PNG Perfection

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REASONS TO TRAVEL IN PAPUA

Papua New Guinea is the destination of a lifetime: culturally rich and incredibly diverse, with a wealth of things to see and do. Why not answer that call for adventure and intrigue? On the country’s 47th Independence Day anniversary, check out the top 47 things to do in PNG and put some of them on your travel bucket list.

THIS PAGE: Kayaking at Nusa Island Retreat, New Ireland Province. Image: Micah Trostle, PNG Tourism Promotion Authority.

NEW GUINEA

1Challenge yourself by trekking the famous 96 kilometre Kokoda Trail. Short treks are also available from Owers’ Corner to Ioribaiwa Village. Visit the Kokoda Track Authority website for a list of licensed tour operators.

2Snorkel, kayak or go scuba diving at Kimbe Bay with tours by Walindi Plantation Resort. The bay is home to more than 96 per cent of the Indo-Pacific region’s coral species.

3In August and September every year, experience a spectacular highlands festival, such as the Enga Show, Goroka Show or Hagen Show.

4Take the Twin Peaks challenge in Simbu and the Western Highlands. Climb the highest mountain in Oceania at 4,509 metres, Mount Wilhelm, then tackle Mount Giluwe at 4,367 metres.

5How about some off-grid surfing in Namatanai, New Ireland Province? Stay at the peaceful Rubio Plantation Retreat where nothing else matters except you and the ocean.

6Heat things up at Mount Tavurvur with a historical volcano tour in Rabaul, East New Britain. Eat a delicious fresh wild fowl egg boiled at the Matupit Hot Springs.

7If you love things naturally wild and weirdly wonderful, then you need to see the national bird – the Raggiana bird-of-paradise – in full display at the Varirata National Park.

8Support local artisans, and buy PNG-crafted products handmade with love at the POM City Markets held every second Saturday and Sunday of the month at the National Museum & Art Gallery. 9 The Sirunki Agro Farms in Enga Province provide the sweetest tasting experience ever for strawberry and honey lovers.

10 Explore the founding of a nation at the Haus Independens museum in Downtown, Port Moresby.

11 Experience the best of Kawas hospitality at the Uruna Bay Retreat, Pokpok Island in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Go island hopping and water skiing while you’re there.

12 The pristine waters and dazzling beaches of the Duke of York Islands in East New Britain await. Book a homestay with the friendly DOY islanders.

13 For thespians who love drama, see some of PNG’s best actors hit the stage at the Moresby Arts Theatre.

14 If you are a didiman or didimeri at heart, you will love the Morobe Show in November. See amazing rodeo-style events and browse various stalls showing off some of the best crops in this part of the region.

15 There is nothing like seeing Port Moresby’s Fairfax Harbour at night on board Sportfishing PNG’s MV K20 yacht – especially if you love the finer things in life.

16 Pay homage to a bygone era at Bitapaka War Memorial in East New Britain which holds timeless stories of heroism and sacrifice that should never be forgotten. 

17 For the most scenic road trips in the country, the Boluminski Highway in New Ireland Province offers you an experience like no other, including 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 Falls is 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 Site in the Western Highlands is an archeological UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Drainage systems and farming implements were found at this site dating back 9,000 years.

22 If you’re the kind of person who loves cool mountain walks, warm and friendly conversations by the fire and home-cooked food, then Betty’s Lodge at Mount Wilhelm, Simbu Province offers great hospitality for climbers and other visitors.

23 Port Moresby city 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 Britain should stop by the Numundo Beef abattoir along the New Britain highway. Here you’ll find the best local beef in the country.

25 It’s time to pamper yourself and take that boardwalk sunset selfie. Loloata Island Resort is 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 Resort is 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 Province?

28 Those who love ‘garden kaika will love the fresh food at the i’ 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 Papua New Guinea. The lure-shy Papuan Black Bass is a mighty fish that will test any seasoned fisherman’s

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Tufi cultural performers. Image: David Kirkland; Papua New Guinea Parliament House. Image: David Kirkland; Mount Giluwe No Roads Expeditions; Laraibana Eel Sanctuary. Image: David Kirkland; Wreck diving. Image: Don Silcock; Baratika sandbank near Pokpok Island. Image: Liebert Kirakar; ‘Kurambu’ spirit house in Kanganamun village. Image: David Kirkland. All images: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority.

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 Tours offer 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 meet the locals, while learning the cultural values of the Labu people and their connection to the natural environment.

31 Unwind with friends at the Japanese Spy Bar, Paradise New Wewak Hotel in 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 Caves is a must while staying at the Tawali Leisure & Dive Resort on 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 warmongering way of life that no longer exists. 34 Bibliophiles can find the best collection of books at the University Book Shop located at the University of Papua New Guinea, Waigani Campus in Port Moresby. Satiate your imagination and knowledge with remarkable works of PNG literature, with 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 accommodation and appetising meals. The lodge’s tropical surroundings are perfect for guests after some naturefocussed hiking, bird watching or cultural tours.

36 In the heart of the Sepik River, discover the Abelam People of Maprik and their fascinating masks celebrating yam harvests. 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 Retreat in New Ireland Province is the perfect spot to relax and unwind. Just a short boat ride from Kavieng town, the retreat has comfortable beachfront

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.

FROM LEFT: Bitapaka War Memorial; Asaro Mud Men. Images: David Kirkland for PNG Tourism Promotion Authority.

bungalows, the best food in the New Guinea Islands region and it offers surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking and game fishing.

38 As an architectural wonder blending the modern and traditional, the National Parliament House deserves a visit while you’re in the nation’s capital. Well manicured lawns, gardens, traditional sculptures and ponds are spread out over the grounds for you to explore.

39 A haven for the humble cuscus and all manner of bird life in Manus Province is Mendrelin Island, part of the Pityiliu Islands. This is a wonderful spot for picnics and appreciating nature.

40 Milne Bay’s giant manta rays of Gonubalabala Island are a magnificent sight to behold. A seasonal cleaning station for large marine life, go diving to get up close and personal with these giant wonders of the deep as they rejuvenate in this natural underwater salon.

41 Spot the iridescent male Flame Bowerbird in the interior Highlands of southern Papua New Guinea. 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 Day every July 23 is a special day of observance in Papua New Guinea honouring the men and women who served during the World Wars and peacekeeping missions in the country and abroad. Join in the national commemorations at the Ela Beach Memorial Park, and key war memorials in Rabaul, Kalibobo, Lae and Alotau.

43 You’ve probably heard of the amazing and world-renowned scuba diving 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. Contact PRO Dive PNG 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 website for 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 with the sea at your doorstep, short treks in the nearby jungle, meeting the friendly local Sepoe villagers and sampling traditional Gulf dishes.

46 Let your hair down 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 a live band indoors. Lamana is the place to party.

47 Orchid lovers will find the National 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, and you will be amazed at the variety, colour and uses of these phenomenal plants. TB

GLOSSARY

Kawas – endearing term for the people of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Didiman – male agricultural specialist or enthusiast. Didimeri – female agricultural specialist or enthusiast. Garden kaikai – fruits and vegetables grown locally.

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Indigenous

BRISBANE

Meanjin, or Brisbane, was founded upon the homelands of the Turrbal and Jagera peoples. Meanjin is derived from the Turrbal word for the spike of land that the city sits on. With a heritage dating back more than 23,000 years, Brisbane’s Indigenous community is recognised through sites and attractions across the city, celebrating their history and traditions.

WORDs: Matilda Meikle

THIS PAGE: Performer from Spirits of the Red Sand, a live theatre experience. Image: Tourism and Events QLD.

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BIRRUNGA GALLERY

Brisbane’s only Indigenous-owned art space, Birrunga Gallery offers exhibitions, tours and classes that explore the rich Indigenous culture found in the area. The café also uses native ingredients from Australian suppliers to create a unique dining experience. Founded by a Wiradyuri man, Birrunga Wiradyuri, the gallery is dedicated to supporting native art and exploring ideas of culture and spirituality through creativity.

SPIRITS OF THE RED SAND

A breathtaking live theatre experience, Spirits of the Red Sand is an unforgettable event that can be undertaken both during the day and at night. By day, Welcome to Country helps visitors discover stories of the Dreamtime as they participate in boomerang painting and sample bush tucker. By night, the award-winning roving dinner and theatre tells the unforgettable story of three Indigenous brothers and their families, taking guests on a journey beyond the Dreamtime through 1800s Australia to the present day.

NYANDA CULTURAL TOURS

Located 25 minutes from the heart of Brisbane, Nyanda cultural tours take guests on an exploration of how Indigenous people connect with, and use, the land. Traditional owner guides help visitors gain a deeper

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Guide from BlackCard cultural tours plays the didgeridoo for guests, while another group visits a city mural; Performer from Spirits of the Red Sand conducts a smoking ceremony. Images: Tourism and Events QLD.

FROM TOP: Tour guide at QAGOMA; Spirits of the Red Sand; Birrunga Gallery and Dining; Koala at Dreamworld Corroboree. Images: Tourism and Events QLD.

appreciation of our First Nations history by participating in a smoking ceremony, learning Yagara language words, and trying out spear throwing.

DREAMWORLD CORROBOREE

Australia’s first theme park attraction dedicated to Indigenous culture, Dreamworld Corroboree is not to be missed. Opened in 2013, it is first and foremost an animal sanctuary, featuring native animals and displays highlighting their associated traditional stories. The nearby Corroboree Theatre presents the creation story of the Gold Coast through film, also including artworks, photos, and interactive displays that explore the prominence of Indigenous culture.

QAGOMA

The Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art houses a permanent Indigenous collection, and the largest collection of Indigenous fibre art in Australia. The focus is on modern art, with works drawn from all over the country featuring paintings, sculptures and photography telling the story of Indigenous heritage.

BLACKCARD

Located in the centre of Brisbane, BlackCard cultural tours help visitors learn about Brisbane’s Aboriginal history alongside an Indigenous guide. BlackCard seeks to help all Australians acknowledge our shared obligation to the land, and to each other, in order to grow as a country.

RIVERLIFE MIRRABOOKA

Part of the stunning Riverlife Adventure Centre, Riverlife Mirrabooka allows visitors to explore First Nations culture. Watch and participate in traditional song and dance, play Aboriginal instruments, and listen to educational talks about Indigenous history. This experience is designed to create an understanding of the spiritual connections between culture and country.

NURRI MILLEN TOTEM TRAIL

Developed in 1996 by Indigenous artist Ron Hurley and six other First Nations artists, Nurri Millen is a trail of 18 totems commemorating the Dreaming as well as exploring Indigenous connection to the plants and animals of the Boondall Wetlands, just north of Brisbane Airport. The totems stand as lasting symbols of traditional culture, celebrating the stories and customs of the region. TB