Papua New Guinea Travel Information

Papua New Guinea is a unique and diverse country, with a rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and a wealth of outdoor activities. Whether you're interested in exploring the lush tropical rainforests, diving in crystal-clear waters, or immersing yourself in local culture, Papua New Guinea has something for everyone. Here are the top 10 things to do in Papua New Guinea:

1. Visit the National Museum and Art Gallery

The National Museum and Art Gallery of Papua New Guinea is a must-visit for those interested in the country's history and culture. The museum has a vast collection of artifacts, including traditional clothing, weapons, and tools, as well as contemporary and historical art.

2. Explore the Kokoda Track

The Kokoda Track is a historic and challenging trail that winds through some of Papua New Guinea's most stunning wilderness. This trek is not for the faint of heart, but those who are up for the challenge will be rewarded with breathtaking views, unique wildlife encounters, and a sense of accomplishment.

3. Dive or Snorkel at Milne Bay

Milne Bay is a world-renowned dive and snorkeling destination, known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life. The region is home to a variety of dive sites, including shipwrecks, coral reefs, and wall dives, making it a must-visit for scuba enthusiasts.

4. Visit a Cultural Village

Papua New Guinea is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture and traditions. Visitors can visit a cultural village to experience the local way of life, see traditional dances, and learn about the local customs and beliefs.

5. Hike in the Tari Basin

The Tari Basin is a remote and rugged area of Papua New Guinea that is home to some of the country's most stunning natural wonders. Hiking through the Tari Basin is a great way to experience the country's lush rainforests, sparkling waterfalls, and unique wildlife.

6. Go Birdwatching

Papua New Guinea is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 700 species of birds found throughout the country. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting out, Papua New Guinea is a great place to see a wide range of exotic species, from colorful parrots to rare endemic birds.

7. Visit Mount Wilhelm National Park

Mount Wilhelm National Park is a large and diverse park that encompasses the highest peak in Papua New Guinea, Mount Wilhelm. The park is a great destination for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing, with a variety of unique flora and fauna found throughout the region.

8. Explore the Sepik River

The Sepik River is one of Papua New Guinea's most iconic waterways, known for its stunning scenery, rich culture, and unique wildlife. Visitors can take a river cruise, visit local villages, and experience the local way of life along the Sepik River.

9. Visit Rabaul

Rabaul is a town located on the island of New Britain in Papua New Guinea. The town was once a thriving center of commerce and culture, but was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1994. Today, Rabaul is a popular tourist destination, known for its rich history, stunning scenery, and vibrant culture.

10. Experience the Goroka Show

The Goroka Show is an annual cultural festival that takes place in the town of Goroka in Papua New Guinea. The festival is a celebration of the country's diverse cultures, with traditional dances, music, and costumes on display.

Climate

Papua New Guinea has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The country experiences two main seasons: a rainy season from November to March, and a dry season from April to October. The coastal regions are typically hot and humid, while the highlands have a cooler and more temperate climate.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Papua New Guinea depends on what you want to do and see while you're there. The dry season from April to October is the best time to visit if you're interested in outdoor activities, such as hiking and trekking, as the trails are dry and visibility is good. The wet season from November to March is ideal if you're interested in exploring the lush rainforests, as the vegetation is lush and the waterfalls are at their fullest.

For diving and snorkeling, the best time to visit is from June to August, when the waters are calm and visibility is good. For birdwatching, the best time to visit is from September to March, when the birds are at their most active and visible.

Overall, the best time to visit Papua New Guinea is from June to October, when the weather is dry and the outdoor conditions are at their best.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels and Resorts

Papua New Guinea has a range of hotels and resorts, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury properties. Many of the larger cities, such as Port Moresby, have international standard hotels and resorts, while more remote areas may have limited accommodation options.

Guesthouses and Homestays

For a more authentic and immersive experience, guesthouses and homestays are popular options in Papua New Guinea. These provide an opportunity to stay with local families and learn about their customs and traditions, as well as taste local cuisine.

Eco-Lodges

For nature lovers, eco-lodges are a great option. These lodges are located in remote areas, surrounded by the pristine beauty of Papua New Guinea's forests and mountains. Many eco-lodges offer activities such as birdwatching, trekking, and cultural tours.

Camping

For those seeking a truly adventurous experience, camping is another option. There are several designated camping sites throughout the country, as well as opportunities for backcountry camping in remote areas.

Air Travel

Air travel is the most convenient and popular way to get around Papua New Guinea. The country has several major airports, including Port Moresby's Jacksons International Airport, from which several airlines operate domestic and international flights.

Road Travel

Road travel is possible in Papua New Guinea, but the infrastructure and road conditions can be challenging, especially in remote areas. Self-driving is not recommended due to the condition of the roads and the risk of road accidents. Hiring a taxi or private car with a driver is a more convenient and safer option.

Boat Travel

Boat travel is another option for getting around Papua New Guinea, especially for visiting remote islands and coastal communities. There are several companies offering boat tours, as well as local transportation services by canoe or outrigger.

Hiking and Trekking

For those seeking an adventure, hiking and trekking are popular ways to explore the country's rugged terrain. Guided tours are available, as well as opportunities for independent trekking.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.