Highlights
Kokoda Track
A 96-kilometre trail across the Owen Stanley Range, the scene of fierce fighting between Australian and Japanese forces in 1942. Treks with licensed operators and local porters usually take around eight to ten days through mountains, rivers and villages.
Highland cultural shows
The Goroka Show and the Mount Hagen Show bring together groups from across the highlands in elaborate costumes, feathers and body paint for singing and dancing (sing-sing). Dates vary each year, so confirm them before booking.
Sepik River
One of the great rivers of the Pacific, winding through swamps and forest. Villages along it are known for tall spirit houses (haus tambaran), carvings and crocodile initiation traditions. Travel is by motorised canoe and stays are simple.
Rabaul and East New Britain
A harbour town ringed by volcanoes, partly buried by the eruption of Tavurvur and Vulcan in 1994. Visitors can see the active cone, hot springs, Japanese wartime tunnels and wrecks in the bay.
Milne Bay and Tufi
The south-eastern coast and islands have excellent diving, with reefs, muck diving and wartime wrecks. At Tufi, steep fjord-like inlets formed by ancient volcanic activity cut into the coast.
Mount Wilhelm
The highest mountain in Papua New Guinea, at about 4,500 metres. Climbers usually start before dawn from the highlands for a chance of seeing both coasts on a clear morning.
Trobriand Islands
A group of coral islands off the eastern tip of New Guinea, famous through anthropology for the Kula ring exchange of shell valuables and for the yam harvest festivities.
Interesting facts about Papua New Guinea
- More than 800 languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea, more than in any other country in the world.
- The Kuk Early Agricultural Site in the Western Highlands shows that people were cultivating plants there thousands of years ago; it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The bird of paradise appears on the national flag, and many of the world's species of these birds live only on New Guinea and nearby islands.
- Tok Pisin, an English-based creole, is the most widely used common language, alongside English and Hiri Motu.
- Port Moresby is not connected by road to Lae or the highlands, so most travel between regions is by air.
Best time to visit
Papua New Guinea is hot and humid on the coast and cooler in the highlands, with rain possible at any time. The drier season, roughly May to October, is generally best for trekking the Kokoda Track and travelling in the highlands, and it includes the main cultural shows. December to March is the wetter season in many areas, with heavy rain, though some regions such as Milne Bay have different patterns. Diving is possible year-round.
Practical information
| Capital | Port Moresby |
|---|---|
| Currency | Papua New Guinean kina (PGK) |
| Languages | English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu |
| Plugs | Type I |
| Voltage | 240 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 112 or 000 police (112 is replacing 000 province by province), 111 ambulance, 110 fire (services are limited outside the main towns) |
| Driving | On the left |
| Tipping | Not customary. Small gifts or payments for guides and porters on treks are agreed in advance. |
Getting around
Domestic flights are the backbone of travel, connecting Port Moresby with Lae, Mount Hagen, Goroka, Madang, Rabaul and other towns, often in small planes on short airstrips. The Highlands Highway links Lae with the highlands, but roads elsewhere are limited and often poor. Coastal boats and dinghies serve islands and river villages. Public minibuses (PMVs) run in towns, but visitors usually use hotel transport, pre-arranged drivers or tour operators. Plan with a reputable local operator and check your government's travel advice before you go.
Staying connected in Papua New Guinea
Mobile coverage is available in Port Moresby, Lae, Mount Hagen and other main towns, with 4G in some urban areas. Outside towns it becomes patchy, and much of the highlands, the Sepik, the Kokoda Track and many islands have little or no signal. Wi-Fi is offered by larger hotels but can be slow, and power cuts happen. For remote trips, tell people when you expect to be out of contact and download maps offline. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, to have data in town.
See Papua New Guinea eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Papua New Guinea
- Google Maps: Download areas offline before leaving town, as coverage is limited.
- WhatsApp: Widely used for keeping in touch with guides, lodges and tour operators.
- XE Currency: Converts kina prices; carry cash as cards are rarely accepted outside towns.