PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Rainforest & Reef

Information

Over 8 million people call Papua New Guinea home and has many diverse local cultures and customs. There is incredible biological diversity and is known for beaches, coral reefs, volcanoes and dense rainforest. Therefore this diversity creates many different interesting aspects for any traveller, hiking, culture and nature for example.

QUICK FACTS:

Currency: PNG Kina

Language: English, Tok Pisin & Hiri Motu are the main languages but overall there are 832 languages spoken throughout the region. It is the most linguistically diverse place on earth. Most people speak some sort of English and if not you will find a way to communicate with such friendly people.

Visa: Constantly changing rules means it is essential to check in advance. Currently many countries can gain a free visa on arrival valid for 60 days at Port Moresby or Rabaul.

Power: 240 volts AC. Plug type I.

Safety: PNG can be volatile in places so it is important to talk to the locals where you are staying to find out what is OK to do and what is not. In addition most cases guest houses or hotels provide transport or guards if there is any kind of risk. Port Morseby is the worst due to the Raskols. Check with government websites for any current areas of unrest.

TRANSPORT:

Flights are in many cases the only way to get around as there are limited roads in PNG. There are 2 airlines, the main carrier Air Niugini and PNG Air, a smaller airline. PNG Air is cheaper but uses smaller planes and can not be booked as far in advance. Unpredictable weather often disrupts schedules so leave plenty of time between flights.

Driving yourself – possible but not recommended due to the state of the roads and the cost of hire. Any valid driving license is OK and cars or bikes can be hired from major cities.

Taxis exist in major towns but in many areas are non existent.

PMV (Public Motor Vehicle), can be any kind of vehicle, mostly in bad state of repair. It is a cheap way to travel but expect to be very cramped, therefore not great on long journeys. To get one, just turn up at any designated spot and wait – they will go when they have enough passengers. Best to avoid using them at night, especially in the highlands.

FESTIVALS:

Dates below often change so check before you book. Below is a list of the major festivals.

Tumbuna show in May
National Mask Warwagira festival in July
Sepik River Crocodile festival in August
Mount Hagen show in August
Enga Cultural show in August
Jiwaka Cultural show in August
Goroko show in September
Frangipani show in September
Bougainville Chocolate show in September
Tufi Tapa Tattoo festival in September
Kenu and Kundu Canoe festival in November

Planning

The climate in Papua New Guinea is Tropical and similar throughout the year. Hot and humid along the coasts and the plains and cooler the higher into the mountains you go. The average temperature on the coasts is 28 and the mountains 23 – 26. Humidity is high throughout the year at around 70 – 90 percent. Between December and March Papua New Guinea can receive Typhoons so this time is not the best for a visit.

Packing:-
Depending on where you are going you could need the full variety of weather gear. As a result of us not planning well for this we were so cold in the mountains we were wearing everything we had (and we were still cold). Conservative dress is recommended and hiking boots are a must if you plan to do any trails, volcanoes etc. If travelling at all by PNG Air take less as they have a smaller luggage allowance.

BUDGET:

Accommodation:-
Village stays and guest houses 50-100 Kina
Double room in mid range hotel 300-450 Kina
Resort – from 500 Kina
Food:-
Inexpensive restaurant 50 Kina
Mid range restaurant 100 Kina
High end restaurant 150 Kina up
Transport:-
Flights between towns 350-600 Kina
PMV costs are really small, too many variables to quote.