-conflict regions, there are times when safety might be a concern. Although you are unlikely to experience any difficulties, common sense should always prevail. Always ask for directions and information if in doubt. It is advisable to use local guides when exploring as they know the local languages and will know the places you can safely visit.
Bougainvilleans have a custom of making sure that their guests are safe and will go out of their way to make sure that you are okay. It is important that you also respect them by not putting them in an awkward position by being dishonest about your intentions in Bougainville.
Bougainvilleans have many sacred sites so please pay attention to your guides if they point out such sites and ask them what the local customs are regarding them.
Useful things to bring for your trip to Bougainville include:
lightweight clothing suitable for a humid climate. The dress code is very casual
swimwear - shorts and a t-shirt are appropriate. Typical bathing suits are not.
sandals and comfortable walking shoes
sunhat and sunglasses
reef-safe sunscreen
insect repellent
reusable water bottle
torch
power bank
basic first-aid supplies
small waterproof bag (drybag)
snorkelling gear
some snacks might be handy
what to pack
Useful Links
Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority – www.papuanewguinea.travel
Autonomous Bougainville Government – www.facebook.com/AutonomousBougainvilleGovernment