Manus Island, Volcanic island in Admiralty Islands, Papua New Guinea.
Manus Island is an island in the Admiralty Islands of Manus Province, Papua New Guinea, stretching roughly 100 km in length and covered by steep ridges of tropical rainforest. Sandy coves and rocky stretches alternate along the coast, while streams run through deep valleys inland and small villages sit in clearings among the trees.
European sailors first reached the island in the 17th century, though communities had lived along its shores for many generations before that time. During the Second World War, foreign forces built military installations around the harbor, which were largely abandoned after the conflict ended and left traces still visible today.
In coastal villages, families gather for ceremonies that feature handcarved canoes and woven baskets made in workshops near the shore. Older craftspeople teach younger generations these skills in open-air spaces where the sound of tools and voices mixes with the rhythm of the waves.
Travelers usually arrive by plane at a small airstrip on a neighboring islet, then take a boat or vehicle across to the main island. The terrain is hilly and often thickly forested, so sturdy footwear and a local guide are helpful for longer walks or exploring inland areas.
Sunken wartime vessels rest beneath the water near the coast, now home to coral growth and schools of fish. Divers sometimes spot rusted anchors and metal fragments lying on the sandy bottom, slowly being covered by marine life over the years.
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