When it comes to accommodation in Arawa, Bougainville’s main city, your choices are as limited as they are unique. Nestled in this remote part of the world, the Gold Dust Inn stands out as the second notable hotel in town, right after the Bovotel.
It’s here where we decided to lay our heads for a couple of nights during our recent Bougainville Tour, which was part of our adventure-packed itinerary following the Mount Hagen Festival.
Gold Dust Inn Hotel – Arawa’s Rustic Getaway
Arawa doesn’t boast a wealth of hotels—there are essentially just two: the Biotel and the Gold Dust Inn. While the Biotel might edge out the competition in terms of luxury, the Gold Dust Inn wins hearts with its rustic charm and better value. The hotel itself is spread across two floors. The first floor houses the reception and an odd little clothing shop that feels like a second-hand store—an unexpected touch in the middle of Bougainville. The upper floor is where you’ll find the bar and restaurant, along with some of the hotel rooms.
The rooms at the Gold Dust Inn are functional, offering the basics like air conditioning, but don’t expect any frills. They’re spacious enough, but the shared bathrooms are a bit of a drawback. However, when you’re island hopping in Bougainville or diving into the local cuisine, you learn to roll with the punches in a place as stunning yet untamed as this.
Dining at the Gold Dust Inn Restaurant
One of the highlights of the Gold Dust Inn is undoubtedly its restaurant and bar. The menu is simple, reflecting the culinary landscape of Bougainville—think hearty portions of chips paired with chicken, steak, or whatever else happens to be available. Now, a word to the wise: I ordered a rare steak sans chips and salad, and what I received was the exact opposite. Let’s just say it was an ordeal that reaffirmed my love for a truly rare steak.
That said, there are some gems on the menu. One of the best meals we had during our stay was a special: lobster and chips for just $12—a steal, especially in these parts.
Gold Dust Inn Bar – Where Rugby Meets Rustic
The bar at the Gold Dust Inn doubles as the restaurant, with a cozy, open-plan layout that could probably squeeze in 50 people at a push. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back with a drink, watch Rugby League on TV, and soak in the local vibe.
As for drinks, the offerings are what you’d expect in Bougainville or anywhere else in Papua New Guinea. SP Beer, Bird of Paradise, and Chillers are all on the menu. If you’re not in the mood for alcohol, they’ve got the Gold Spot range and Solo’s to keep you refreshed.
They don’t officially serve liquor, but they won’t bat an eye if you sneak in a bit of Paiawara—but as they say everything in moderation, even moderation.
While the Gold Dust Inn offers a solid experience, it’s still not enough to dethrone Reasons Cafe as the best restaurant in Bougainville.
Gold Dust Inn Arawa Address
Section 11, Arawa, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea
Arawa is a small town—you can’t miss it.
You can check out our 2025 Bougainville Tour here.
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