Papua New Guinea

Types of trips: Adventure, Cultural, Exploration, Geographical, Nature

Best known for: Kokoda Track, Cultural/Linguistic Diversity, Carved Wooden Sculptures 

Why Go?: Papua New Guinea is a country with no real marketed tourism, which makes it popular for its authenticity. The natural beauty, diverse culture and teeming wildlife all come together to form a destination that will be memorable for people of all ages and interests!

Fact File

Population: 7,100,000

Capital: Port Moresby

Language(s): Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin, English

Ties to the UK?: Good relationship, increasingly popular travel destination

Landscape: Some mountains and some lowlands, with areas of tropical rainforest. There are many islands separate to the mainland, with wide areas of coral reef.

Climate/Seasons: Generally warm all year round, with monsoons in the northwest from December - March and in the southeast from May - December. 

When to Go: The weather in Papua New Guinea is prone to changing quickly, but June - September are meant to be the cooler and drier months and probably the best time to visit.

Reasons to Visit: Diverse local cultures/nature, coral reef

How to Get There: Travelling by air is the best way to get to Papau New Guinea from the UK, and there's a good international airport near the capital you can fly to.

Places to Go: National Museum, Australian War Memorial

Famous People: Will Genia, Michael Somare, Peter O'Neill, Erika Heynatz

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Mount Wilhelm, Sepik River

History: Under Australian control until 1975 when it gained independence

Architecture: Parliament Haus, Submarine Base

Culture: Hugely diverse, with over 1000 different cultural groups

Sport: Rugby, Football, Cricket

Events: Morobe Show, Malagan Festival, Warwagira Festival, Garamut and Mamba Festival (drum and bamboo flute)

Watch Out For: Seasonal cyclones/flooding can occur and should be treated with caution, and you will need a visa to enter the country - make sure you are fully aware of the process as it differs between countries/people

Medical Issues: Some vaccines/boosters are advised - check here for a good overview and always consult with a doctor