Nila is a village located on Poporang Island in the Shortland Islands, south of Bouganville. The island was a major Japanese naval headquarters from 1943 -1944. The area was ignored by the Americans as they island hopped and eventually the Japanese in the area were captured or killed.

The island itself is similar to many other islands in the area; tall mountains with dense jungle surrounded by a coral lagoon with clear water. The village of Neila is very small and occupies the original naval establishment area at sea level. Interestingly, the village is powered by a generator which is the original generator used by the Japanese during the war. The lights which used to illuminate the base still operate when the generator is turned over.

The area is zigzagged with trenches, tunnels, cement bunkers and the foundations of wooden buildings. Behind the village on higher ground is located an anti- aircraft complex comprising several anti-aircraft and mountain guns, along with an assortment of antiquated radar and early detection equipment. A searchlight, with intact glass lens points toward the sky. A number of old rusty motorcycles with side cars can be found in the jungle near the gun emplacement. The original tracks on which the vehicles travelled have long since become overgrown and untraceable. The gun complex has a number of large underground and above ground cement bunker systems, with adjoining tunnels (dark, musty and no doubt the living quarters of snakes, large mosquitoes and other jungle "gems"). In one bunker, perhaps the command bunker, you can see the remains of plastic coated maps, chairs, notice boards and radio equipment. This bunker cannot be entered as the door has been dynamited closed. Perhaps by the retreating Japanese. Access to this bunker is only by a very small opening in the cement wall

The naval area was serviced by sea and land operated aircraft. The former is obvious by the wreck of a Kawanishi H6K Mavis in 8 meters of water. The wreck is intact and divers can sit in the pilot's seat. Nearby is a collection of 1000's of Japanese beer and sake bottles. Evidence of the Japanese navy's attempt to wash away their problems.

Near the village there is a swamp. The Shortland Islanders have created a path through the swamp to fishing grounds on the other side. The swampy water and mud are quite deep and the path has been built above the swamp by utilising Japanese aircraft wings. The aluminium does not corrode and provides a ample and safe walking platform. I actually wiped away the mud and you could see the meatball insignia on the wings. The platform has been constructed from five wings. Probably from Zero fighters.

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