Things to Do in Papua New Guinea

About Papua New Guinea

Over 800 languages survive here—more than any country its size on Earth. Papua New Guinea doesn't cater to tourists. Ancient traditions thrive in rainforests and along coral-rimmed coasts where modernity barely registers. Headhunting ancestors left stories that elders still tell near spirit houses. Birds-of-great destination fill the canopy. Tribal ceremonies happen in remote highlands you can only reach by small plane. The geography is extreme. The Bismarck Sea holds volcanic islands, while the Owen Stanley Range towers inland—cultural authenticity meets untouched wilderness with no compromise. You can watch a sing-sing festival where warriors wear cassowary feathers and pig tusks, celebrating harvest rituals unchanged for centuries. Then dive World War II wrecks the next day in clear water thick with fish. This is raw adventure travel. Every encounter feels like discovery, and sunsets glow above villages that operate on their own clock.

Travel Tips

Transportation: PMVs (public buses) in Port Moresby cost 2-5 PGK ($0.57-1.43) per ride. Taxis charge 3-4 PGK ($0.86-1.14) per kilometer. Domestic flights with PNG Air range 300-800 PGK ($86-229) between major towns. Boat transport between islands costs 50-200 PGK ($14-57) depending on distance.

Accommodation: Hotels in Port Moresby range 400-1,200 PGK ($114-343) nightly. Village guesthouses cost 80-200 PGK ($23-57). Eco-lodges charge 300-600 PGK ($86-171). Bush camps for trekking run 150-300 PGK ($43-86) with meals included.

Cultural Tours: Highland cultural shows cost 100-250 PGK ($29-71) per person. Bird watching guides charge 200-400 PGK ($57-114) daily. Traditional sing-sing performances run 50-150 PGK ($14-43). Mask carving workshops cost 150-300 PGK ($43-86).

Food: Local markets sell fresh produce for 5-20 PGK ($1.43-5.71) per kilogram. Traditional mumu feasts cost 40-80 PGK ($11-23). Restaurant meals range 35-100 PGK ($10-29). Betel nut and buai cost 2-5 PGK ($0.57-1.43).

When to Visit

Papua New Guinea's tropical climate offers two distinct seasons, each with unique advantages. The dry season (May-October) brings the most comfortable conditions with temperatures averaging 24-28°C, minimal rainfall (50-100mm monthly), and lower humidity – ideal for trekking, diving, and cultural festivals. This peak season sees accommodation prices increase 30-40%, requiring advance bookings. The wet season (November-April) features higher temperatures (26-32°C), heavy rainfall (200-400mm monthly), and spectacular thunderstorms, but offers lush landscapes and 20-25% lower prices. March-April can be particularly humid and cyclone-prone along the coast. For cultural ensoiasts, time visits around major festivals: Mount Hagen Cultural Show (mid-August), Goroka Show (September 16-17), and Mask Festival in East New Britain (July). Divers should target April-May and September-November for optimal visibility. Highland trekkers prefer June-September for clearer mountain views, while lowland explorers might enjoy February-March when bird activity peaks despite occasional downpours. Budget travelers benefit from shoulder seasons (April-May, October-November) with moderate weather and 15-20% savings on accommodations.