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Home , Calvados Chain, Kundiawa, Lorengau, Mount Giluwe, Mount Hagen (volcano), Mount Wilhelm

YOUR GUIDE TO DISCOVERING

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1617 A million different journeys 2 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 but culture-seekers have only recently coast in are the Tufi Fjords, cottoned on to this unique part of the world. home to the world’s largest butterfly (the 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

West ’s Thermal Hot River EXPLORING THE NORTH COAST Tufi Fjords This surfing hotspot is also a fishing and diving / snorkelling paradise. Stretching for over 500km, the northern coastline of Papua ISLAND ADVENTURES IN NEW BRITAIN & New Guinea’s mainland is as chilled-out as it comes. Here you’ll find sleepy port towns Popular with divers, surfers, history buffs awaits; from hidden Japanese WWII war and seaside villages that offer the perfect and adventure seekers, these two easy- tunnels and Admiral Yamamoto’s famed respite for those who’ve just adventured to to-get-to islands are perfect for first-time bunker, to the ash-covered remains of old the nearby highlands or Sepik River. Spend visitors. In West New Britain (WNB) you Rabaul town (destroyed by the nearby the day paddling across aqua-clear waters can hike to the top of the active Gabuna Mount volcanic eruption of to nearby deserted islands, explore local crater, relax in a natural spa-like 1937). Over on New Ireland (NI) you can Vanimo caves and waterfalls, or tuck into some thermal hot river or visit the local firefly go on a 5-day cycling adventure, travelling fresh locally-caught seafood. trees at night and see the 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 New Britain (ENB), a world of history traditional village homestays along the way. Madang, Wewak or Vanimo Madang Resort, Tupira Surf Club, Paradise New Wewak, Vanimo Surf Lodge Kimbe (WNB), Rabaul (ENB) Walindi Plantation Resort, or (NI) Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort, Rapopo Plantation Resort, Lissenung Island Resort, Nusa Island Retreat

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3 Papua New Guinea A million different journeys 4 WHAT TO DO: COASTAL ADVENTURES SURFING Forget Bali with its overcrowded beaches; head next door to Papua New Guinea, where near-empty surf breaks await. Thanks to the country’s world-renowned Surf Snorkelling off Walindi Plantation Resort (@jackson.groves) Management Plan, the number of surfers on any one break is capped, so you’ll never DIVING & SNORKELLING be stuck waiting to catch the perfect wave. Surfing is idolised in Papua New Guinea, Papua New Guinea is regarded by pro divers as are visiting pro surfers. You’ll be just as as one of the best dive destinations in the likely to see locals surfing on hand-carved world. Home to pristine reefs, countless planks of timber, as you will Taylor Jensen plane and ship wrecks, and hundreds of (who won the 2017 Men’s Kumul PNG World untouched atolls, Papua New Guinea’s Longboard Championships). Or even no islands and coastal regions are a divers and one at all! And when you’re done for the day, Surfing off Vanimo Surf Lodge snorkellers paradise. Dive down to a fully there’s plenty of islands, waterfalls, caves intact Japanese Zero fighter plane, visit the and volcanoes to explore. original “Muck Diving” site that put PNG on the map, and swim amongst hammerheads and moray eels in the spectacular drop- November – April FISHING offs of the country’s fjords. And when the Nusa Island Retreat, Rubio Papua New Guinea’s untouched rivers day is done, or if you need a rest day, there’s Plantation, Tupira Surf Club, Vanimo and lakes, and isolated coastal waters, offer so many natural wonders to explore and Surf Lodge some of the best lures in the world. From cultural experiences to be had. You can the challenge of catching a ‘lure shy’ Papua even choose from a range of specialist dive New Guinea Black Bass in remote rainforest- resorts, or even liveaboard a dive boat. lined rivers, to showing off a prized Dogtooth Tuna or Marlin catch out Year-Round (optimal times vary at sea, Papua New Guinea has got to be on between locations) the bucket list of all fishing enthusiasts. Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort, Lissenung Island Resort, Loloata Private Island Resort, Madang Resort, Year-Round (optimal times vary MV FeBrina, MV Oceania, Nusa Island between locations) Retreat, Rapopo Plantation Resort, Baia Sportfishing Lodge, Bensbach Tawali Leisure & Dive Resort, Tufi Wildlife Lodge, Lake Murray Lodge, Resort, Walindi Plantation Resort Liamo Reef Resort, MV K20, MV Fishing on Lake Murray Ultimate One, Uluai Island Bungalows Reefs off Tufi Resort

5 Papua New Guinea A million different journeys 6 WHERE TO GO: HIGHLAND ADVENTURES

A FEAST FOR THE SENSES IN GOROKA Goroka is in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea and is also home to an array of coffee and cocoa (chocolate) plantations. One of the highlights of Goroka is the ability to visit the local Asaro Mudmen tribe. Goroka also hosts its annual cultural festival in September, the Goroka Festival.

Goroka Asaro Mudmen Tribe Bird Of Paradise Hotel & Apartments, Pacific Gardens

EXPLORATIONS ALONG THE MIGHTY SEPIK UNCOVERING CULTURAL The Sepik is one of the most intriguing adventure destinations on Earth, and HIGHS IN MOUNT HAGEN the longest river in Papua New Guinea, at Mount Hagen is not only home to one 1,126km. The Sepik is extremely remote of the oldest and most spectacular and can only be accessed by boat, be it cultural shows, the annual Hagen traditional canoe or luxury vessel. The Cultural Show, you can also find banks of the Sepik are also home to one extensive coffee and tea plantations, of the world’s most infamous cultural as well as local tribes to visit in the ceremonies, the crocodile initiation surrounding area. Popular tribes to ceremony and the Ambunti Crocodile visit include; Diugl Village and the Festival. Mindima skeleton dancers.

Wewak or Madang Mount Hagen Madang Huli Wigman Rondon Ridge, Highlander Hotel & Apartments

7 Papua New Guinea A million different journeys 8 WHAT TO DO: HIGHLAND ADVENTURES PARTAKE IN AN AUSSIE RITE OF PASSAGE Trekking world-famous Kokoda is not only a 96km physical endurance challenge, it’s also a spiritual journey retracing the footsteps of the thousands of Aussie Diggers who were killed or injured defending Australia. Tours range from 6-12 days based on speed and fitness levels, and trekkers can also choose to trek from Poppendetta to Owers Corner or trek the reverse route.

Poppendetta or Port Moresby See Kokoda Track Authority for Kokoda (@jackson.groves) a full listing of trek operators April – November

TREK OCEANIA`S The Summit of Mount Wilhelm HIGHEST VOLCANO Papua New Guinea’s second highest mountain, (4,367m), is part of a volcanic massif. The original volcano on the site of Mount Giluwe formed roughly CLIMB ONE OF THE 650,000–800,000 years ago, probably as a At 4,509m, Mount Wilhelm is not only the If you’re lucky you’ll get to spot some of stratovolcano of similar height to highest mountain in Papua New Guinea, the beautiful birds of paradise. Generally the current peak. One of the Volcanic Seven but is also the highest point in all of groups will summit before sunrise to truly Summits of the world, the usually five-day Oceania. Despite its height, Mount Wilhelm enjoy the view out to the north coast and trek passes through vast and is actually the country’s most accessible surrounding valleys. alpine landscapes. mountain to climb. Usually a 3-4 day hike including overnight stays at camps/ villages Mount Hagen Mount Hagen along the way, the expedition will find you Mount Giluwe (No Roads Expeditions) Buna Treks & Tours, Betty’s Lodge, No Roads Expeditions, crossing rivers, climbing through PNG Highland Adventures PNG Holidays, Paiya Tours forests, alpine and glacial valleys.

9 Papua New Guinea A million different journeys 10 "THE MAJESTIC AND VALLEYS OF THE CRUISING HIGHLANDS PROVES THAT Large ship cruising is a popular way for Madang, Milne Bay (Alotau), Island, PAPUA NEW GUINEA IS first-timers to experience Papua New the and the Conflict TRULY A NATURAL WONDER." 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,

A TWITCHERS PARADISE

The diversity of Papua New Guinea’s the Fire-maned Bowerbird. Visitors are landscapes provides endless opportunities excited by the prospect of sighting any for birdwatchers. Due to climates favoured special species from the enigmatic Crested by certain endemic species and the lack Berrypecker to the elusively-rare Beck’s of predatory animals, Papua New Guinea Petrel, and the stunning Victorian Crowned is home to a thriving bird population. Pigeon. Not only does bird watching in Birding is available throughout the country Papua New Guinea provide unparalleled from coastal and island regions right up opportunity for birding enthusiasts, it to the rugged peaks of the highlands, with also provides some of the world’s most diversity of birdlife throughout. Papua New spectacular scenery. Guinea is particularly famous for endemic species such as the Raggiana and Blue P&O Pacific Dawn Birds of Paradise, and rare finds including June – October

11 Papua New Guinea A million different journeys 12 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 . star properties are also on offer.

13 Papua New Guinea A million different journeys 14 Back cover: Children of Papua New Guinea’s Highlands Front cover: Kenu and Kundu Festival (Milne Bay) AND THAT`S JUST A FEW OF THE MILLION DIFFERENT JOURNEYS AVAILABLE WITHIN PAPUA NEW GUINEA.

Find your own adventure at www.papuanewguinea.travel