East Cape PNG: Village Life, Skull Cave & Local Lunch

Summary

Discover East Cape village life, ancient skull caves and local food

You’ll join a local guide for a full-day East Cape Drive tour from Alotau—visiting remote villages, learning about daily life and history (including cannibalism), sharing a traditional lunch of taro and coconut juice, exploring the haunting Skull Cave, and stopping at markets and lookouts along the way. It’s an experience that lingers long after you return home.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing along the main road out of Alotau when I realized how different the air smelled—like woodsmoke and salt, with something green underneath. Our driver, Joseph, waved at nearly everyone we passed. Kids ran barefoot along the roadside, waving back. Thirty minutes in, we pulled up to a village where women were weaving baskets under a tree. I tried to help but my fingers got tangled in the fibers—everyone laughed, including me. There was this easy rhythm to their day that made me feel like time had slowed down or maybe just stretched sideways for a bit.

After learning how they gather food (I still can’t believe how fast they climb those coconut trees), our guide Li started talking about the history here—how these villages used to be cut off by mountains and jungle, hundreds of dialects all mixed together. He didn’t shy away from the tough stuff either; cannibalism came up as we walked toward a stone circle where elders once sat to decide things I’d rather not picture too clearly. The honesty was kind of bracing. Lunch was taro, yam, banana, and fresh coconut juice—simple but good. Eating with my hands felt right somehow.

The drive to the Skull Cave took about an hour more. It’s not exactly comfortable—the road gets rough—but you see so much: coastal views flickering through palm trees, people selling fruit by the roadside. The cave itself is… well, it’s heavy. Skulls scattered on stone slabs where enemies were once brought after battles. Li let us sit in silence for a minute before explaining more; I appreciated that pause. There’s something about standing in that dim light with all that history around you—it sticks with you.

On the way back toward Alotau we stopped at the Milne Bay war memorial and then wandered through a vegetable market that smelled like ginger and earth after rain. I picked up a carved wooden turtle at the craft market—probably paid too much but it felt right supporting someone local. Last stop was this lookout over the bay; honestly, I didn’t want to leave yet. The view wasn’t perfect (clouds rolling in), but it felt real—and I still think about that quiet moment before heading back down.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — East Cape Drive and Village Experience

• East Cape Drive full day tour
• Visit local village and hands-on activities
• Learn history of cannibalism and stone circle
• Enjoy local meal with fresh coconut juice
• Drive to Skull Caves and explore
• Stop at Milne Bay War Memorial
• Visit local vegetable and craft markets
• View bay from town lookout

Top questions

How long does the East Cape Drive tour take?

The tour is a full-day experience starting from Alotau.

Is lunch included on this East Cape Drive tour?

Yes, lunch and refreshments are included during your visit.

What do you see on the day trip from Alotau?

You visit local villages, learn about daily life, see the Skull Cave, stop at Milne Bay war memorial, vegetable market, craft market, and town lookout.

Is there hotel pickup for this East Cape Drive tour?

The tour includes pickup from Alotau or nearby locations.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible as noted in additional info.

What kind of food is served for lunch?

A typical meal includes taro, yam, banana, fruits and fresh young coconut juice.

How far is the village from Alotau?

The local village is about 30 minutes’ drive from town.

How far is Skull Cave from Alotau?

The Skull Cave is approximately an hour’s drive from Alotau after visiting the village.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Alotau or nearby areas with a local guide leading you through village visits and hands-on activities like weaving or cooking; entry to historical sites such as Skull Cave; stops at markets and lookouts; plus lunch featuring taro, yam and fresh coconut juice before returning in the evening.