The Samarai islands are located in the China Strait off the south-eastern tip of New Guinea. In its colonial heyday it was said to be one of the most beautiful places in the PacificDeclared a “National Historical Heritage Island” by the government of Papua New Guinea in 2006, the islet was - at the time of English administration - a compulsory stop for all merchant ships sailing between Australia and South-East Asia, making the island the country’s second commercial port. Founded in the 1800s, the town quickly attracted gold miners and other traders, who helped shape its history.