The nation of Papua New Guinea (PNG) comprises the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, second largest island in the world, as well as many other Pacific islands, some of a considerable size such as New Britain and New Ireland, and many much smaller islands and atolls.
The most linguistically diverse country on earth, PNG has more than 850 mutually unintelligible, indigenous languages reflecting at least as many different traditional tribal societies. This astonishing cultural variety has given rise to many different forms of expression, including art, carving, dance, singing, music and flamboyant costumes and hairstyles. The colourful cultural heritage is celebrated annually at numerous large regional festivals and sing-sings, including Goroka and Mt Hagen and lesser-known Tumbuna and Kundu.
Habitats range from dense tropical rainforest to savannah and wetland plains, volcanic mountains to white sand beaches and coral reefs. The forests are home to many rare species of marsupial such as tree kangaroo, insects including the Queen Alexandra birdwing (the world’s largest butterfly) and birds such as the cassowary. However, PNG is best known for Sir Richard Attenborough’s favourites: the brilliantly coloured birds of paradise, with 38 of the 43 known species found there.
Papua New Guinea is truly one of the world’s last travel frontiers. Nature and humanity unite in a heady mix of sights and sounds, and many parts of the country remain blissfully unaffected by the ever-advancing ways of the western world. However, PNG is definitely up and coming (it received the Most Emergent Destination award from Wanderlust Magazine in 2014) and, now that Reef & Rainforest can put together tours at reasonable cost, there should be many more visitors, so go now while it’s still authentic and unspoilt.
Lying just south of the equator and bordering Indonesia, Papua New Guinea is situated just 160km north of Australia and is part of a great arc of mountains stretching from Asia in to the South Pacific. The unique topography and prolific marine life make this an enticing country for tourists from all over the world. This fascinating land boasts more than 600 islands with magnificent scenery and beautiful coral atolls.
An experience in Papua New Guinea is truly an unforgettable one. The sublime natural beauty is simply indescribable; from rugged mountains and tropical rainforests to large wetlands and a stunning coastline. Its unique variety of wildlife includes of marsupials and birds, including the Raggiana bird-of-paradise (the national symbol) and several species of tree kangaroos. Untouched coral reefs compete with spectacular World War II wrecks for the attention of divers, and the hiking is out of this world.
Diving…
Papua New Guinea famously has a reputation for being one of the best diving destinations in the Pacific. Boasting spectacular dive sites with crystal-clear warm water, the coast of Papua New Guinea has also been nicknamed as the ‘underwater photographer’s paradise’. With potential sightings of hammerhead and whale sharks, dolphins, pilot whales, turtles and sea snakes as well as a wealth of macro opportunities in the variety of much dives available, it’s very easy to see why.
The vibrantly colourful coral atolls, walls, sea grass beds and barrier reefs provide the perfect setting for enjoyable and relaxing dives amongst the plethora of mesmerising marine life. The remoteness of these dive sites accounts for their pristine condition, with new marine species still being discovered.
Wrecks divers will be thrilled at the phenomenal wreck diving opportunities available. Dive in to history and explore the fantastic range of dive sites on a variety of World War II aircrafts, ships and submarines.
Original Diving Papua New Guinea
Original Diving are a team of committed divers, marine biologists and travellers dedicated to creating the best luxury diving holidays around the world. They create tailor-made itineraries that perfectly suit their clients’ needs, using their expert knowledge of destinations.
As one of the few countries left in the world that can still be regarded as ‘off-the-beaten-track’, Papua New Guinea boasts some truly world-class diving in unspoilt waters, with the added benefit of there being virtually no one else there. And it’s not just the underwater world that is unspoilt, in land there is plenty to be discovered, be it learning more about the country’s fascinating culture or enjoying the abundant bird and other wildlife.
The experts at Original Diving have extensively researched both the coastal and inland areas of Papua New Guinea in search of the very best accommodation, top dive sites and other must-visit spots to allow them to create fantastic bespoke diving itineraries.
Backed by years of tourism experience No Limit Adventures specialize in tours to Papua New Guinea and offer adventure style trips, surfing, cultural experiences, diving and more.
No Limit Adventures offers personalized tours to private, group and corporate clients.
For further information and bookings email: info@nolimitadventures.com.au
PNG Trekking Adventures offers treks, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and cultural tours in Papua New Guinea.
The company operates on the Shaggy Ridge track, the Mount Wilhelm climb, Kayaking and SUP in Milne Bay, several itineraries for the Kokoda trail, including Port Moresby site seeing tours.
For further information and bookings, email: info@pngtrekkingadventures.com
No Roads Expeditions runs trips across the Kokoda Track, up Mount Wilhelm and sea kayaking adventures in the Tigak Sea in New Ireland Province.
The company offers logistical support in Australia prior to departure and in Papua New Guinea during your adventure with a team of local people.
For further information and bookings, email: info@noroads.com.au or phone +61 3 9598 8581
PRO Dive PNG, formerly known as “The Dive Centre,” runs diving and snorkeling tours off the coast of Port Moresby.
Popular dive sites include Suzie’s Bommie, Ends Bommie and MV Pacific Gas. While Lion Island offers great snorkeling and a perfect picnic spot.
For further information and bookings, email: prodivepng@gmail.com or call +675 7194 9333
Vanimo Surf Lodge is a new surf resort near Lido Village in Vanimo, West Sepik (Sandaun) Province.
The accommodation rooms are beachfront traditional hut style with some stylish finishes.
Surfing Season in Vanimo is from November to April. Great surfing spots near the Vanimo Surf Lodge include Lido, Waromo, Yako and Log Point.
For further information and bookings, email: dave@vanimosurflodge.com or call +61 411 823 500
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