To visit Papua New Guinea is to step into a world where tourism is not yet an industry.
Visiting, you will discover a beautiful country of folded mountains and remote tribes, untouched rainforests, vast river deltas and pristine coral waters.
PNG, as it is known locally, is home to the largest intact rainforest outside the Amazon, a natural sanctuary where sheer remoteness has protected countless species, from iridescent birds of paradise to the huge flightless cassowary.
Local tribes
Its tribal population is no less diverse, with more than 700 languages hinting at the wealth of different traditions, customs and costumes you will find. In the Highland regions, first explored by westerners in the 1930s, spectacular rituals live on in a vivid world of feathered headdresses and tribal sing sings, while the slow waters of the Sepik River flow past a panorama of rainforest cultures little changed over the ages.
Volcanic islands
The coastline is fringed by beautiful beaches, colourful coconut plantations and volcanic islands. Here, New Britain is home to stark reminders of PNG’s role in World War II, and more recently the dramatic effects of volcanic activity. However, exposure to western influence has done little to change the age-old values and beliefs of the welcoming people who are proud of both their history and breath-takingly beautiful home.
Birds of Paradise
Home to 38 (but still counting!) of the world's 43 species, these fascinating birds are known for their striking plumage, bizarre displays and mating rituals. Spotting one in the wild is a truly rewarding sight that very few people in the world are lucky enough to experience.
Diving
There are several dive spots in PNG that are regularly voted as some of the best in the world and the remote nature of these means sharing them with very few people! Large pelagics and pristine coral reefs are combined with warm clear waters - a fantastic combination for any diver.
Festivals
The sight of 50 giant men dancing in front of you with bright green dresses made from grass, yellow mud painted faces, Bird of Paradise headdresses, bamboo sticks through their noses and machetes in hand is indeed as surreal as it sounds but these are the kind of encounters you can expect on a trip through PNG at festival time!
Tribal encounters
Huli Clan, Mudmen, Baining people, Tolai men, Sepik tribe, the list is almost endless with virtually every area having their own language, customs and dress. This really is the major drawcard of the country and you will come back with the most amazing memories and hopefully some impressive photos!
