Papua New Guinea Important stuff Demographically, Papua New Guinea (PNG) lies entirely within the tropics, in the Pacific ring of Fire, just south of the Equator and 160km to the north of Australia. Comprising of more than 600 islands and 800 indigenous languages, PNG is made up of four regions with 20 provinces. A central core of mountains, the Owen Stanley range, 4,500 metre high Mt Wilhelm, active volcanoes, mangrove swamps, winding rivers and fertile coastal plains exist alongside broad sandy beaches, sheltered bays and dense rainforest. Population: 5.5 million, Melanesian Airport: Port Moresby, Jacksons International Airport How to get there: Pacific Blue (DJ), QantasLink (QF), Air Niugini (PX), Airlines of Papua New Guinea (CG) Domestic Air Niugini (PX) Mt Hagen show preparations Temperatures: Coastal 24 - 30 C. Highlands 15 - 5 C (can snow). (photo courtesy of Trans Niugini Tours) Rainy season: Monsoon season December to March, but Port Moresby experiences a dry season at this time. February is the wettest month. What to buy: primitive art, timber carvings, masks (decorated with hair, shells, pig Highlands / trekking tusks), string bags (bilums), crafts, and hand dyed Tapa cloth. Drinking water: bottled water is available, boil in rural areas. Although PNG has a population of over five million, there are less than fifty What to pack: light cottons, warmer clothing in the Highlands, light jacket, thousand cars, meaning walking is the main mode of transportation. Almost mosquito repellant, sunscreen. Currency: AUD and USD can be exchanged for Kina at the airport, banks and 85% of the main island is tropical rain forest and the Highlands encompass some hotels. the central core. The territory is so densely forested and topographically Passport: six months validity forbidding that the island’s local people remained isolated from each other Visas: for New Zealand and Australia, 60-day Tourist Visa available on arrival in Port for thousands of years. Walking tracks are abundant with Kokoda the most Moresby for PGK100.00 (approximately NZ$55). Passport size photo required. well known, but Mt Wilhelm is popular for shorter duration treks (not suitable Health: anti-malaria medication and recommendations from a travel doctor. for beginners), and newly developed routes include Black Cat Track (seven Main cities: Port Moresby (capital) and Lae days), reportedly more challenging than the Kokoda Track and Bulldog Track Major islands: New Ireland, New Britain, Manus and Bougainville Accommodation: budget lodges, traditional homestays, guesthouses, self-catering (six days). motels, hotels and resorts Kokoda Track Papua New Guinea’s renowned as the location of the WWII battle between Japanese and Australian forces in 1942, this 96km track has become a pilgrimage for leading inbound tour many as it winds through the rugged terrain of the Owen Stanley ranges. operator Each year trekkers brave the mountainous terrain, meet with Koiari and Orokaiva people living a traditional lifestyle, explore the dense rainforests and follow the footsteps of Australian soldiers and the Papua New Guinean Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels who guided them. The campsite locations are not by coincidence. From Deniki to Templeton’s Crossing, Isurava, to Brigade Hill and the Battlefield to Mt Belamy, camps are set at locations rich in history and significance. ‘2012 will mark the 70th anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign. We expect a busy trekking season and commemorative battle treks are already in the market,’ reports Peter vincent. Expedition cruising • Experience our award winning wilderness lodges Boasting a high repeat clientele, Orion Expedition Cruises’ tagline ‘discover • Experience the Sepik, Karawari and Bensbach Rivers a path less travelled’ has particular relevance aboard the Orion, a five star ship • Journey over rugged landscapes with no more than 100 guests and 75 staff, when it sails the PNG route. Gavin • Embrace the culture and festivals that make Milligan, marketing manager Cruise Holidays, says Papua New Guinea is a Papua New Guinea unique unique destination, with cultural diversity and spectacular scenery. ‘Cruising Discover how easy Papua New Guinea can be allows access to places such as Alotau which has no main road access, but boasts impressive WWII historical sites. There are beautiful beaches on the Ph: +675 542 1438 `Island of Love` - Kitava, and the cruise visits Madang Lagoon, Samari Island Email: [email protected] www.pngtours.com and Sepik river. Perhaps the most enchanting aspect of these cruises is visiting the local villages. Traditional skills prevail, local arts and crafts are on display and the locals love having visitors. Diving is also a highlight, with numerous world class dive sites available on the itinerary.’ Orion Expeditions 2012 departures operate 11-night voyages in March, October and November. TrAvelinc oct/nov 2011 15.