PNG COASTAL 2020 Your guide to Coastal Adventures in Papua New Guinea
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OCEAN v Puto Buka Passage Buka Amun Papua New Guinea is Australia’s closest Kilinailau Is. in AUTONOMOUS PACIFIC BOUGAINVILLE a ug Buka Bo neighbour; an independent nation of o 838 Sohano g Hanahan Green Is. a l Rossel I. over 8 million people, located just 150km to e ip h c Laughlan Is. the north of Cape York, and sharing a border r
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1617 A million different journeys 3 Carpentaria INDONESIA º Merauke S S 0 O O 8 4 WHERE TO GO: COASTAL ADVENTURES CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS IN MILNE BAY & TUFI Divers and snorkellers have been coming to enjoy) a Mumu feast (a traditional meal of this part of Papua New Guinea for decades, local produce cooked in the earth). Up the In this guide we focus on the coastal and island regions of Papua New Guinea. See our but culture-seekers have only recently coast in Oro Province are the Tufi Fjords, PNG Highlands 2019 guide for more information on Papua New Guinea’s highlands and cottoned on to this unique part of the world. home to the world’s largest butterfly (the inland regions. Alotau is the capital of the Milne Bay region, Queen Alexandra Bird Wing; with wingspans and plays host to the annual Kenu and of up to 28cm). Visitor participation in Kundu Festival each November - a lively traditional daily life is welcomed by the local and colourful cultural display of war canoe villagers, who will happily show travellers racing and ‘singsings’ (traditional dances). how to build traditional homes and canoes Year-round you can discover harrowing from sago palms, and how to hunt and skull caves, and can also learn to cook (and gather for food.
Alotau or Tufi Alotau International Resort, Driftwood Resort, Tawali Leisure & Dive Resort, Tufi Resort
Tufi Fjords West New Britain’s Thermal Hot River EXPLORING THE NORTH COAST This surfing hotspot is also a fishing and diving / snorkelling paradise. Stretching for over 500km, the northern coastline of Papua New Guinea’s mainland is as chilled-out as ISLAND ADVENTURES IN NEW BRITAIN & NEW IRELAND it comes. Here you’ll find sleepy port towns and seaside villages that offer the perfect Popular with divers, surfers, history buffs awaits; from hidden Japanese WWII war respite for those who’ve just adventured to and adventure seekers, these two easy- tunnels and Admiral Yamamoto’s famed the nearby highlands or Sepik River. Spend to-get-to islands are perfect for first-time bunker, to the ash-covered remains of old the day paddling across aqua-clear waters visitors. In West New Britain (WNB) you Rabaul town (destroyed by the nearby to nearby deserted islands, explore local Vanimo can hike to the top of the active Gabuna Mount Tavurvur volcanic eruption of caves and waterfalls, or tuck into some volcano crater, relax in a natural spa-like 1937). Over on New Ireland (NI) you can fresh locally-caught seafood. thermal hot river or visit the local firefly go on a 5-day cycling adventure, travelling trees at night and see the rainforest light down the length of the 260km mostly-flat up. At the other end of the island in East Bulominski Highway, stopping to rest at Madang, Wewak or Vanimo New Britain (ENB), a world of history traditional village homestays along the way. Madang Resort, Tupira Surf Club, Paradise New Wewak, Vanimo Surf Lodge
Kimbe (WNB), Rabaul (ENB) Walindi Plantation Resort, or Kavieng (NI) Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort, Rapopo Plantation Resort, Lissenung Island Resort, Nusa Island Retreat 5
4 Papua New Guinea A million different journeys 5 WHAT TO DO: COASTAL ADVENTURES
Snorkelling off Walindi Plantation Resort (@jackson.groves)
Reefs off Tufi Resort Surfing off Vanimo Surf Lodge
DIVING & SNORKELLING SURFING Forget Bali with its overcrowded beaches; head next door to Papua New Guinea is regarded by pro divers as one of the best dive destinations Papua New Guinea, where near-empty surf breaks await. Thanks to the country’s in the world. Home to pristine reefs, countless plane and ship wrecks, and world-renowned Surf Management Plan, the number of surfers on any one hundreds of untouched atolls, Papua New Guinea’s islands and coastal regions break is capped, so you’ll never be stuck waiting to catch the perfect wave. are a divers and snorkellers paradise. Dive down to a fully intact Japanese Zero Surfing is idolised in Papua New Guinea, as are visiting pro surfers. You’ll be just fighter plane, visit the original “Muck Diving” site that put PNG on the map, and as likely to see locals surfing on hand-carved planks of timber, as you will Taylor swim amongst hammerheads and moray eels in the spectacular drop-offs of the Jensen (who won the 2017 Men’s Kumul PNG World Longboard Championships). country’s fjords. And when the day is done, or if you need a rest day, there’s Or even no one at all! And when you’re done for the day, there’s plenty of islands, so many natural wonders to explore and cultural experiences to be had. waterfalls, caves andvolcanoes to explore. You can even choose from a range of specialist dive resorts, or even liveaboard a dive boat. November – April Year-Round (optimal times vary between locations) Nusa Island Retreat, Rubio Plantation, Tupira Surf Club, Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort, Lissenung Island Resort, Loloata Private Vanimo Surf Lodge Island Resort, Madang Resort, MV FeBrina, MV Oceania, Nusa Island Retreat, Rapopo Plantation Resort, Tawali Leisure & Dive Resort, Tufi Resort, Walindi Plantation Resort
6 Papua New Guinea A million different journeys 7 WHAT TO DO: COASTAL ADVENTURES CRUISING Large ship cruising is a popular way for Madang, Milne Bay (Alotau), Kiriwina Island, first-timers to experience Papua New the Trobriand Islands and the Conflict Guinea. The country features on the Islands. itineraries of numerous well-known cruise lines, including P&O, Princess, Carnival, There are also a number of small Cunard and Silversea. Whether part of expedition ships that call into Papua New a round-the-world itinerary, voyage across Guinea each year, many offering specialised the South Pacific or even a dedicated tours to the most remote parts of the cruise around Papua New Guinea’s shores, country. Coral Expeditions, True North, calling in cruise ships are becoming more Heritage Expeditions and Linblad frequent. Dedicated itineraries tend to Expeditions are some of the small cruise depart ex Brisbane or ex Sydney. Popular brands that offer such itineraries. ports of call include Rabaul, Kavieng,
Fishing on Lake Murray
FISHING Papua New Guinea’s untouched rivers and lakes, and isolated coastal waters, offer some of the best lures in the world. From the challenge of catching a ‘lure shy’ Papua New Guinea Black Bass in remote rainforest-lined rivers, to showing off a prized Dogtooth Tuna or Marlin catch out at sea, Papua New Guinea has got to be on the bucket list of all fishing enthusiasts.
Year-Round (optimal times vary between locations) Baia Sportfishing Lodge, Bensbach P&O Pacific Dawn Wildlife Lodge, Lake Murray Lodge, Liamo Reef Resort, MV K20, MV Ultimate One, Uluai Island Bungalows Lake Murray
8 Papua New Guinea A million different journeys 9 STOPPING OVER IN PORT MORESBY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Papua New Guinea safe for tourists? Yes! Tourists are welcomed in Papua New Guinea with open arms and big smiles. We recommend booking on an organised tour or staying at one of our featured list of hotels and resorts, to ensure you have the best possible experience.
Are there any luxury accommodation options? Absolutely! Whether you prefer 5 star overwater villas, world-class hotels or even more traditional authentic village homestays, there is something for everyone.
How long a trip do you recommend? To truly experience the country we recommend planning to visit for 7-14 days, taking in 2-3 different locations (mixing up the highlands, coastal and island areas). Single-location short-stay trips are possible, particularly for those visiting from Cairns or Brisbane, and Loloata Private Island Resort there are also plenty of cruise itinerary options to choose from too. Hilton Port Moresby Can I get my dive qualification in PNG? Yes, at certain resorts you can! However, we’d recommend getting your license before coming across to make the most of the country’s incredible reefs and wrecks.
Most visitors to Papua New Guinea explore All hotels offer complimentary airport Are the cultural experiences genuine? beyond the mostly commercial and shuttle services, and from wherever you Absolutely! The tribes and villagers are immensely proud of their culture and everyday way government hub of Port Moresby. That choose to stay, transportation to the city’s of life, and love nothing more than to showcase it to visitors. PNG is not overcrowded with being said, if domestic and international popular Nature Park (home to 550 native visitors, so you’ll generally get a more intimate and interactive experience too. flight schedules don’t align, then a animals and hundreds of plant species) and stopover in the country’s capital is worth nearby Bomana War Cemetery (where Is there a nightlife in Papua New Guinea? considering. This once sleepy town is fast the remains of 3,824 Commonwealth Nightlife for Papua New Guineans often consists of watching the sunset over the ocean growing into a thriving metropolis, with soldiers lay) can easily be arranged. with a refreshing bottle of SP Lager in hand, and performing ‘singsings’ and fire dances. In a vast construction programme underway Port Moresby (the capital) you’ll find several restaurants, bars and even nightclubs, if that’s to upgrade the city’s infrastructure and Those with a bit more time, should more your vibe. transform its waterfront. In 2018 the city consider Loloata Private Island Resort played host to global leaders for the APEC - only 40 minutes from Port Moresby’s Can I buy things from the local tribes and villages? Summit, and as such an array of world-class Jacksons International Airport. Opened in Yes, please do! You will find plenty of talented craftspeople selling their handmade wares, luxury hotels exist, including Airways, 2019, this exclusive and luxury resort offers including bilums (bags), baskets, carvings and artworks. Be sure not to miss the local Hilton and The Stanley Hotel & Suites. overwater suites and villas, as well as tours produce markets either. Supporting these sellers helps their communities to thrive and A selection of well-appointed three and four to over 30 nearby dive sites. survive. Just don’t forget to declare anything brought back into Australia or New Zealand. star properties are also on offer.
10 Papua New Guinea A million different journeys 11 Back cover: Mindima Skeleton Dancers (Epic Trails & @greenulrika)
And that’s just a few of the million different journeys available within Papua New Guinea. Highland Adventures also await those interested in trekking, birding, and even more cultural experiences.
For more information about Papua New Guinea please contact your Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) representative in Australia and New Zealand at; [email protected]
Find your own adventure at www.papuanewguinea.travel