With active volcanoes lining the coast of WNB, it is no surprise that examples of geothermal activity can be found throughout the province. Several of these areas are accessible to visitors.
About 45 minutes drive from Kimbe is the Hot River - fed by a volcanic
spring. It is possible to drive all the way mostly along unsealed
roads through Numundo Plantation, a huge oil palm plantation which also
runs over 2,500 head of beef cattle. You pull up in the rainforest and
can hear the sound of rushing water
through the trees.
There are a number of levels, joined by small waterfalls and rapids. The
water temperature is approx 43C (about 110F) all year round and
definitely very therapeutic. Take a few hours break and find out.
Your accommodation can arrange a knowledgeable driver to take you for a small fee, charged by the community owners of the land to help support conservation activities.
Pokili Wild Life Management Area is about an hour's drive east of Hoskins. The conservation area is 11,000 hectares and there are bubbling mud springs at the eastern edge of the park. Guides into the park can be arranged for a small fee at the village of Kaimumu. The colour of the pools varies from the distinctive yellow of sulphur, the green of minerals and the jet-black of mud and pumice. Local women use the boiling pools to cook the giant eggs of the wild fowl, the Megapode. The fowl bury their eggs nearby, taking advantage of the warm ground.
Pokili is also a good area for bird-watching.
