Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one of the world's last great frontiers of travel. The country is incredibly diverse, with over 800 indigenous languages spoken. Many communities in the remote highlands had little contact with the outside world until the 20th century, and traditional culture remains incredibly strong. The country is famous for its spectacular cultural festivals, or 'singsings,' where different tribes gather to showcase their unique and colorful traditional dress, music, and dance.

The natural environment is equally stunning and wild. The country lies in the Coral Triangle and offers some of the best and most pristine diving and snorkeling in the world. Its rainforests are home to an incredible array of wildlife, including the famous and flamboyant birds-of-paradise. For hikers, the historic Kokoda Track offers a grueling but deeply rewarding trek through the jungle-clad mountains. A trip to PNG is not a relaxing holiday; it is a challenging, expensive, and sometimes risky expedition that offers unparalleled rewards.

Reasons to Visit

• Incredible Cultural Diversity: Witness a world of ancient traditions and interact with some of the most culturally distinct tribal groups on Earth.
• Spectacular Festivals: Attend a vibrant 'singsing,' such as the Goroka Show or Mount Hagen Show, to see incredible displays of traditional attire and dance.
• World-Class Diving: Explore some of the most biodiverse and untouched coral reefs in the Coral Triangle.
• Untamed Wilderness: Discover a rugged and pristine natural world of dense rainforests, active volcanoes, and unique wildlife, including birds-of-paradise.

Things to Avoid

• Ignoring Safety Risks: Papua New Guinea has a very high crime rate, particularly in its cities. It is essential to travel with a reputable tour operator, avoid walking alone (especially at night), and follow all local safety advice.
• Traveling Independently: It is strongly not recommended to travel independently in PNG. The lack of infrastructure and security risks make organized tours the only safe and practical way to explore the country.
• Disrespecting Local 'Kastom':Customary law and tradition are extremely important. Always rely on your local guide to navigate cultural etiquette and interactions.
• Being Unprepared for Basic Conditions: Travel in PNG is very difficult and infrastructure is extremely limited. Be prepared for basic accommodation, challenging transport, and potential delays.

Local Transportation Tips

Travel within Papua New Guinea is primarily by domestic flights, as the rugged terrain means there are very few roads connecting the different regions. Even then, flights can be unreliable. In remote areas, travel is often by 4x4, boat, or on foot. There is no significant public transportation system for tourists.

Travel Etiquette

• Rely on Your Guide: Cultural etiquette is extremely complex and varies between tribes. Your local guide is your essential link to navigating this respectfully.
• Gift-Giving: A small gift, when approved by your guide, can be a polite gesture when visiting a village.
• Ask Permission for Everything: Do not take photos, touch artifacts, or enter areas without explicit permission from your guide and the local community members.
• Modest Dress: Dressing modestly is a sign of respect throughout the country.

Did You Know?

There are over 850 distinct indigenous languages spoken in Papua New Guinea, making it the most linguistically diverse country in the world.

Cool Papua New Guinea Stats

• New Species: The remote forests of PNG are so unexplored that scientists regularly discover new species of plants and animals.
• Bird-of-Paradise: Of the 43 known species of the stunningly beautiful birds-of-paradise, 39 are found in Papua New Guinea.
• The Kokoda Track: The famous Kokoda Track is a 96-kilometer (60-mile) single-file trail that was the site of a major battle between Australian and Japanese forces in World War II.

Recommended Age Group

Papua New Guinea is only suitable for very adventurous, physically fit, and well-traveled Adults due to the extreme safety concerns and rugged travel conditions.

• Babies (0-2 years): Not recommended.
• Kids (3-12 years): Not recommended.
• Teens (13-19 years): Not recommended.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended only for experienced and resilient adventure travelers who are part of an organized tour with a reputable company.
• Seniors (65+ years): Not recommended.

Accessibility Level: Low

• Papua New Guinea is one of the world's least accessible destinations.
• The country's infrastructure is extremely limited, and there are no provisions for travelers with disabilities.
• Travel involves small planes, rough 4x4 tracks, and boats.
• The terrain is rugged and mountainous.