PROBYTRAVEL
Papua New Guinea

Things to Do in Papua New Guinea

Step into one of the world's last wild frontiers of biodiversity and ancient living cultures.

  • CapitalPort Moresby
  • CurrencyPapua New Guinean Kina (PGK)
  • LanguageEnglish, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu
  • Time zoneUTC+10
  • Emergency112 (Police) / 111 (Ambulance)

Why visit Papua New Guinea?

Papua New Guinea is one of the most culturally diverse and geographically rugged nations on earth. Home to over 800 distinct languages and hundreds of unique tribal groups, the country offers travelers an unparalleled encounter with living heritage. From the mist-shrouded peaks of the highlands to the complex river systems of the Sepik, much of the country remains inaccessible by road, making travel here a genuine expedition that requires careful planning and a flexible mindset.

The landscape is a dramatic mix of active volcanoes, dense rainforests, and coral-fringed islands. Divers flock to the region for pristine reefs and historic World War II wrecks, while trekkers test their limits on the legendary Kokoda Track. Because of the rugged terrain, domestic flights are the primary way to travel between provinces, which inflates travel costs but preserves the isolated charm of each region.

Visiting Papua New Guinea is not for the faint of heart, as infrastructure is limited and security precautions are necessary in urban hubs. However, for travelers seeking authentic cultural exchanges, uncrowded natural wonders, and deep historical exploration, PNG offers an unfiltered travel experience that is increasingly rare in the modern world.

The Kokoda Track

A grueling 96-kilometer historic World War II trail crossing the rugged Owen Stanley Range, challenging trekkers with deep mud, steep ridges, and profound military history.

The Sepik River Basin

Navigate the winding Sepik River by motorized dugout canoe to visit remote stilt villages famous for their elaborate Spirit Houses (Haus Tambaran) and master woodcarvings.

Mount Wilhelm Ascent

At 4,509 meters, PNG's highest peak offers an intense climb through alpine grasslands and glacial valleys, rewarded with views of both coasts on a clear morning.

Tufi Fjords Diving

Explore unique tropical fjords (rias) where dramatic volcanic cliffs drop straight into deep water, offering world-class muck diving, vertical reef walls, and intact WWII wrecks.

The Goroka Cultural Show

Held annually in September, this massive gathering brings together over 100 tribal groups in a dazzling displays of traditional song, dance, and elaborate bilas (body ornamentation).

Tavurvur Volcano in Rabaul

Witness the dramatic ash-spewing landscape of East New Britain, where the active Tavurvur volcano partially buried the historic town of Rabaul in 1994.

Popular regions

The Highlands

The Highlands

A rugged interior chain of fertile valleys and towering peaks, home to traditional agricultural societies, Mount Wilhelm, and the vibrant cultural hubs of Mount Hagen and Goroka.

The Momase Region

The Momase Region

Spanning the northern coastline, this region contains the mouth of the mighty Sepik River, the coastal diving hub of Madang, and the historic port city of Wewak.

The Islands Region

The Islands Region

Comprising New Britain, New Ireland, Manus, and Bougainville, this area is characterized by active volcanoes, tranquil tropical waters, and rich island-customs.

The Southern Region

The Southern Region

The administrative gateway of the nation, housing the capital of Port Moresby, the start of the Kokoda Track, and the dramatic coastline of Milne Bay.

When to visit Papua New Guinea

Based on average conditions in Papua New Guinea.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temperature32°32°32°31°31°30°29°29°30°31°32°32°
Rain14d16d15d11d6d4d3d3d4d5d7d11d
CrowdsLowLowLowMedMedMedHighHighHighHighMedLow
  • Cold
  • Comfortable / dry / low crowds
  • Cool–hot / typical / moderate
  • Very hot / wetter / high crowds

Plan your trip to Papua New Guinea

Arrival & Port Moresby

Days 1 - 2

Fly into Jackson International Airport. Visit the National Museum and Art Gallery, see native birds of paradise at the Nature Park, and organize your provincial travel logistics.

The Cultural Highlands

Days 3 - 6

Fly to Mount Hagen or Goroka. Spend your days exploring highland markets, observing the Wigmen of Tari, and walking through high-altitude rainforests.

Sepik River Expedition

Days 7 - 10

Fly to Wewak and transfer to the Sepik River. Charter a canoe to explore the stilt-house villages, learn about crocodile-scarification rituals, and purchase regional wood carvings.

Coastal Marine Escape

Days 11 - 14

Fly to Tufi or Madang for snorkeling and diving. Rest at an eco-resort, explore the inner fjords by sea kayak, and visit outer reef walls before flying back to Port Moresby for departure.

Getting around Papua New Guinea

Domestic Aviation

Air Niugini and PNG Air operate flights connecting Port Moresby to major provincial capitals. Due to frequent weather delays and flight cancellations, always build a buffer day into your itinerary before international connections.

Public Motor Vehicles (PMVs)

Minibuses and open-backed trucks are the primary transport for locals. While extremely cheap, they are often crowded, lack safety standards, and are generally not recommended for tourists carrying luggage due to security risks.

Motorized Dugout Canoes & Dinghies

Along the Sepik River and throughout the island provinces, travel is done on narrow motorboats (banana boats). These are prone to delays from rough seas and should be equipped with life jackets before boarding.

Costs, food & practical info

Costs

  • Budget

    80 - 130 USD per day

    For highly independent travelers staying in basic church run guesthouses, eating local market food like kaukau, and traveling short distances via local PMV buses.

  • Mid-Range

    180 - 300 USD per day

    Includes regional domestic flights to cross roadless terrain, staying in private local lodges, and hiring local site guides for day excursions.

  • Luxury

    450+ USD per day

    Necessary for all-inclusive eco-lodges (like those in Tari or the Sepik), private chartered boats, guided wilderness expeditions, and high-security private transport.

Papua New Guinea is one of the most expensive destinations in Oceania. Because major towns are not linked by roads, travelers must fly between regions, which significantly inflates transport costs.

Food & drinks

  • Mumu (Pork and root vegetables cooked in an underground stone oven)PGK 25 - 45
  • Saksak (Sago palm starch jelly cooked in banana leaves)PGK 5 - 10
  • Fresh Coral Trout or Mud Crab (Coastal regions)PGK 35 - 60
  • Kaukau (Roasted sweet potato staple sold at local markets)PGK 2 - 5

Practical

  • Malaria & Health

    Malaria is highly endemic across PNG. Take prescription prophylaxis, sleep under treated mosquito nets, and use insect repellent with a high concentration of DEET.

  • Safety & Navigation

    Urban areas like Port Moresby and Lae experience high rates of opportunistic crime. Avoid walking at night, stick to secure compounds, and hire reputable local operators to coordinate transport.

  • Cash and Banking

    The local economy is strictly cash-based outside of major hotels in Port Moresby. Carry enough Kina when traveling to rural provinces, as local ATMs frequently run out of cash or lose power.

  • Customary Land Rights

    Nearly 97% of land in PNG is privately owned by indigenous clans. Never wander off marked trails, take photos of people, or enter beaches without asking permission and paying a small customary fee (Kastom fee) if requested.

Insight in one click

Frequently asked questions about visiting Papua New Guinea

How many days do I need in Papua New Guinea? +

You need at least 10 to 14 days. Because the country is highly mountainous and lacks an interconnected road network, traveling between destinations requires domestic flights that are frequently delayed by weather.

What is the best time to visit Papua New Guinea? +

The dry season from May to October is the best time to visit. This period offers the best trekking conditions on the Kokoda Track and aligns with major cultural events like the Mount Hagen and Goroka Shows.

Is Papua New Guinea safe for tourists? +

PNG has significant safety issues, particularly in Port Moresby, Lae, and parts of the Highlands where tribal clashes occur. Traveling with registered tour operators, avoiding night travel, and utilizing hotel shuttles greatly minimizes risks.

What is a good first-timer route? +

A classic first-timer route starts in Port Moresby, flies to Mount Hagen for a Highlands cultural experience, then heads to Tufi or Madang for world-class diving and coastal relaxation.

How expensive is traveling in Papua New Guinea? +

PNG is one of the more expensive destinations in the Pacific. Because you must fly between most regions, and safe lodging and private transport require specialized security standards, mid-range and luxury travel costs can quickly escalate.

Do I need a visa to visit Papua New Guinea? +

Most international travelers need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. While eVisas are available online for certain passport holders, rules change frequently, so verify requirements with the official PNG Immigration authority before booking your flights.

What languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea? +

English is the official language of government and education, but Tok Pisin (an English-based Creole) is the most widely spoken language across all provinces, followed by Hiri Motu.