Bilum Festival set to boost tourism in Madang

The Karkar Island Bilum Festival is expected to attract international tourists as well as locals which will boost tourism in Madang Province.

The festival will be staged on Karkar Island from June 3-5.

Karkar Island is located in the Bismarck Sea, about 30 kilometres off the north coast of mainland PNG in Madang Province.

This is the first of its kind to be held on the island and is set to be one of the largest events in the province attracting thousands of visitors both locally and from the International arena.

Chairman for the KIBF Pholas Yongole said that the festival will celebrate and showcase the vast variety of the famous Karkar bilum, culture and tradition.

“We are endeavouring to promote the event which will boost tourism in Madang and PNG as it as to be a regular event a week prior to the Madang festival,” Yongole said.

Yongole confirmed that Melanesian Tourist Services managing director Sir Peter Barter will divert the Kalibobo Spirit (floating hotel) to Karkar to witness the festival for a day on Sunday enroute to Sepik River.

Activities include a Bilum show and the process of how Karkar bilums are made and traditional singsing are part of the celebration as well.

There will also be a bilum parade, flower show and demonstration of how Special Karkar Dish is made from galip nuts (purong). 

Author: 
Quintina Naime