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Cultural Sensitivity
Guests in the province are asked to be culturally sensitive and respect the local customs and beliefs. All land belongs to someone so one should not wander into what looks like unused land without first asking for advice. It is just the same as a stranger wandering into your garden without first asking permission. Traditionally, to cross through someone's land involved leaving a basket of food for the owners. While the visitor is not expected to do this, one must respect the owners of the land and ask before going in.
If you visit a waterfall or other place of interest, it is appropriate to offer a small token of appreciation to compensate the land owner. Your tour guide should be able to tell you what is appropriate. For many, this is the only income the resource owners will receive to buy salt, kerosene and soap. However, if demands are ever made on you, we would like to know about this. If you are out in the village and you find yourself in a situation you cannot resolve, ask to see the village Councillor, who would normally be called on as a mediator.
It is not appropriate for ladies to wear short shorts or bikinis or for anyone to drink alcohol in public places. Open displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon and will send out the wrong signals to the community who may react unpredictably.
Do not step over food in the market place. In the villages it is important to ask where you can wash or drink as men and women use different parts of the river or sea and water holes are not to be polluted. While Milne Bay people will be tolerant of all behaviour they will feel acute embarrassment if you break the taboos. The people want to preserve their culture and way of life. If you are unsure of anything, please do not hesitate to ask your guide or hotel staff for advice.
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About Milne Bay
Arts & Crafts
