Papua New Guinea Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Papua New Guinea with our comprehensive guide, featuring top attractions, hiking and biking routes, activities and tours, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety and health, transportation, and nearby excursions.


Introduction to Papua New Guinea

Welcome to Papua New Guinea, an exotic country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Papua New Guinea offers diverse natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and an adventurous spirit. Explore this secluded paradise and experience the warmth and hospitality of the friendly Papua New Guineans.

List of Places to Visit in Papua New Guinea

There are many places to visit and things to do in Papua New Guinea. Here is a list of the top attractions that you don’t want to miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Museum and Art Gallery of Papua New Guinea: Learn about the country’s history and diverse cultures through its impressive collection of artifacts and artwork.
  • Bomana War Cemetery: Pay tribute to the soldiers who died during World War II in Papua New Guinea.
  • Port Moresby Nature Park: Discover the wildlife and plants of Papua New Guinea in this well-maintained nature park.
  • Parliament House: Admire the unique architecture of this government building, designed to resemble a haus tambaran, or spirit house.

Natural Attractions of Papua New Guinea: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kokoda Trail: Trek this historical trail, famous for its role in World War II and for being one of the best jungle hikes in the world.
  • Mount Wilhelm: Hike to the top of Papua New Guinea’s highest peak and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Sepik River: Cruise down this majestic river and experience the tribal cultures and traditions of the Sepik people.
  • Tufi Dive Resort: Dive into the crystal clear water of Tufi and explore the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea offers a wide range of hiking and biking routes, catering to different levels of expertise. Here are some of the most popular:

  • Kokoda Trail: This challenging trek takes around 8-10 days and covers 96 kilometers. It is recommended for experienced hikers only.
  • Black Cat Track: This 58-kilometer trek takes around 3-4 days and follows the route used by Australian soldiers during World War II.
  • Mt. Wilhelm Trek: Hike to the top of Papua New Guinea’s highest peak, which stands at 4,509 meters.

Best Things to Do in Papua New Guinea: Activities and Tours

Papua New Guinea offers an array of activities and tours. Here are some of the best:

  • Village Tours: Visit a traditional Papua New Guinean village and learn about the local culture and customs.
  • Scuba Diving: Explore the underwater world of Papua New Guinea and discover the diverse marine life, including a range of shark species.
  • Cultural Festivals: Join a traditional tribal celebration and witness the vibrant music, dance, and costumes of the Papua New Guinean people.

Week-Long Itinerary for Papua New Guinea

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Papua New Guinea:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the National Museum and Art Gallery of Papua New Guinea
Day 2 Trek the Kokoda Trail
Day 3 Relax at Tufi Dive Resort
Day 4 Take a Sepik River cruise
Day 5 Explore Mt. Hagen and the surrounding area
Day 6 Attend a cultural festival
Day 7 Enjoy your last day in Papua New Guinea and take in the scenery

Food and Drink Scene of Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea’s food scene is diverse and flavorful, offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mumu: This traditional Papua New Guinean dish is prepared by cooking meats and vegetables in an underground pit.
  • Kokoda: This raw fish dish is marinated in lime juice and coconut cream, giving it a refreshing and tangy flavor.
  • Sago: This starchy food made from the sago palm is a staple food for many Papua New Guineans.
  • Roasted Wild Boar: This dish is cooked over hot coals and seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Coconut Water: A refreshing drink that is popular throughout Papua New Guinea.
  • Betel Nut: A popular stimulant that is chewed in Papua New Guinea.

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

Papua New Guinea offers a range of options when it comes to accommodation. Here are some recommended choices:

  • Airways Hotel: This luxury hotel is located in Port Moresby and offers stunning views of the city and sea.
  • Madang Resort Hotel: Located in the charming town of Madang, this hotel offers comfortable accommodation and a beautiful setting.
  • Jungle Jive Backpackers: A popular hostel option in Port Moresby that offers a fun and social atmosphere.

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

Papua New Guinea offers unique handicrafts and products that make for great souvenirs. Here are some ideas:

  • Wooden Carvings: Papua New Guinea is known for its intricate and beautiful wooden carvings, including masks and figurines.
  • Bilum Bags: These colorful bags made by the local women are both practical and stylish.
  • Shell Jewelry: Papua New Guinea is home to a variety of stunning shells that are incorporated into jewelry, such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.

Local Culture and Customs of Papua New Guinea

The diverse cultures of Papua New Guinea are complex and fascinating, with over 800 languages spoken throughout the country. Here are some customs to be aware of:

  • Respect the elderly: The Papua New Guineans hold great respect for their elders and expect visitors to do so as well.
  • Dress modestly: When visiting traditional villages, it is important to dress modestly and cover up.
  • Ask for permission: If you want to take photos of people, always ask for permission first.

Best Time to Visit Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea has a tropical climate, with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year. The best time to visit is between May and October, as the weather is drier and temperatures are cooler.

Do’s and Don’ts of Papua New Guinea

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Learn a few words of Tok Pisin, the local pidgin language.
  • Enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Travel alone at night.
  • Take photos of people without their permission.
  • Drink tap water.

Safety and Health

Safety in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea has a high crime rate, but most incidents occur in urban areas. Here are some safety tips:

  • Avoid walking alone at night.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid flashing valuables.
  • Use a reputable tour company when travelling to remote areas.

Health in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea has a high incidence of malaria and dengue fever. It is recommended to take precautions, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants. It is also advised to seek medical advice before travelling and to ensure that all necessary vaccinations are up to date.

Getting to Papua New Guinea: Transportation Options and Logistics

Papua New Guinea is not easily accessible, but there are several ways to get there. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Papua New Guinea

  • Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport: The main international airport serving Papua New Guinea.
  • Mount Hagen Kagamuga Airport: Serves domestic flights from other parts of Papua New Guinea.

Bus Stations Near Papua New Guinea

  • There are no bus stations that service Papua New Guinea.

Other Options

  • Cruise Ships: There are a few cruise ships that include Papua New Guinea on their itinerary.

How to Get Around in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea has limited infrastructure, but there are still ways to get around. Here are some transportation options:

  • Flights: Domestic flights connect many parts of Papua New Guinea.
  • Taxis: Taxis are available in major cities, but always negotiate the fare before getting in.
  • Private Transport: Many hotels and resorts offer private transport services.

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

Here are some nearby destinations that you could visit after Papua New Guinea:

  • Solomon Islands: A beautiful island chain with pristine beaches and coral reefs.
  • Fiji: A popular tourist destination known for its luxurious resorts and water activities.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our comprehensive tour guide for Papua New Guinea. We hope that you found it helpful in planning your trip to this beautiful and exotic country. Remember to respect the local culture and customs, take necessary precautions for safety and health, and enjoy all that Papua New Guinea has to offer. Safe travels!

View over Port Moresby View over Port Moresby A Baining fire dancer entering the flames on New Britain A Baining fire dancer entering the flames on New Britain Mt Giluwe Mt Giluwe Visa policy of Papua New Guinea Visa policy of Papua New Guinea Welcoming party at a Hiro Moale Festival Welcoming party at a Hiro Moale Festival Airstrip of Kokoda. In many parts of PNG, plane is the only practical way for getting around Airstrip of Kokoda. In many parts of PNG, plane is the only practical way for getting around A Huli Wigman from the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea A Huli Wigman from the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea Haus Tambaran in Sepik River Region Haus Tambaran in Sepik River Region Coral reefs in crystal clear waters Coral reefs in crystal clear waters Making sago flour pancakes Making sago flour pancakes Tavurvur volcano is very close to Rabaul, in East New Britain Tavurvur volcano is very close to Rabaul, in East New Britain Ela Beach in Port Moresby Ela Beach in Port Moresby


    Bougainville
    Highlands
    Madang-Morobe
    Milne Bay
    New Britain
    New Ireland and Manus
    Southern Papua New Guinea
    Western Papua New Guinea