The country encompasses the eastern half of New Guinea and its offshore islands. It’s known for its immense cultural and biological diversity unlike Australia which is dried out. The beaches are wonderful with exquisite coral reefs. It offers dense rainforests and hiking routes along with the choice to visit
The beach is definitely the best place to get some activities does, namely that of surfing, diving and snorkeling. Papua New Guinea is surrounded by beaches and these activities can be done anywhere under the supervision of officials. As Ela Beach is the closest to the capital, it’s the preferred place to enjoy these activities.
Travel time: 10 minutes on foot
Distance from Port Moresby: 7.90 km
Well known for being one of the challenging treks, this challenges the tourists to push their limits and experience the beautiful trail through the 96 Km walk. They brave the mountainous terrain meet the Koairi and Orokaiva people while exploring the dense rainforests.
Travel time:
16 minutes by taxi (71.15 Papua new guinea kina)
Alternative transportation is not available.
Distance from city center: 10.4 km
The museum which was recently remodeled following the 40th anniversary of the country is the best way to learn about Papua New Guinea’s history and culture. There are different exhibits divided by theme, musical instruments, body adornments, ceremonial kundu and garamut drums etc. There are other displays that cover geography, fauna, culture, ethnography and history of PNG.
Travel by: car
Time taken: 16 minutes
Distance from city center: 11.7 km
A Sepik style house with highland design principles, this is the meeting place for all Parliament members. The lobby is entered through doors which have stylized kundu drum shaped handles. The friendly receptionists help through the tour by explaining the design and history. You can even go see where the parliament members sit while they are there.
Travel by: car
Time taken: 20 minutes
Distance from city center: 42 km
The National Park features marked walking trails among the pin trees, ranging from 45 minutes to three hours long. There are birds that can be admired and it’s possible to camp there, provided you arrive with a large enough group.
Travel by: car
Time taken: 50 minutes
Alternative transportation is not available.
Distance from city center: 1.1 km
The beach located in the capital, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Papua New Guinea. With its clear waters and bustling activities, its magnetism is hard to resist. Ela beach is known for being home to festivals, markets and simple parties through which you enjoy yourself. You can even indulge in water sports while you are there.
Travel by: foot
Time taken: 3 minutes
Travel by foot, takes 6 minutes
Considered to be the best market in town, it has items from all over the country with more carvings, baskets, stone tools etc. Food is readily available and contribute to a carnival atmosphere.
Travel by taxi, takes 13 minutes
This square is a good place to buy carvings, stone axes and other cultural items. Though the sellers are open to negotiations regarding price, it is considered rude to outright haggle.
Travel by taxi, takes 22 minutes
Though there are not many shopping options in Port Moresby, this is considered to be one of the best. It has adequate security and offers a range of shops and boutiques. You can walk around and enjoy snacks from the snack bar.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
More of a coffee shop than a restaurant, it is still famous for offering great food and is a popular hangout for the locals and tourists alike. It offers gluten free options and deals with more European inspired dishes along with their superb coffee.
Chicken Pot
This is a chicken dish that is simmered in a soup with vegetables and coconut cream. While the vegetables are an important part of the dish, the vegetables can be swapped out according to taste.
Mumu
A pork dish that is done in the traditional manner, this is the favorite among the locals and is served with sweet potatoes, rice and vegetables.
Kokoda Fish
A fish dish that is cooked in coconut and lime to give it a tangy yet creamy texture.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
As the name suggests, it deals with only Indian food which means that there are vegetarian options available for the customers. They serve great Indian food, as authentic as possible. With its great interiors, it’s a must visit!
This is a beautiful club that has everything that you might want for a great night out! With good music, a dance floor and drinks, you can easily lose track of time. For people who want intimate parties, there is a VIP room available, separate from the main club.
Douglas St, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
This is more of a yacht club which holds competitions for their ships but the members can make use of the bar and restaurant to enjoy a quiet drink and good food. Tourists can visit as well. Their buffets are known to be popular.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
List of countries that can enter without a visa,
America, Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See (Vatican City State), Hong Kong (SAR), Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Korea (South), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao (SAR), Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia , Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Peru, Philippines , Poland, Portugal, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia (Slovak Republic), Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, United Kingdom (British Citizen Passport), United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, and all Dutch, French, New Zealand and US territories.
Drug use is illegal.
Prostitution is illegal. The age for drinking alcohol is 18 and the alcohol limit is 0.05. Homosexuality is illegal and if evidence is found, can lead to harsh consequences.
Though Papua New Guinea isn’t a very dangerous place, precaution must be taken. Belongings must not be flaunted and they should be held securely near the person. There are many pickpockets and purse snatchers. In accordance to that, it is advised to keep some change in your pocket in the event that you are stopped by a thief. The bulk of your money should be hidden in your socks or money belt. Friday nights are especially dangerous so it’s best not to be out and about in an isolated area on that day.
A medicine box should be equipped in case of any dangers. Routine vaccinations should be administered along with hepatitis and yellow fever.
The first inhabitants of the island were tribal people who spoke more than 700 languages. It was explored by Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the 16th century and in 1828, the Dutch formally took possession of the western part of the island. In 1885, Germany took the northern coast and Britain did the same with the south. In 1906, they transferred its rights to Australia and the name was changed to Territory of Papua. After being invaded by Japanese forces in 1942 and then released in 1945, the separate parts combined to be one. In 1945, it gained independence and worked its way to what it is now, through with its own share of troubles.
There are many languages but English, Papua New Guinea sign language, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin are considered to be the main ones.
