It’s not every day you meet a king, but on a recent journey with Young Pioneer Tours to Bougainville, I found myself face-to-face with King David Peii II of the Twin Kingdoms of Papaala and Meekamui. Now, if you’ve never heard of this place, you’re not alone—it’s a micronation that flies well under the radar, even among the most seasoned travelers.
What Are the Twin Kingdoms of Papaala and Meekamui?
To give you a quick rundown, the Twin Kingdoms of Papaala and Meekamui are a self-proclaimed micronation, a “New Country Project” that controls a significant swath of land within Bougainville. And let’s be honest, Bougainville itself is a place that’s been wrestling with its own identity, not to mention its ongoing struggle for independence from Papua New Guinea.
Within these Twin Kingdoms, you’ll reportedly find everything from weapons to mercenaries, all geared up to defend this so-called “kingdom.” Intriguing, right? You can dive deeper into the story of Papaala and Meekamui in another article I penned for Young Pioneer Tours here.
How to Meet King David Peii II?
Now, I won’t spill all the beans here—some secrets are best kept under wraps, especially when it comes to the art of meeting royalty. But let’s just say that being in the right place at the right time, and knowing the right people, can open doors. Last year, those same connections led me to a rather interesting encounter with the Finance Minister of the Kingdom, which eventually paved the way to meeting King David Peii II himself.
There were a few more hoops to jump through—accounting matters and other formalities—but I’ll save the ethical debate on that for another time. What matters is that we got the green light to meet the King the next day.
The Big Day: Meeting King David Peii II
With our royal audience scheduled for the following day, we did what any sensible traveler would do—we stuck close to the Kingdom and got pleasantly tipsy on Paiawara, a local brew you can read more about here.
As the time approached, we waited just beyond the border of the Kingdom, eager and a bit anxious. The anticipation was palpable, and though we had other potential excursions on the table, like visiting the Yamamoto plane wreck, we decided to stick it out for the chance to meet His Majesty.
And eventually, the wait paid off.
Inside the Kingdom: A Glimpse of Royalty
Once everything was in place, we were escorted into a section of the Kingdom guarded by an unarmed “army.” Despite the barbed wire and guards, it didn’t feel like Fort Knox—more like a symbolic show of authority. After signing in with the army, we were led to a waiting room where we encountered a former Fijian mercenary and a few others who had fully bought into the Kingdom’s economic vision.
Then, it was time to meet the King.
Your Highness, King David Peii II
When King David Peii II finally emerged, he was decked out in full royal regalia—crown, shells, and all. His attire was a blend of traditional and symbolic, with shells dangling close to his eyes, giving him an air of mystique.
The King spoke at length about his Kingdom, sharing his economic philosophy and vision. When we asked about succession and other pressing matters, his answers were often cryptic, yet fascinating. To his people, he is undeniably a king, and there’s a certain charisma to him that’s hard to ignore.
The Big Question: Should You Visit King David Peii II?
As a member of Young Pioneer Tours, and with my own role as the Street Food Guy, I often find myself in a position of public neutrality. That’s not to say I don’t have opinions, but I believe engagement—however controversial—is more important.
Sure, people have reached out to share their views on my visit, and I respect that. But here’s the thing—I’m already planning my next trip back.
Curious? Check out YPT’s Bougainville Tours here. You might just find yourself face-to-face with royalty too.
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