As part of promoting tourism in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, the community of Hanpan village in the Haku Constituency of Buka offered a truly special welcome, blending rich culture with historical interest.

The ceremony, led by the Puna group at the Hanpan Resource Centre, began with the traditional foot washing ceremony, "tsutsu".

Following the welcome, a series of vibrant bamboo band traditional dances were performed.

The leader and group representative, Anna Sapur, guided her bamboo band through several emotional performances, including a powerful singsing that reflected on the history of the Bougainville Crisis.

Sapur also demonstrated the preparation of "Menaka" (tamatama), a traditional dish reserved for special occasions.

She described how the traditional dish is made which consists of taro and pure coconut cream.

“After the taro is boiled, it is mashed and mixed with coconut cream, which is squeezed after the coconut is scraped. No water is added into the coconut; just pure coconut cream.”

“The mixture is then rolled into round balls and drizzled with more coconut cream before being served.”

After the cultural demonstration, the experience continued with a tour to the Japanese Bunkers from World War II.

Located at base of Kangu hill, the area is scattered with numerous relics throughout the jungle, each marking stories from the war.

Sapur explained that this site was where the Japanese military would sit to mind the ships and planes that come in whilst looking out Kangu beach.

The bunkers are a significant draw for international visitors such as tourists, particularly those from Australia and New Zealand who visit the site regularly.

“They come to Bougainville for a range of interests, including the historical significance of the Japanese Bunker, eco-tourism, bird watching, and the experience of shipping/sea travel.”