1. Home
  2. Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is probably the most diverse yet least explored country in the Asia-Pacific region. This British Commonwealth country, which gained independence from Australia in 1975, was also once a German colony, and has long fascinated travelers and adventurers. By 2011 it had become the seventh fastest growing economy in the entire world, mainly due to its vast mining and natural resource industry. 

PNG has over 600 islands and more than 800 different cultural groups that have a wide range of dialects, art, music, dance, fashion and architecture. Over 95 percent of the almost 6 million people are Christians, though many combine this faith with their indigenous animism. Seashells were the official currency until 1933. PNG is less than a tenth of the size of Australia but has just as many species of animals. This is a place where the kangaroos live in trees and the marsupials are plentiful.

PNG is physically spectacular, with lush rainforests, flooded deltas, pristine highlands, thick jungles, active volcanoes and picturesque mountains (the highest peak is 14,793 feet). Military historians will enjoy visiting various sites which saw fierce combat during World War II – especially around Rabaul. Destinations include Alotau, the Sing Sing festivals at Mount Hagan, Goroka, world-class diving in Madang, Simbai/Kaironk Valley, Ambunti, canoe trips on the Sepik River and the capital of Port Moresby.

Papua New Guinea Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Papua New Guinea Itineraries

All Itineraries
Multi Country
Ultra Luxe
Intrepid
Classic Papua New Guinea

Classic Papua New Guinea

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $34,600
See Itinerary
Exotic Wildlife of Papua New Guinea

Exotic Wildlife of Papua New Guinea

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary
Goroka Festival

Goroka Festival

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary
Nature in the Raw: Wild Papua New Guinea

Nature in the Raw: Wild Papua New Guinea

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary
Papua New Guinea Crocodile Festival

Papua New Guinea Crocodile Festival

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary
Private Papua New Guinea: Mt Hagen to Bensbach by Private Aircraft

Private Papua New Guinea: Mt Hagen to Bensbach by Private Aircraft

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary
Remote Asia in 5 Countries by Private Jet

Remote Asia in 5 Countries by Private Jet

Duration
15 days / 14 nights
Per Person Per Day
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary
Wild Papua New Guinea by Private Aircraft

Wild Papua New Guinea by Private Aircraft

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary
Canoes & Mudmen: Papua New Guinea's Great Outdoors

Canoes & Mudmen: Papua New Guinea's Great Outdoors

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary
Jungles, Rivers & Beaches of Papua New Guinea

Jungles, Rivers & Beaches of Papua New Guinea

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary
Airways Hotel
Preferred Hotel

Airways Hotel

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Australasia's leading airport hotel and one fo the finest hotels in Papua New Guinea, the Airways Hotel is located on a hillside overlooking Jacksons International Airport. Seevn guest room and suite types are available, ranging from the well-appointed Bacchus Room to the spacious Presidential Suite. All accommodations are decorated in an airy, modern style with warm wooden furnishings and flooring, crisp white linens and standard mod cons; such as WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, and a 49-inch smart TV. Hotel amenities include a health and fitness center with sauna and steam rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, a spa, plus tennis and squash courts. There are five drinking and dining options for guests, including fine dining at the Bacchus Restaurant.
See Hotel
Hilton Port Moresby
Preferred Hotel

Hilton Port Moresby

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

A modern building with impressive architecture, the Hilton Port Moresby is one of the best accommodation options in the capital. Lodgings include five guest room types, including an accessible room, as well as two suite types. All are furnished in a contemporary style with standard mod cons for convenience. Club rooms offer access to a private lounge, which serves complimentary refreshments. Hotel facilities include a rooftop outdoor pool, a hot tub, a gym and a convention center with an open-air amphitheater. For dining, guests can enjoy drinks and deli-style food at Copper, all-day international dining at Feast, coffee and snacks at Halo, traditional dishes at Mumu, as well as alfresco cocktails at Summit.
See Hotel
Sepik Spirit
Preferred Hotel

Sepik Spirit

Sepik Region, Papua New Guinea

Intrepid travelers can explore the mysterious and beautiful Sepik River and discover the secrets of Northwestern Papua New Guinea with a stay on the Sepik Spirit, an idyllic floating lodge in the middle of the river’s waters. From here, guests can make excursions on nippy speedboats into the river’s tributaries to explore the region, visit spirit houses, villages and tribes, meet the locals and witness the ancient cultures and customs such as tribal dancing, music and discussions with local elders. After a long day of exploration with knowledgeable guides, guests can return to the Sepik Spirit for delicious, artfully-prepared meals in its beautiful dining room, to enjoy sunset on the upper deck, sip a cool drink in the bar or to relax in the lounge areas. Finally, when the day is done, comfortable, spacious cabins beckon for a peaceful night’s sleep.

See Hotel
Ambua Lodge

Ambua Lodge

Tari, Papua New Guinea

Nestled amongst the Doma Peaks near Tari, almost 7000 feet above sea level, is Ambua Lodge. An award-winning, eco-friendly lodge boasting magnificent views of the Tari Valley below, and the perfect base for encountering the famous Wigmen, the lodge consists of forty round houses set amongst landscaped gardens and built almost exclusively from natural materials. Each unit features 180-degree picture windows to soak in the view, en-suite bathrooms, and electric blankets and duvets for the cool highland evenings. Ambua has 24-hour, eco-friendly electricity, provided by its own hydroelectric power plant that generates clean, natural energy from a nearby mountain stream. The main lodge building houses the bar, dining and lounge areas and a cozy central fireplace.

Ambunti Lodge

Ambunti Lodge

Ambunti, Papua New Guinea

Perched on the banks of the Sepik River, Ambunti Lodge provides basic accommodation and restaurant services. Guests may choose from twin or double rooms, and recent upgrades have resulted in air-conditioning and private bathrooms in each, making the rooms among the most comfortable available in the area. The lodge also features a generator to keep power going during a power-cut. Ambunti Lodge is the ideal base from which to explore the exotic and fascinating Sepik region, with its rich tribal cultures. 

Betty's Guest House

Betty's Guest House

Mount Wilhelm, Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea's highest peak reaches a towering 4509 meters above sea. On the path up to this sky piercing point rests Betty’s Place at 2790 meters. Nestled in with the surrounding scenery, the lodge furnishes beautiful views of rivers and surrounding nature from its 4 double rooms. Electricity, hot-water showers, and meals are provided. Produce is sourced from a nearby local farm and guests are invited to cook on their own. In business for over 20 years, the staff at Betty’s Place possess a wealth of knowledge and the lodge's location is perfect for guests seeking to climb up Mount Wilhelm, enjoy bird watching, or hike throughout the region.

Bird of Paradise

Bird of Paradise

Goroka, Papua New Guinea

The Bird of Paradise is the best hotel in Goroka, and while hardly posh, it is relatively clean and comfortable. It has 52 rooms, cable TV, IDD telephones, laundry, room service, an outdoor heated pool and gym. The Lahani Restaurant offers exotic dishes such as crocodile, buffalo, venison, and pigeon as well as fresh Highland vegetables and fruit. The hotel also has a more casual café with outdoor dining, the Deck Bistro, and a bar called Birdy's Piano bar. The Bird of Paradise is conveniently located in the center of town near the J.K. McCarthy Museum, Raun Raun Theatre and Mount Gahavisuka Provincial Park, an 8,000-acre park featuring walking trails, a scenic lookout, and a variety of native flora and fauna. Amenities include an outdoor heated pool, game room, fitness center, on-site squash club, business center and broadband Internet access. The hotel is only five minutes from the Goroka Airport (GKA).

Cassowary Hotel Kiunga

Cassowary Hotel Kiunga

Kiunga, Papua New Guinea

A standard and clean hotel, the centrally-located Cassowary Hotel is the most modern hotel in Kiunga and a top pick. 43 bright and airy spacious rooms offer twin and king beds, complimentary Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and modern ensuite bathroom. The in-house restaurant serves continental cuisine with kind local hospitality.
Crowne Plaza Port Moresby

Crowne Plaza Port Moresby

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

The Crowne Plaza is Papua New Guinea's only proper business-class hotel and provides all the necessary comforts for international travelers. Situated on a hilltop in the heart of the business district, the hotel has panoramic views of the Coral Sea and surrounding inland areas. There are 157 well-appointed, modern rooms and suites, including an Executive Club lounge floor. For dining, there are two restaurants - Rapala Grill, a fine-dining restaurant with a menu of Continental cuisine and grill specialties, and The Cafe, a casual spot for all-day dining. There are also two bars - The Heritage, a lounge serving fine cigars and cognacs, and the Pondo Tavern. Other amenities include a well-equipped fitness center, an outdoor pool, a full-service business center, and available wired and wireless high-speed Internet. The Crowne Plaza is a 15-minute drive from Port Moresby's Jackson's International Airport (POM).

Homestay

Homestay

Yambaitok, Papua New Guinea

A village homestay in Papua New Guinea provides the ultimate culturally-immersive experience, though it is not for everyone. This type of accommodation is quite basic, without electricity or modern amenities, but there's no more authentic way to be a part of local village life. Beds are light mattresses on the floor, the bathroom has a pit toilet and an eco-friendly bucket bath. Breakfast is whatever your host family has prepared for you – usually sago and taro. Village life in rural Papua New Guinea remains largely unchanged over the centuries, and a homestay affords unparalleled insight into everyday village rituals.  

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Seasonality & Festivals

Browse a month-by-month breakdown of suggested itineraries, seasonal activities, climate considerations and festivals.

When to Go
When to Go
Festivals
Festivals

Weather in Papua New Guinea

The best time to visit Papua New Guinea is between May and October, when the weather is dry and most of the festivals are held.

  • The temperature is hot and humid in lowland and coastal areas, and it generally hovers around 75°F to 95°F.
  • In highland regions it is cooler, ranging between 54°F to 82°F and with significantly lower humidity.
  • Clouds tend to appear in the afternoon, and it typically rains in the late afternoon and evening.
  • Although Papua New Guinea is said to have dry (June to September) and wet (December to March) seasons, rainfall is actually common throughout both seasons.
  • Sunshine is abundant and rainfall is minimal throughout May, June, and July, making these very popular months for travel.
Weather chart for Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea
Weather chart for Port Morseby, Papua New Guinea

Multi-Country Specialists

Papua New Guinea Goes Well With

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

Boys’ Trip in Papua New Guinea

Author
Remote Lands
Planning an adventurous getaway with the guys? Looking for a destination to challenge and amaze you? Why not get off the beaten path and check out one of the most untouched and exciting places in the world: Papua New Guinea.
Read Article