Papua New Guinea Vacations

Papua New Guinea's cultural diversity is reflected in its traditional music and dance. As you travel through the country, you'll have the opportunity to experience the mesmerizing rhythms of tribal drums, the melodic sounds of bamboo flutes, and the energetic dances of various Indigenous groups. Each beat and movement tells a unique story of the people and their connection to the land.

One of the most immersive experiences in Papua New Guinea is the opportunity to interact with the locals. The people are warm and welcoming. You'll have the chance to engage in age-old traditions, from crafting traditional artifacts to joining in on a game of bilas, where body decoration is an art form. These meaningful interactions will give you a profound sense of connection with the culture and heritage of the country.

The majority of Papua New Guineans identify with various Christian denominations. The older generation typically adheres to more conservative practices, but the younger generations adopt a more relaxed approach while still holding on to their Christian beliefs.

Sing Sing

It is not unusual for visitors to Papua New Guinea to encounter a Sing Sing, a gathering of tribes or villages to show their distinct culture through decorative body paint, dance and music.

Each year there are two main tribal gatherings and cultural events in the country. Perhaps the most famous is the Mount Hagen show where various regional, provincial and even national tribal dance groups gather to celebrate their cultural heritage in the form of Sing Sing. It is held in August. The other important gathering is the Goroka show in September. Both events are spectacular. The people come in Bilas (full traditional costumes) with stunning face tattoos, body paint, elaborate headdresses featuring birds of paradise plumes, shell breastplates and cuscus fur.

The best time for trekking expeditions in Papua New Guinea is from May to October when the weather is dry and rain is unlikely. The average temperature hovers during these months around the mid to high 20s.

While the climate is generally warm year-round, July and August are slightly cooler. If you plan to venture into the mountains during your Papa New Guinea vacations, be prepared for chilly nights and bring a few warm layers and a rain jacket.

If your visit falls in mid-July, you'll have the exciting opportunity to join the Warwagira and Mask Festival on Kokopo Beach in East New Britain. This vibrant four-day festival celebrates the diverse mask cultures of the region, featuring lively dances, rituals, storytelling, and captivating art and craft displays. Make sure not to miss the breathtaking Kinavai Ceremony at dawn on the first day. or the Young Baining men perform thrilling fire dances and take part in daring feats that involve running and jumping barefoot through towering flames.

What language is spoken in PNG?

The official national language is English. The two most commonly used languages are Hiri Motu and Melanesian Pidgin. There are an estimated 800 traditional languages in PNG.

What currency is used in PNG?

The currency used throughout PNG is the Kina, pronounced “kee-nah” and sub-units of 100 are called Toea, pronounced “toy-ya”. Denominations are K2, K5, K10, K20 and K50. International credit cards are accepted at most major hotels. Kina cash is available at the Foreign Exchange counters on arrival at Port Moresby and at departure airports in Australia. There is an ATM machine on arrival at Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby.  

Do I need a visa to travel to PNG?

Tourists need a visa to enter PNG. Visa regulations change from time to time. Currently, a 60-day tourist visa is available upon arrival in PNG for nationals of many countries including the USA and Canada. To acquire a visa upon arrival, eligible tourists need a passport valid at least six months past their arrival date, proof of sufficient funds for their stay, a copy of your PNG Travel Itinerary and an onward airline ticket with confirmed bookings. At this time there is no fee for the tourist visa on arrival.

When is the best time to travel to PNG?

The climate in PNG is tropical and pleasant. May to October are the drier months, generally, the most pleasant time to visit. Most festivals are held during this time. Diving is good year-round in most parts of PNG. Milne Bay however has the best visibility from April to June and September to January.  

How do I get to PNG? 

Jackson’s International Airport in Port Moresby is the official gateway into PNG. Air Niugini has direct flights from Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney in Australia. Also direct flights to Honiara, Solomon Islands, connecting onto Nadi, Fiji. There are also direct flights to South East Asia - Singapore, Manila, and Hong Kong.

Is there transportation within PNG?

There are several ways to get around the country, but usually, Goway passengers will travel by private vehicle, domestic flights and charter flights to remote Wilderness Lodges.  

What are the baggage regulations within PNG?

Scheduled Domestic Flights baggage allowance is restricted to 16 kg (35lbs) and a carry-on bag. Charter Flights restrict to 10 kg (22lbs) and recommend soft-sided luggage. When heading to more remote lodges, baggage can be stored at your Port Moresby Hotel or Local Area Hotel you are returning to, for your scheduled domestic flights.

What are the top highlights for visitors to PNG?

Cultural and Nature inspired vacations. Village tours and traditional dance performances called “Sing Sing” and festivals are highly recommended. Birdwatching is also popular as there are over 38 varieties of Birds of Paradise. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving, with superb visibility. offshore volcanic islands and coral gardens and wrecks. Find coral to rival Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Liveaboard Dives. WWII Plane Wrecks, Historic Sites and Memorials.  

Is PNG a family-friendly destination?

An exotic, friendly destination, great for families with the spirit of adventure. Melanesians value family and truly delight in children. One of the most unexplored countries on the planet, with an array of diverse tribes, stunning scenery. There are plenty of land and water activities to entertain. We can create a custom itinerary based on your family's interests.

How welcoming is PNG to LGBTQ+ travellers and families?

LGBTQ+ relationships are not legal in PNG, so it is not a recommended travel destination for LGBTQ+ travellers.

Is Wi-Fi readily available?

Internet access is good at major hotels in Port Moresby. Limited wifi is available at major coastal hotels across PNG and Mount Hagan. Remote Wilderness Lodges and Villages do not have internet service.  

Can I use my cellphone in PNG?

It is possible to purchase a SIM card upon arrival. Your phone must be unlocked, to be used on other networks. Check with your cellular provider. You might be able to get an affordable roaming plan.

What are the helpful travel tools/apps to use when you travel in PNG?

WhatsApp is a popular digital communication tool. You can download it prior to departure. You can send texts and call people for free if both are connected to wifi.

Is it safe to drink tap water in PNG?

It is strongly advised not to drink tap water in PNG. It’s best to stick to filtered bottled water.

What are the public bathroom facilities like?

Major hotels offer public washrooms. On village tours, guides recommend were to use toilets, which are often squat toilets. We recommended bringing toilet tissues and hand sanitizer as they are not normally provided.

Is tipping customary in PNG?

It is not recommended you tip in PNG. Hotels and restaurants do not add service charges to your bill. Wilderness Lodges provide guidelines for tipping, which they recommend adding to your final invoice. The lodges prefer distributing tips to tour guides, birding guides, drivers, hotel staff and community leaders to prevent begging. If you would like to take gifts for villages, items like basic school supplies, exercise books, and pens are useful, rather than toys, balloons and candy.

What are the health requirements and recommendations for PNG?

Visitors are advised to take malaria precautions, as advised by their doctor prior to arrival. Most travelers keep their tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio vaccinations current. You will require a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever or cholera if arriving from or traveling through infected areas prior to arrival in PNG.

Are there any insider tips for travelling to PNG?

All travelers to PNG are strongly recommended to acquire Travel Insurance for trip cancellation and delays, baggage loss and damage and for illness, accident and medical evacuation. We recommend you bring a personal first aid kit including an ample supply of medication, and a prescription or over-counter anti-diarrheal medication. Pack these in your carry-on. Bug spray and sunscreen are recommended.

Your culinary journey through Papua New Guinea will be a treat for your taste buds. The local cuisine is rich in flavors, emphasizing fresh and natural ingredients. Be sure to try the mumu, the national dish and a traditional cooking method involving steaming foods like taro, sweet potatoes, greens, and meat in banana leaves. And don't miss out on kokoda – a ceviche-style dish made from fresh fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk, seasoned with chili, and served with vegetables. To satiate the cravings of your sweet tooth, indulge in dia, a dessert of sago and sweet bananas gently cooked in coconut milk/cream.

When in Papua New Guinea, quenching your thirst can be an ultimate adventure. The country offers a range of unique and refreshing beverages like coconut water, beer, local fruit juices like papaya, passion fruit, soursop, and pineapple juices, and local beers. Papua New Guinea is also known for its high-quality coffee. You can savour a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea at many cafes and eateries.