Papua New Guinea

Country info

Square area:

462,840 km2

Population:

8.5 million

Capital:

Port Moresby

Currency:

Kina (K)

Language:

Pidgin and English

Religion:

Predominantly Christian

Political:

Federal parliamentary monarchy

English:

Common speakers

Safety level

Foreigners are rarely targets or victims of violence in Papua which is usually limited to tribal disputes. Violent crime occurs mostly in Port Moresby area.

Travel warnings for Papua New Guinea are common and diverse, featuring all things exciting, from riots to landslides to venomous snakes. Combine the remoteness of the southwest Pacific landscape and its lack of infrastructure, and you’ve got the gist: travel in Papua New Guinea is not for the fainthearted.

But adventurous travelers seeking bits of the world untouched by modernity will find that the positives far outweigh the challenges. Think rugged nature of volcanoes and coral reefs, incredible biological diversity, world-class diving, countless indigenous tribes, and culture which features nearly a quarter of all of the world’s languages - 800 are spoken here.

Head down the Sepik River for insights into indigenous cultures and mysterious rituals.
From birds of paradise to tree kangaroos, explore the biodiversity of PNG in the Rainforest Reserve in Lae.
Dive for WWII wrecks in Rabaul or for Indo-Pacific corals and reef fish in the Kimbe Bay.
Trek the 96-kilometers-long Kokoda Track, and ponder the WWII battles which took place in that territory.
In PNG highlands, witness the biggest tribal festivals: Mt. Hagen in August and Goroka show in September.

THE

TRIBES OF

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Perfect For

PEOPLE

PHOTOGRAPHY

The country contains some of the planet’s most extraordinary biodiversity. Papua New Guinea is home to the third biggest forest in the world, after the Amazon and the Congo.

NATURE

Tribes

UNIQUE

DAY 1

Upon arrival to Port Moresby, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to domestic flights terminal for your flight to Mount Hagen. Upon arrival Mount Hagen Airport your chauffeur will take you up a picturesque road past highlands gardens and on to the lodge.

DAY 2

This morning, fly further into the jungle of the Sepik region. After settling in and lunch, head out to a nearby village to discover the customs and the process of preparing sago - staple food of Karawari tribes.

DAY 3

Travel by motorboat down the Karawari River and visit the small villages that line its shores. This is an opportunity to meet the locals, attend their special ceremonies and gatherings, and admire their artistry.

DAY 4

Continue with your exploration of the surrounding villages by motorboat. Catch a glimpse of tribal traditional way of life and collect memories that will stay with you for life.

DAY 5

Fly back to Mount Hagen and drive up the mountain to get to the Rondon Ridge area. Settle in your lodge and head out on a guided walk through nature. Learn more about this pristine area that is home to over 180 bird species.

DAY 6

Today's tour will take you to meet the Melpa people. The Melpa people are known as "true farmers" with their farming methods going back 9 000 years. Get to know their ways, their rich tradition and a thousand-year-old story.

DAY 7

Continue discovering further the highlands, including visiting the iconic Huli tribe. The Hulis culture is showcased in their own appearance - decorated bodies, face paintings and hair decorated with feathers and flowers.

DAY 8

Time to go back to Port Moresby. Upon arrival to Jacksons Int. Airport you will be welcomed by our representative and taken to international flights terminal for your outbound flight.

Papua New Guinea is always a discovery. A land where no trip is ever the same and where each newly discovered corner gives an insight into a completely different aspect of this unique land.

DAY 1

Upon your arrival to Port Moresby Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative for a transfer to your hotel.

DAY 2

Transfer to Jacksons Int. Airport will follow you checkout, and you will fly out to Mount Hagen. Once there, you will be transferred deeper into the jungle of the Sepik region in a smaller aircraft. After lunch, head out to visit a nearby village.

DAY 3

It is your first day of cruise on board of Sepik Spirit riverboat. Relax over lunch and enjoy your ride. Visit one of the riverside villages and get acquainted with the local way of life.

DAY 4

Continue your journey down the Karawari River, relishing the views of numerous fishermen's villages. This expansive area is home to hundreds of tribes that contribute to both the colorful landscape and culture.

DAY 5

Another day on board brings more opportunities to explore the daily life of the villagers whom you might also spot in their dug-out canoes. Their traditional tribal lifestyle is closely reflected in their artistry, so make sure to equip with unique souvenirs!

DAY 6

Time to leave your boat and head to Tari Valley. Enjoy your short panoramic flight over the mountains and untouched rainforest. After settling in, you will have a chance to explore the pristine area during your walk through nature.

DAY 7

Meet the iconic Huli tribe on your two-day tour of the countryside. The Hulis take pride in their very special traditions and they are more than willing to give you a warm welcome into their colorful culture.

DAY 8

You will have an opportunity to get a true insight into the Hulis' way of life. Their unique dress code bilas combined with their sing-sing are intended for both enrapturing the audience as well as intimidating enemies.

DAY 9

Fly back to Mount Hagen. Spend the day at the Mount Hagen Cultural Pre-show where numerous tribal groups gather to perform their sing-sings dressed each in their own bilas. Several ceremonies will be held in the afternoon.

DAY 10

This weekend you will attend the Mount Hagen Cultural Show held in August every year. The show is a colorful manifest of tribes' attires, customs, dances, and bringing together more than 80 sing-sing groups across Papua New Guinea.

DAY 11

See for yourself why this experience is truly awe-inspiring as the tribal performances gradually build up until each and every tribe end up uniting their voices and performing in harmony.

DAY 12

After checkout, there will be a transfer to Kagamuga Airport for your flight to Port Moresby. Meet up with your private chauffeur at Jacksons Int. Airport for a transfer to your hotel. After lunch, head out to explore the capital.

DAY 13

Check out after breakfast and meet your private chauffeur for a transfer to the airport for your outbound flight.

Travel to Papua New Guinea in style and luxury. Explore this magnificent country and its extraordinary people in a proper way, overcoming all obstacles and getting the most of your journey.

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What to Expect

ACCOMMODATION

Papua New Guinea is still opening as a tourist destination so there are not enough choices in all regions. From upscale hotels in Port Moresby to lodges in the highlands, there is a satisfactory selection of properties. Several waterfront resorts make Papua New Guinea for a great getaway destination as well. The service does not always match the international standards.

Diving resort in Papua New Guinea

• Variety of hotels and lodges available in the country
• Upscale and chain hotels in Port Moresby
• Unique lodges in the highlands
• Specialty diving resorts in certain areas
• Birding possible right at grounds of lodges in the highlands

WHEN TO GO

From May to October is generally the most pleasant time to visit Papua New Guinea. It's also when most of the festivals are taking place. In many parts of PNG, diving is good year-round. From December to March, rainy season, and occasional typhoon, make traveling difficult and not as pleasant as during dry season.

Port Moresby year-round temperatures

• Dry season is May through October and the best time to travel
• Rainy season can cause serious issues when traveling in PNG
• Traditional festivals are taking place in August and September
• Goroka Show tribal gathering takes place in September annually

STAYING CONNECTED

WiFi is good to excellent in all properties, although in some lodges WiFi works only in lobbies. The best thing is to purchase a local SIM card that is inexpensive and provides a solid connection throughout the country, except for some seriously remote areas. Local SIM may be purchased at the airport upon arrival.

Papua New Guinea SIM card

• Country code: +675
• Excellent WiFi in upscale hotels in Port Moresby
• Local SIM card offers great coverage in most of the country
• Plug type is I (Australian); standard voltage is 240V and it operates on 50Hz

FOOD

When staying in hotels in Papua New Guinea, restaurant menus tend to offer Western, Asian and European cuisine. It is very hard to find any place serving local dishes. Street food is available on the roads around main towns but be careful as hygiene is not at the highest level. PNG is known for its world-class coffee as well as tasty fruits and vegetables.

Street food in the hills of Port Moresby

• Hard to find places offering local dishes
• Mumu, Chicken pot and Kokoda are some of the most popular dishes
• Mt. Hagen area is known for world-class coffee
• Street food available on main roads
• Papua New Guinea has no tipping culture but for the sake of tourism and hospitality, tips are appreciated

SHOPPING TIPS

Papua New Guinea lacks in malls for sure but makes it up in number of various markets with all sorts of handcrafts. Hagen, Wewak, Boroko and Ela Beach are some of the markets that offer various local craftwork. Bows, arrows, wooden ceremonial masks and statues will make a nice souvenir that will remind you of this country.

Traditional masks are among the most popular souvenirs

• Besides market shopping, you can get yourself a nice souvenir directly from villagers
• Crocodile carvings from Trobriands
• Buka basketry
• Ceremonial masks and statutes from Angoram • Banz kofi is the best local coffee to bring home

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

Papua New Guinea has one of the most diverse populations on Earth with over a thousand different tribes and more than 830 different languages spoken! Tribal conflicts are common but the presence of missionaries is reducing the tensions and bringing the Christianity, and modern way of life, to even the most remote regions.

Tribal culture is still very much alive in the remote areas

• Very diverse country with numerous local customs
• Each region has its own set of customs and regulations
• Locals are friendly and react positively to compliments on their country
• Many people chew betel nut which stains their teeth and mouth with scary red

SAFETY

Papua New Guinea is definitely not for traveling alone. Urban areas are to be avoided at night so it is best to stay at your hotel. Papuans are by nature among the most hospitable people but incidents of violent crimes do occur. If you show respect and admiration for their country, Papuans will treat you as their dear friend.

On the roads of Papua New Guinea

• Medical care in the remote areas is not always available
• Mosquito repellent is a must-have in most of the country
• Keep friendly and positive attitude with the locals
• Do not go out at night
• Tap water is not safe to drink

GETTING AROUND

Best way to travel around is by plane or local private charters. In destinations, driver and guide are the best options. Available vehicles range from SUVs to minibuses (yes, even for one traveler!) of different quality. Luxury vehicles are scarce in remote areas. There are boats for water transfers and charters available at major diving destinations.

Locals traveling to work

• Driving side: left
• The main airport is Jacksons International Airport (POM) in Port Moresby
• Best way to travel between regions is with local airlines
• Driver and guide is the best combination at destinations
• Good quality roads are only found in major urban areas; traveling through the countryside can be challenging

Let's Start Planning

What to pack

Papua New Guinea is a tropical country with humid temperatures on the coast but highlands, covered in clouds, are much cooler. Besides dressing suggestions, a selection of reading materials and photo gear is included, as well.

Walking with Ghosts in PNG

Birds of New Guinea

A Death in the Rainforest

Men's Waterproof Jacket

Women's Waterproof Jacket

Unisex Booney Hat

Water Filtration Bottle

Hiking Water Shoes

Men's Sandals

Men's Waterproof Rain Jacket

Universal Travel Adapter

Portable Charger

Pouch Wallet RFID Blocking

In The Media

East Sepik Province - Papua New Guinea

Ambunti District - Sepik Crocodile Festival

Wild New Britain: Papua New Guinea

Reveal Natural Beauty and Exotic Wildlife

Breathtaking Dives of Papua

Raja Ampat, West Papua & Indonesia Coral Reef

Papua New Guinea: The Highlands

Tribes of Tari & Famous Birds of Paradise

The Local Delicacy of Bougainville - Tama Tama

Preparing Tama Tama with Locals

Raga Siai - Humble Huli (Live Hagen)

Popular Music In Papua New Guinea

Best to combine with

Papua New Guinea is not on major travel routes so it can be challenging combining it with other destinations in the region. Some of the easiest connections are possible with neighboring countries via easy but not always short flights.

Philipines
Amazing archipelago of dreamy beaches, coconut palms and clear ocean, Philipines is the paradise on Earth and just an easy flight away.

Indonesia
PNG's big neighbor is another paradise island nation with some of the most popular destinations like Bali. A number of unexplored treasures still hidden also await a curious traveler.

Australia
The lastly discovered and inhabited continent is a treasure trove of some amazing and untouched landscapes but also a home of the aboriginal nations that still care for their traditions.

Philippines

Indonesia

Australia

Quirks for the Curious

Port Moresby Nature Park
Nature surrounding Port Moresby is wonderful. Typical tropical jungle with an abundance of birdlife. To see some unique birds of this fascinating country, Port Moresby Nature park is a wonderful place. Although we prefer to see birds free, in the nature, this park is well worth visiting: for variety of birds and great grounds that are in contrast with rest of Port Moresby. From most of birds of paradise to cassowaries - and some mammals - Port Moresby Nature park is well worth the visit.

Mount Hagen
One of the more authentic places in the highlands, Mount Hagen should be in most itineraries. Easy to reach by a short local flight from Port Moresby, Mount Hagen is not much to see but the surroundings and locals are all making this trip quite special. Rondon Ridge resort is the place to stay at, and the walks through the rain forest are just magical. People of Western Highlands are quite friendly and love to talk about their country with great pride. Rich in local culture, Mount Hagen is a must even outside the popular tribal show in August.