Things To Do
in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is a rugged, biodiverse country in the southwest Pacific known for its dramatic landscapes and cultural richness. From towering mountains and active volcanoes to pristine rainforests and vibrant coral reefs, it offers a vast playground for explorers. With over 800 languages and countless tribal cultures, daily life unfolds in strikingly diverse ways across coastlines, highlands, and river villages.
Visitors can trek historic trails, dive world-class reefs, and encounter ancient traditions that still shape modern PNG life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby and transfer to your hotel. Take some time to relax and acclimate to the tropical surroundings. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast while you plan your adventure ahead.
Explore the capital city by visiting the PNG National Museum and Art Gallery to gain insights into the rich cultural heritage of the country. Sample traditional dishes at a local restaurant for lunch. Stroll through the vibrant markets bursting with colors and local crafts.
Savor a sunset view from the iconic Koki Beach while enjoying a freshly caught seafood dinner. Engage in conversation with local fishermen and learn about their daily lives. Retire early to prepare for your journey to the highlands.
Take an early flight to Mount Hagen, the gateway to the highlands, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. After checking in at your lodge, embark on a guided cultural tour to meet the famous Highlands tribes. Experience traditional welcoming ceremonies that showcase the diverse cultures of PNG.
Visit a local market in Mount Hagen where you can interact with local vendors and purchase handmade souvenirs. Enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional PNG cuisine featuring flavors unique to the Highlands. Take a short hike to a nearby viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of the mountainous terrain.
Return to your lodge for an evening of storytelling around the fireplace with local tribespeople. Learn about their history, beliefs, and customs through engaging tales and music. Enjoy a hearty dinner featuring local ingredients before retiring for the night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🚖One-way local transport | $1-5 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| 🎟️Attraction or activity | $5-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Incredible cultural diversity and languages
- World-class diving, snorkeling, and trekking destinations
- Remote areas can have limited facilities and infrastructure
- Travel can require careful planning and local guides
- "Halo" - Hello
- "Plis" - Please
- "Tenkyu tru" - Thank you very much
- "Mi no save" - I don’t know
- "Wanti bel i stap?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Papua New Guinea
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic emerald-blue fjords bordered by towering cliffs and lush vegetation—perfect for kayak, boat, and aerial photography.
Colorful coral gardens and turquoise lagoons ideal for underwater and overhead photography capturing vibrant marine life.
Colorful volcanic crater scenery with steam vents, pastels of old towns, and dramatic shoreline vistas.
Accessible wildlife and birdlife, with elevated viewpoints for sweeping rainforest landscapes and bird photography.
Jungle and ridge-line perspectives offering epic dawn and misty valley shots on a historic trekking route.
Sunrises over the Coral Sea, fishing boats, and coastal life provide candid urban seascape photography.
Food in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Coconut-milk marinated raw fish lightly spiked with lime, onions, and chilies, often served with rice or greens.
Must-Try!
Earth-oven roasted meat (often pork or chicken) with vegetables and coconut cream, wrapped and steamed for a distinctive smoky flavor.
Taro paste or dumplings prepared with coconut milk and sometimes baked or fried, a staple across many coastal communities.
A sweet or savory pudding made from sago pearls, commonly enjoyed as a simple dessert or snack.
A versatile staple dish featuring baked or boiled sweet potatoes with leafy greens and coconut milk.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market where locals buy fresh produce, cassava, yams, fish, and ready-to-eat street foods; a great place to sample everyday PNG flavors.
Bustling inland market offering root crops, tropical fruit, and traditional snacks, with opportunities to taste items on the spot.
Coastal market famed for seafood, coconuts, and homemade treats; ideal for observing island culinary influences.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show deference to community leaders, seek permission for photography, and follow local greetings and seating norms.
In villages, modest dress is appreciated; shoulders and knees should be covered in sacred or traditional sites.
Always ask before taking portraits of people or participating in ceremonies; some communities may request a small consent or token.
Small, respectful gestures are welcomed in many communities but avoid public displays of wealth or pressure to give.
Safety
Tipping in Papua New Guinea
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for excellent service, especially in urban tourist areas. A small tip (5–10%) in hotels, lodges, or guided tours is common; in remote village visits, cash gifts are sometimes appreciated when appropriate and culturally welcomed.
The local currency is the Papua New Guinean kina (PGK). Cash is widely used, especially in markets and remote areas. Major hotels and some urban establishments may accept cards, but ATMs are concentrated in towns; plan to carry cash and exchange currency as needed.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally cooler and less rain, making trekking and coastal travel easier. Wildlife viewing is reliable, and diving visibility tends to be excellent along coral reefs.
Heavy rainfall and higher humidity, with increased risk of flooding in some rivers. Rain can be sudden but lush landscapes are at their greenest; plan for flexible itineraries and indoor cultural activities.
Northern and coastal areas can be affected by tropical systems; monitor forecasts and follow local guidance during adverse weather.
Papua New Guinea at Night
Hiking in Papua New Guinea
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Historic multi-day jungle trek through the Owen Stanley Range, offering challenging terrain and cultural encounters.
Highland ascent to PNG’s highest peak, rewarding with sweeping, misty vistas.
Ridgeline trails and scenic overlooks near Port Moresby for shorter day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Papua New Guinea by plane.
Main international gateway; connects to regional centers and international destinations.
Major regional hub for the highlands and coast; frequent domestic flights.
Coastal gateway with access to beaches, reefs, and nearby towns.
Highland gateway near the popular Tari and Mount Hagen routes.
Rabaul/Kavieng area gateway with access to volcanic landscapes and coastal villages.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Traditional fisher and farmer communities with strong maritime cultures and distinctive languages.
Numerous tribes with rich ceremonial traditions, languages, and vibrant dress associated with markets and rituals.
Port Moresby, Lae, and other towns host diverse, multi-ethnic populations and modern services, blending tradition and contemporary life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across PNG, with community games and national competitions drawing local passion.
Widely played in schools and communities; local leagues and regional tournaments are common.
Enjoyed in schools and clubs, especially during the dry season.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options exist in urban restaurants and lodges using coconut milk, greens, taro, sweet potato, and beans. Communicate clearly about stock (avoid meat broths) and ask for plant-based preparations when possible; in remote areas, verify ingredients with the host or guide and be prepared for limited choices outside major towns.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Papua New Guinea.