Celebrate Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence Day Anniversary in 2025
OUT OF A MILLION DIFFERENT JOURNEYS, HERE ARE 50 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BEGIN TRAVELLING PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Papua New Guinea is a beautiful destination, full of adventure and intrigue. Whether you are a resident Papua New Guinean or an expatriate living in our great nation, you’d be surprised to find that, like our rich and diverse country – there are a wealth of things to see and do in Papua New Guinea. Like our ancestors who journeyed rugged mountains and vast seas, perhaps it’s time for you to answer that call for adventure when our nation reaches its golden milestone in the year 2025! Here are 50 Papua New Guinea journeys we recommend you should make in this lifetime.
- 1. Trek the famous 96 km Kokoda Trail. Short treks are also available from Ower’s Corner to Ioribaiwa village. Visit the Kokoda Track Authority websitefor a list of licensed tour operators.
- 2. Kimbe Baytours with Walindi Plantation Resort. Snorkel, kayak or go scuba diving. Did you know Kimbe Bay is home to over 96% of the Indo-Pacific region’s coral species?
- 3. Experience one of these spectacular Highlands festivals – held every year in August and September: Enga Show, Goroka Showand Hagen Show.
- 4. Take the twin-peaks challenge in Simbu and the Western Highlands. Climb the highest mountain in Oceania at 4,509 meters – our very own: Mount Wilhelm, then Mount Giluweat 4,367 meters.
- 5. How about some off-the-grid surfing in Namatanai, New Ireland Province? Stay at the peaceful Rubio Plantation Retreat where nothing else matters but you and the ocean.
- 6. Heat things up at Mount Tavurvurfor a historical volcano tour in Rabaul, East New Britain. Eat a delicious fresh wild fowl egg boiled at the Matupit Hot Springs.
- 7. If you love the naturally wild and weirdly wonderful, then you need to see our national bird – the Raggiana bird-of-paradise, in full display at the Varirata National Park.
- 8. Support local artisans, and buy PNG crafted products hand-made with love at the POM City Marketsheld every second Saturday and Sunday of each month at the grounds of the National Museum & Art Gallery.
Visitors browsing the monthly POM City Markets | Pascoe Promotions
- 9. The Sirunki Agro Farms in Enga Provinceprovide the sweetest experience ever for strawberry and honey lovers.
- 10. Follow in the proud footsteps of our nation’s founding fathers at the Haus Independensmuseum, DownTown, Port Moresby.
- 11. Experience the best of Kawashospitality at the Uruna Bay Retreat, Pokpok Islandin the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Try the fun-filled island hopping and water-skiing activities available on site.
- 12. The pristine waters and dazzling beaches of the Duke of York islandsin East New Britainawait! Book a homestay with the friendly DOY islanders today.
- 13. For you thespians who love drama, see some of our best actors hit the stage at the Moresby Arts Theatrewho are celebrating 110 years of theatre arts. Follow the Moresby Arts Theatre Facebook page for updates and upcoming shows.
- 14. If you are a didimanand didimeri at heart, you will love the Morobe Show coming in November. See the amazing rodeo-style events and browse the variety of stalls showing off some of the best PNG crops in this part of the region.
- 15. There is nothing like seeing Port Moresby’sFairfax harbour at night on board Sportfishing PNG’s K2O yacht, especially if you love the finer things in life.
- 16. Pay homage to the greatest heroes of a bygone era when the world was at war – Bitapaka War Memorialin East New Britain holds timeless stories of heroism and sacrifice that should never be forgotten.
A sandbank near Pokpok Island, Autonomous Region of Bougainville | Tourism Promotion Authority
- 17. For the most scenic road trips in the country, the Boluminski highway in New Ireland Provinceoffers you an experience like no other – especially roadside attractions like the amazing Laraibina Eels and the Fissoa blue water hole.
- 18. The legend of the Asaro people is well-known throughout the country. Meet the descendants of these folklore legends at the Asaro Cultural Centre, Asaro village in the Eastern Highlands Province.
- 19. Awawi Fallsis a must when you visit Sandaun (West Sepik) Province. This popular well-kept swimming spot has a canopied waterfall that offers a cool escape from the jungle heat.
- 20. Located in the heart of the nation’s capital is Port Moresby Nature Park, one of the country’s leading recreation parks connecting people and nature through education and conservation.
- 21. Did you know that Papua New Guineans were some of the world’s first farmers? The Kuk Early Agricultural Sitein the Western Highlandsis an archeological UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Drainage systems and farming implements were found at this site dating back 9,000 years. Visit the Information Booth on-site offering visitors a chance to discover more about this unique heritage site.
- 22. If you’re the kind of person who loves cool mountain walks, warm and friendly conversations by the fire, plus home-cooked food – Betty’s Lodgeat Mount Wilhelm, Simbu Province offers great hospitality for climbers and casual visitors.
- 23. Port Moresbycity slickers can find a welcome retreat from urban life when visiting the Koitaki Country Club. Tee off on the golf green, or go horseback riding, there are a lot of things to do at Koitaki to while away the hours.
- 24. Beef connoisseurs visiting West New Britainshould stop by the Numundo Beef abattoir along the New Britain highway. The best local beef in the country is found here.
Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo mother and joey at the Port Moresby Nature Park.
- 25. It’s time to pamper yourself and take that boardwalk sunset selfie. Loloata Island Resortis a luxury island escape off Port Moresby – as a guest, you always come first here and the facilities are top-notch.
- 26. Turtle conservation at Lissenung Island Resortis an important feature of this private island paradise in New Ireland province. Join the effort to protect the future of hawksbill turtles in Papua New Guinea.
- 27. Ride an outrigger canoe across the geographical wonder of the Tufi fjords. What better place to experience this than at the Tufi Dive Resort, in the Oro (Northern) Province?
- 28. Those who love ‘garden kaikai’ will love the fresh food at the Hagen Market. With flights from Port Moresby to Mount Hagen twice daily, here’s an opportunity to reward your body with the best vegetables and fruits from Papua New Guinea’s ‘food basket’ – the Western Highlands.
- 29. Game fishing enthusiasts will find some of the best fishing in the world right here in Papua New Guinea. The lure-shy Papuan Black Bassis a mighty fish that is likely to test any seasoned fisherman’s mettle. It roams the river systems of the Gulf and Western Province. For that once-in-a-lifetime fishing adventure, contact: Sportfishing PNG.
- 30. Local tour operators – LaeAbout Toursoffer a unique mangrove adventure along the Labu Lake in Morobe Province. This fun and educational tour allows visitors to navigate the mangroves, trek through the bushes, and meeting the locals, while learning the cultural values of the Labu people and their connection to their natural environment.
- 31. Unwind with friends at the Japanese Spy Bar, Paradise New Wewak Hotelin the East Sepik Province. Enjoy the locally themed cocktails – Wasara Mai Tai, Dagua Breeze, Wia Magarita, Maprik Martini and more!
- 32. A guided tour of the ancient Tawali Skull Cavesis a must while at the Tawali Leisure & Dive Resorton the East Cape of Milne Bay Province. Your friendly local guide will share stories of long ago – taking you on a fascinating discovery of bizarre burial rituals and a war-mongering way of life that no longer exists.
Outrigger canoes in Tufi, Oro (Northern) Province | Tufi Dive Resort
- 33. Experience the magic of a night tour at the Walindi Plantation Resort, West New Britain. See the magnificent ‘firefly tree’ or catch a glimpse of the rare, nocturnal and endemic Golden Masked Owl.
- 34. Bibliophiles can find the best collection of Papua New Guinea books at the University Book Shoplocated at the University of Papua New Guinea, Waigani Campus in Port Moresby. Satiate your imagination and knowledge with remarkable works of PNG literature. Find classics by authors Vincent Eri, Ignatius Kilage, Russell Soaba, John Kasaipwalova, Kumalau Tawali, Nora Vagi Brash and more.
- 35. Offering panoramic views of Mount Hagen town, in the Western Highlands Province is the boutique lodge Rondon Ridge, owned by Trans Niugini Tours. This beautiful hideaway provides charming accommodations and appetizing meals. The lodge’s tropical surrounds present the perfect spot for guests to experience nature hikes, bird watching and cultural tours.
- 36. In the heart of the Sepik River, discover the Abelam People of Maprikand their fascinating masks celebrating yam harvests, especially giant long yams. Visit the Apangai village which has a special ceremonial house called Kurambu, which stores important ritual arts and crafts. Tours are available from local tour operators Sepik Adventure Tours which cover the length and breadth of the East Sepik Province.
- 37. Nusa Island Retreatin New Ireland Province is the perfect spot for relaxing and unwinding. Just a short boat ride from Kavieng town, the Retreat has comfortable beachfront bungalows, the best-tasting food in the New Guinea Islands region, and takes advantage of the province’s aquatic wonders – offering surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking and game fishing.
- 38. As an architectural wonder blending the modern and traditional, the National Parliament Housedeserves a visit while you’re in the nation’s capital. Well manicured lawns, gardens traditional sculptures and ponds are spread out over the grounds providing a pleasing promenading experience.
- 39. A haven for the humble cuscus and all manner of bird life in Manus Provinceis Mendrelin Island, a few miles North-west of Lorengau and part of the the Pityiliu Islands. The Malakai family who resides on the island have banned visitors from harming the animal life on the island, this has resulted in the animals thriving. This is a wonderful spot for picnics and nature appreciation.
- 40. Milne Bay‘s giant manta rays of GonubalabalaIsland are a magnificent site to behold. A seasonal cleaning station for large marine life, Gonubalabala provides a symbiotic environment for marine life, this includes the giant manta rays. Go diving to get up close – but not too personal, to these giant wonders of the deep while they rejuvenate in this natural underwater salon.
The Abelam people of Kanganamun village in traditional dress, Maprik, East Sepik Province | Mateos Alois, Sepik Adventure Tours
Visitors browsing the monthly POM City Markets | Pascoe Promotions
- 41. If seduction was an animal, it would be the gorgeously iridescent male Flame Bowerbird. Found in the interior Highlands of southern Papua New Guinea, this flirtatious bird has a fascinating way of attracting females. They are pretty hard to locate in the wild, which is a good thing as they are ground dwellers and often defenceless against human impact. To see these stunning creatures, you can book a tour with one of the best bird-watching tour guides in the country – Samuel Kepuknai and his team Kiunga Nature Tours.
- 42. National Remembrance Daycommemorations every July 23rd is a special day of observance in Papua New Guinea honouring our nation’s service men and women who served during the World Wars and general peacekeeping missions in the country and abroad. Join in the national commemorations, especially at the Ela Beach Memorial Park, and key war memorials in Rabaul, Kalibobo, Lae and Alotau. Lest we forget.
- 43. You’ve probably heard how amazing and world-renowned scuba divingis in Papua New Guinea. It’s a technical activity that requires training, however, in Port Moresby, you can make your scuba diving dreams come true by taking up diving courses that will bring you a step closer to discovering the magic of diving our awe-inspiring coral gardens and ocean depths. Contact PRO Dive PNG today for scuba diving lessons.
- 44. Avid golfers will be impressed with the championship 18-hole golf course at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club. Also available is a practice driving range plus a short game practice area for chipping and putting. Visit the Port Moresby Golf Club websitefor visitor entry fees.
- 45. Imagine a beachfront all to yourself and glorious ocean sunsets every day. Sepoe Village Guest House in the Gulf Province offers visitors a quaint escape from modern life. Enjoy endless swimming opportunities in the sea at your doorstep, short treks exploring nearby jungles, meeting the friendly local Sepoe villagers, and sampling traditional Gulf dishes. Visit the Sepoe Village Facebook pagefor more information.
- 46. Let loose at the Lamana Gold Club, one of Papua New Guinea’s popular nightclubs in Port Moresby. Dance the night away with your friends in the adjoining outdoor club or enjoy a cold one with the indoor live band. Lamana is the place to party and boogie the night away.
- 47. Orchid lovers will find theNational Orchid Gardens at 14-Mile on the outskirts of Port Moresby a visual treat. There are over 3,000 known species of orchids in Papua New Guinea, not all are showcased at the Gardens, but you will be amazed at the variety, colour and uses of these phenomenal plants.
Scuba diver and batfish, Bootless Bay, Central Province | PRO Dive PNG
- 48. The Cape Wom WWII Memorialin the East Sepik Province, is a must-visit when you are in the province’s main township of Wewak. Just under an hour’s drive from town via 4-wheel-drive, the drive can be quite scenic passing through forests, mangroves, estuaries and seafronts. This is a historical World War Two site, where the Japanese Forces occupying Wewak and its surrounding areas in 1942, officially surrendered to Australia – a momentous period in history that changed the fate of this part of the country. A further 15-minute drive from the memorial site is another popular attraction often frequented by locals – Wom Beach. Beach picnics and swimming are favorite activities at the picturesque Wom Beach.
- 49. Food lovers in our nation’s capital Port Moresby, can find a great variety of places for eatingout – from fine dining to casual dining. Our cuisine range is just as diverse as our country – from traditional local food, to Asian and Western food. Check out our restaurant listing here.
- 50. Visit the incredible Belifu Canyonin New Ireland Province, an exciting new natural attraction managed by Karanas Comfort Tours with support from the local Belifu community. Swim between the rock canyons and marvel at the pristine clear sea water before you – this province in Tok-pisin is often referred to as ‘Bilas Peles’, which means ‘place of beauty’.
Service with a smile at the Grand Brasserie restaurant, Grand Papua Hotel, Port Moresby | PNG Tourism Promotion Authority
Join us in 2025 for a memorable golden anniversary – as we unite as a nation to remember our 50-years journey as the Independent State of Papua Niugini!
