Travel landscape in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea flagRoutaya · Country guide

Travel guide to Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea, located in the South Pacific Ocean, is a destination rich in diverse cultures, impressive natural landscapes, and unique biodiversity.

Photo by Toktok No Maski Productions · Pexels

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Two ways to explore

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YOUR CITY ROUTE

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CREATE YOUR GPX CYCLING ROUTE

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THE ROUTE

68 km · Loop route

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ELEVATION PROFILE

Altitude 580 m

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Information is provided as a travel-planning aid. Confirm entry, health and safety requirements with official authorities before departure.

Quick facts

Official languages
English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu
Time zones
UTC+10
Electrical outlets
230 V, 50 Hz, plugs type I (three flat pins in a V-shape)
Climate
Tropical, with wet and dry seasons varying by region

Health

Medical facilities are limited outside major cities. Travelers should have insurance covering medical evacuation.

Travel health advice

  • Consult a travel health clinic before departure
  • Prepare for dengue and malaria depending on the areas visited
  • Drink only bottled or treated water

Recommended vaccines: Typhoid; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Tetanus; Yellow Fever (if coming from risk areas)

Required vaccines: Yellow Fever (if applicable)

Money

Currency: Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK)

Currency exchange is recommended in major cities as exchange offices are scarce elsewhere.

Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and shops in Port Moresby and Lae. ATMs are scarce, especially outside major cities.

Safety

Papua New Guinea requires heightened caution due to crime in some urban and remote areas.

  • Avoid traveling at night in major cities
  • Keep an eye on personal belongings
  • Check local advice about areas to avoid

Areas to check before travel: Port Moresby; Certain areas around Lae and Mount Hagen

Regions

Highlands — travel guide
Region

Highlands

Mountainous inland region rich in tribal cultures and known for spectacular landscapes.

Momase — travel guide
Region

Momase

Northern coast and surrounding areas with important port cities and ecological diversity.

Papua — travel guide
Region

Papua

Southern part of the main island featuring Port Moresby, the capital and administrative center.

New Guinea Islands — travel guide
Region

New Guinea Islands

Archipelago northeast known for beaches, coral reefs, and unique cultures.

Southern Region — travel guide
Region

Southern Region

Area characterized by coastal plains with access to the capital.

Cities

Port Moresby — city guide
City guide

Port Moresby

Dynamic capital city, main gateway with museums, markets, and cultural centers.

  • National Museum and Art Gallery
  • Parliament House
  • Ela Beach
  • Port Moresby Nature Park
  • Adventure Park PNG
Lae — city guide
City guide

Lae

Second largest city, important port close to the Huon mountains.

  • Botanical Gardens
  • Mount Lunaman
  • Lae War Cemetery
Mount Hagen — city guide
City guide

Mount Hagen

Cultural center in the Highlands, famous for tribal markets and the culture festival.

  • Mount Hagen Cultural Show
  • Local markets
  • Highlands Highway
Madang — city guide
City guide

Madang

Coastal town with a relaxed atmosphere, beaches, and renowned diving sites.

  • Madang Museum
  • Island trips
  • Diving spots
Rabaul — city guide
City guide

Rabaul

Historic volcanic town on New Britain island, known for volcanic landscapes.

  • Volcano tours
  • WWII historical sites
  • Turangian Waterfalls
Kokopo — city guide
City guide

Kokopo

City rebuilt after volcanic eruption, base to explore volcanic region.

  • Kokopo War Museum
  • Beaches
  • Volcanic landscapes
Alotau — city guide
City guide

Alotau

Southeast port town, gateway to Milne Bay and its coral reefs.

  • Alotau War Memorial
  • Milne Bay diving
  • Local markets

Highlights

Mount Hagen Cultural Festival — travel guide
Must-see

Mount Hagen Cultural Festival

Annual event full of dances, traditional costumes, and tribal rituals.

Goroka Show — travel guide
Must-see

Goroka Show

Vibrant celebration of tribal traditions from various Highlands tribes.

Traditional village of Tufi — travel guide
Must-see

Traditional village of Tufi

Known for unique fjords and living local cultures.

Tavurvur Volcano — travel guide
Must-see

Tavurvur Volcano

Active volcano near Rabaul to visit safely with a local guide.

Kutubu Lake — travel guide
Must-see

Kutubu Lake

Mountain lake of exceptional natural beauty with authentic surrounding villages.

Milne Bay Great Barrier Reef — travel guide
Must-see

Milne Bay Great Barrier Reef

Spectacular reef system for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Nature & other places

Varirata National Park rainforests — travel guide
Tropical Forest

Varirata National Park rainforests

Lush forests home to diverse fauna and flora, with hiking trails.

Mount Wilhelm — travel guide
Mountain

Mount Wilhelm

The highest peak in Papua New Guinea, a challenge for seasoned hikers.

Sepik River basin — travel guide
River and Wetlands

Sepik River basin

One of Oceania's longest rivers, surrounded by wetlands rich in biodiversity.

Kimbe Bay marine park — travel guide
Marine/Coral

Kimbe Bay marine park

Renowned for coral reefs and exceptional diving.

Turangian Waterfalls — travel guide
Waterfall

Turangian Waterfalls

Spectacular falls near Rabaul, ideal for hiking and picnics.

Trobriand Islands — travel guide
Islands

Trobriand Islands

Paradise islands with sandy beaches, unique culture, and marine biodiversity.

Travel conditions can change. Always consult official government travel advice and health authorities shortly before your trip.

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