Takuu Atoll, Remote coral atoll in Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea

Takuu Atoll is a ring of shallow pale-tan and light-blue reef enclosing a deep-blue lagoon, with a channel cutting through the reef at its lower left. The rim is narrowest along the top and broadens to the right. The atoll consists of about 13 low-lying islands on the east and one to the northwest; most residents live on Nukutoa, while the largest eastern island is Takuu.

Takuu was formerly known as Tauu, and also as Mortlock Island or Marqueen Island. European contact came in the mid-19th century, and the atoll's songs and stories date largely from before that contact. In 2006 a cyclone struck the islands, and in December 2008 three days of high-tide surges washed away kitchens, flooded homes and destroyed churches.

Takuu's Polynesian residents speak Takuu, an Ellicean language grouped with Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi and Sikaiana. The main street on Nukutoa serves as a marae for ritual ceremonies, and thatched houses stand in rows with eaves almost touching. Many songs predate European contact in the mid-19th century and tell of voyages between islands; dance fills 20 to 30 hours a week.

The single supply ship, the Atoll Queen, calls only occasionally; in 2001 it was laid up for six months for repairs, leaving the community short of food. Arrange passage well ahead and bring your own supplies, since goods and services on the atoll are few.

The main street of Nukutoa doubles as a marae, the open ground where ceremonies are held. Traditional thatched houses line it in rows so close that their eaves nearly touch, and coconut palms are the only trees on the islands.