Explore jungle lowlands, jagged peaks, coral reefs and pristine beaches in Papua New Guinea, a country known for its immense diversity and vibrant indigenous cultures. PNG is comprised of the eastern half of New Guinea and hundreds of offshore islands. The country is made up of four major regions, which are home to rich indigenous cultures where up to 800 different languages are spoken.
Port Moresby, the country’s capital, lies on the northern coast of the mainland in the Papua region. Check out the city’s harbor, intriguing museums, botanical gardens and fresh seafood markets. The region’s Milne Bay Province stretches across a gorgeous cape dotted with beaches and snorkeling hotspots.
Explore one of Papua New Guinea’s most biologically distinct regions, the Highlands. This northerly region has verdant valleys that rise into rugged mountains up to 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) and is also PNG’s most densely populated area.
Go trekking through magnificent groves of orchids, spot rare wildlife and keep an eye out for birds of paradise around Mount Wilhelm. The region is home to more than 700 different indigenous cultures, all of which have their own fascinating traditions.
In the Central Province of the Papua region is the famous Kokoda Track, a trek into World War II history that follows in the footsteps of Australian soldiers over a 60-mile (96-kilometer) trail through the Owen Stanley Range.
The Momase region of the Papuan mainland contains the country’s second-largest city, Lae. Visit the cafés and galleries of the city or explore its surroundings to find tropical rainforests and coffee plantations.
Offshore to the northeast, you’ll find a collection of islands in the Bismarck Archipelago and the North Solomon Islands. Experience fantastic snorkeling in this region and see coral gardens, shipwrecks, deep reef cliffs and iridescent fish.
Fly into Papua New Guinea’s international airport in Port Moresby and explore the region with charter tours and adventures. There is little tourism infrastructure in the country so it is recommended you organize your trip in advance.
Enjoy PNG’s year-round tropical warmth and trek, dive, surf and cruise at any time of the year.
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2021
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2021
Reviewed on 7 Mar 2021