Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is one of the most culturally diverse and rugged countries on Earth, with over 800 languages and landscapes ranging from dense rainforest to active volcanoes. Port Moresby, the capital, is a gateway to remote regions rather than a main attraction. The Highlands offer tribal festivals and dramatic mountain scenery, while coastal areas like Milne Bay and New Ireland are known for diving and traditional village life. The Kokoda Track challenges trekkers with history and endurance. PNG’s cultures are expressed through elaborate sing-sings, face paint, and storytelling. Isolated and raw, Papua New Guinea is for travelers seeking true adventure.

The fact that there is no recognizable tourist infrastructure however means that traveling around the islands is not an easy experience. If you’re an inexperienced or nervous traveler, forget it. If you’re ready for a bit of adventure and don’t mind things not always going to plan, then Papua New Guinea might be for you. Fascinating tribal people, amazing wildlife, fantastic diving, scorching weather and beautiful rainforests all combine to make Papua New Guinea a unique and challenging travel experience.

The tourist infrastructure in Papua New Guinea is very underdeveloped, which makes getting around and finding somewhere decent to stay a tricky experience at times. The capital, Port Moresby is a pretty dangerous place, with gangs of rascals lurking ready to relieve you of your cash. Head out of the cities and into the country however, and you’ll normally be given a warm yet disorganized welcome.

Most travelers come for the raw, off-the-grid adventure: trekking through jungle-covered highlands, visiting remote village festivals, diving WWII wrecks and coral reefs off the coast, or spotting birds of paradise in the wild. Port Moresby, the capital, is often just a transit point, while travelers head to places like Mount Hagen, Goroka, Tari, or the Sepik River for cultural encounters, and to Milne Bay or Kimbe Bay for world-class diving. With over 800 languages spoken and hundreds of distinct cultural groups, PNG is like nowhere else.

Travel in PNG is not cheap, not because of luxury, but due to logistics. Roads are limited, distances are vast, and many regions are only accessible by plane, boat, or trekking on foot. Accommodations range from basic guesthouses and mission-run stays to a few eco-lodges and mid-range hotels near tourist hubs. Food is simple and mostly local, expect root vegetables, tinned meat, rice, fish, and seasonal produce. Western food is available in larger towns, but choices are limited outside urban areas.

Getting around can be a challenge. Domestic flights are the main method of travel between regions, and Air Niugini and PNG Air operate regular routes. In rural areas, there are often no roads at all, just riverboats, footpaths, and bush planes. English is an official language and widely spoken alongside Tok Pisin and hundreds of local dialects. PNG is not an easy place to travel, crime in Port Moresby and other cities can be an issue, infrastructure is limited, and logistics can be exhausting. But it’s also one of the most rewarding destinations in the world if you’re prepared, respectful, and patient.

Why Go to Papua New Guinea?

• Tribal Festivals & Culture: Attend spectacular sing-sings at events like the Mount Hagen Show or Goroka Festival, where dozens of tribes gather in full traditional dress.
• Birdwatching & Wildlife: See rare and colorful birds of paradise, tree kangaroos, and other endemic species in remote highland forests.
• World-Class Diving & Wrecks: Dive WWII shipwrecks, coral reefs, and seamounts in places like Milne Bay, Tufi, and Kimbe Bay.
• Sepik River Expeditions: Travel by dugout canoe to remote villages along the Sepik River, where spirit houses and woodcarving traditions remain strong.
• Trekking in the Highlands: Hike the Kokoda Track, a multi-day trail with deep WWII history and rugged mountain scenery.
• Volcanoes & Islands: Visit active volcanoes in Rabaul, snorkel volcanic reefs, or surf isolated breaks on the North Coast.
• Unfiltered Cultural Exchange: Experience everyday life in remote villages, staying in guesthouses, sharing food, and learning customs passed down for centuries.

Who Might Not Enjoy Papua New Guinea?

• First-Time or Casual Travelers: Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one of the least developed and most challenging countries in the Asia-Pacific region for tourism. Infrastructure is limited, logistics are complex, and independent travel can be difficult and sometimes dangerous.

• Safety-Conscious Visitors: PNG has serious security concerns in some areas, including violent crime, tribal conflict, and occasional civil unrest. Travel outside organized tours or urban centers often requires local guides and strict precautions.

• Budget Travelers Expecting Cheap and Easy Travel: Despite being a developing country, PNG is not cheap. Flights between regions are often necessary due to poor roads, and accommodations and tours can be surprisingly expensive given the infrastructure.

• Travelers Who Dislike Rough Conditions: Roads are often unpaved, power outages are common, and healthcare is minimal in rural areas. Adventure travelers may be fine, but others may find the lack of comfort and consistency hard to handle.

• Tourists Expecting Western-Style Resorts or Services: PNG is not a resort destination. There are a few eco-lodges and mid-range hotels, but luxury options are rare and service standards may vary greatly.

• Those Uncomfortable with Language Barriers and Cultural Complexity: PNG has over 800 languages and strong local customs. English is spoken in urban areas, but communication and cultural expectations can vary dramatically between regions.

• Vegetarians or Vegans: The diet is heavy on root vegetables, but options for strict vegetarians or vegans are limited, especially in remote areas. Meat and fish are dietary staples.

• Travelers Looking for Nightlife, Shopping, or Entertainment: There is almost no nightlife scene and very limited shopping or entertainment. PNG is about nature, tribal cultures, and rugged adventure, not urban attractions.

Papua New Guinea’s climate is a bit of a lottery, but it’s safe to say that it’s hot, humid and wet most of the time. The wet season runs from December to March, although the capital Port Moresby is dry at this time. Undoubtedly the best time to go, the dry season runs from May to October, but there is a fair chance of rain at any given moment.

The main airport is 11kms outside Port Moresby, and regular international flights arrive from Australia and Asia. Once inside the country, the best way to get around is in one of the many light aircraft flown by friendly Americans and Australians. The roads around Papua New Guinea are limited to say the least, so car and bus travel options are sparse. Traveling by boat is fun, but it gets pretty cold at night.