New Guinea Travel Guide

Discover the cultural and natural attractions of New Guinea with our comprehensive travel guide. Find out the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to New Guinea

New Guinea is the second-largest island on earth, located in Oceania, and it’s divided into two countries. The eastern half of the island is Papua New Guinea, and the western half is West Papua, with Indonesia. New Guinea is a unique land rich in culture and natural beauty, offering a range of diverse experiences. In this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll discover the must-see places, activities, cultural insights, and useful travel tips to make the most out of your trip.

List of Places to Visit in New Guinea

New Guinea is large, with many places worth exploring for the beauty, culture, and history they offer. Here are some of the top places to visit in New Guinea:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Port Moresby Nature Park, Papua New Guinea
  • National Museum - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
  • Agats Asmat Museum, West Papua, Indonesia
  • Baliem Valley cultural festival, Papua New Guinea
  • The Abel Tasman Lookout or monument in Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia

Natural Attractions of New Guinea: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kakoda Track, Papua New Guinea
  • Sepik River, Papua New Guinea
  • Mount Wilhelm, Papua New Guinea
  • Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
  • Baliem Valley, Indonesia

Hiking/Biking Routes of New Guinea

New Guinea is an ideal destination for trekkers and bikers, with many scenic trails and routes to explore.

  • Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea
  • Baliem Valley, Papua New Guinea
  • Carstenz Pyramid, Indonesia

Best Things to Do in New Guinea: Activities and Tours

There are many things to do in New Guinea, ranging from cultural and historical tours to outdoor adventures. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Join a cultural tour and experience the traditional life and customs of the indigenous communities
  • Explore the beautiful natural landscapes on guided hikes, bike rides, or boat tours
  • Dive and snorkel in the crystal clear waters around Raja Ampat Islands
  • Attend one of the many cultural festivals in Papua New Guinea, such as the Baliem Valley Festival, to learn about the local culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for New Guinea

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to New Guinea:

Day Destination
1 Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
2 Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea
3-4 Explore Baliem Valley, Indonesia
5-6 Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
7 Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia

Food and Drink Scene of New Guinea

New Guinea has a rich and diverse food culture with plenty of unique dishes and drinks to try, blending traditional ingredients with modern influences.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mumu - a traditional dish made of meat, vegetables, and sweet potatoes cooked underground
  • Saksak - a sweet pudding made from sago palm flour with coconut milk and sugar
  • Grilled seafood - fresh fish, prawns, and squid grilled to perfection

Local Beverages

  • Kava - a traditional drink made from the root of the kava plant, known for its calming and relaxing effects
  • Coffee - Papua New Guinea is known to produce some of the world’s best coffee

Where to Stay in New Guinea: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are many accommodation options in New Guinea to suit various budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Airways Hotel - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
  • Baliem Pilamo Hotel - Wamena, Indonesia
  • Papua Paradise Eco Resort - Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia

What to Buy in New Guinea: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

New Guinea is a treasure trove of unique souvenirs and local products to take home as a gift or a memory of your trip. Some popular items include:

  • Tribal art and handicraft items made by indigenous communities
  • Carvings and sculptures made from wood or stone
  • Traditional clothing, such as bilum bags or headdresses

Local Culture and Customs of New Guinea

New Guinea is home to hundreds of different ethnic groups and tribes, each with their own unique culture, language, and customs. Visitors should respect the local culture and interact with the local people in a sensitive and responsible manner.

Best Time to Visit New Guinea

The best time to visit New Guinea is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. During this period, the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. However, keep in mind that the dry season is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of New Guinea

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting New Guinea:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and traditions
  • Dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious or sacred sites
  • Ask permission before taking photographs of people

Don’t:

  • Wander around unfamiliar areas alone at night
  • Take pictures of tribal people without permission
  • Disrespect local taboos and customs

Safety and Health

New Guinea can be a safe destination if you take the necessary precautions and follow basic safety rules. However, visitors should be aware of potential health risks, such as malaria and dengue fever.

Safety in New Guinea

  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables in public
  • Avoid traveling alone at night
  • Choose reliable transportation options

Health in New Guinea

  • Get vaccinated against various diseases before traveling
  • Use insect repellent and wear protective clothing to avoid mosquito bites
  • Drink only bottled water and avoid ice in drinks

Getting to New Guinea: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to New Guinea can involve several modes of transportation, depending on your starting point and destination.

Airports Near New Guinea

  • Jacksons International Airport - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
  • Domine Eduard Osok Airport - Sorong, Indonesia
  • Sentani Airport - Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia

Bus Stations Near New Guinea

There are no bus stations that directly connect to New Guinea. However, visitors can take a bus to the nearest city and then take a ferry or flight to New Guinea.

Other Options

Some visitors may choose to take a cruise to New Guinea, which can be a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the region.

How to Get Around in New Guinea

Public transportation in New Guinea can be limited, and visitors may need to rely on private transport or hire a car. Taxis and buses are available in larger cities, while boats and ferries can be used to explore the coast and islands.

Where to Go Next from New Guinea: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

New Guinea is well-connected to other nearby destinations in Oceania, and visitors can easily extend their trip by visiting other countries or regions.

  • Cairns, Australia
  • Solomon Islands
  • Vanuatu

Conclusion

New Guinea is a unique and exciting destination offering a range of diverse experiences for visitors. From ancient cultural traditions to stunning natural landscapes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful island. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be well-equipped to plan an unforgettable journey to New Guinea.