Papua New Guinea Beyond the Festivals
For many the chief reason to visit Papua New Guinea is the nation’s array of colorful cultural festivals. Yet these stirring gatherings are only part of a bigger picture in this Melanesian masterpiece. Indeed, there are multiple reasons to experience this endlessly fascinating destination outside of peak celebration period.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA BEYOND THE FESTIVALS
For many the chief reason to visit Papua New Guinea is the nation’s array of colorful cultural festivals. Yet these stirring gatherings are only part of a bigger picture in this Melanesian masterpiece. Indeed, there are multiple reasons to experience this endlessly fascinating destination outside of peak celebration period.
ENJOY INSPIRING CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS
The Asaro Mudmen
With hundreds of distinct languages and ethnic groups, Papua New Guinea hosts a rich tapestry of tribal cultures that is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. From the highlands to the lowlands, this diversity gives rise to some of the most vivid and captivating encounters on the planet.
And with private planes and helicopter charters available, guests can immerse in the country’s cultural melting pot for most of the year, not just during festival periods.
The exchanges between tribes, known as "sing-sings," are a must for anyone seeking a profound immersion into the country's vibrant cultural essence. Private “sing-sings” can be organised for guests, offering a unique insight that is truly special.
A highlight for many is a visit to Goroka in the Eastern Highlands, home to the Asaro Mudmen tribal people, named for their practice of covering themselves in chalk to resemble ghosts before battle. Guests can witness dynamic dance performances, tribal rituals, and traditional music. West of Goroka, Tari is home to another highlight: the inimitable Huli Wigmen.
Traditional PNG village life can also be experienced near Karawari, part of the lowland river region. In this remote place, roads, shops, and phones are non-existent. The Sepik people lead a self-sustained life, crafting baskets for fishing, and relying entirely on the land. Their daily routine involves gathering, processing, and cooking their primary sustenance. In Sepik, it's possible to meet the so-called "crocodile men" — members of the Chambri Tribe who have undergone an excruciating rite of passage in which incisions are made into their skin in patterns that resemble crocodile scales.
PLUMB SPELLBINDING DEPTHS
Wreck diving in PNG
Enthusiasts of scuba diving often speak of Papua New Guinea in reverent tones, and it's well-deserved. Situated within the Coral Triangle, a region that encompasses other renowned dive destinations in Indonesia and The Philippines, Papua New Guinea boasts a selection of dive sites that can rival any in the world.The vibrant marine life alone would be a showstopper, but what sets PNG apart are the numerous aviation wrecks dating back to World War II, making it a pilgrimage site for divers.
Off the coast of New Britain, the country's largest island, where fiery volcanoes and misty rainforests create a dramatic backdrop, you'll find dive sites like Kimble Bay, the Witu Islands, and the Father's Reefs.
These areas teem with colorful sea life, gracefully navigating through luminous coral gardens. Venture slightly further from the shore, off New Island, and you'll encounter the Der Yang Wreck. Over time, Pacific currents have transformed this sunken fishing boat into a thriving hub for marine creatures.
Another highlight is Madang, an area that saw intense fighting between the Japanese and Australians during WW2, and is home to a number of exceptional wreck diving opportunities including a downed American B-25 bomber.
For those seeking a more accessible underwater adventure near Port Moresby, Suzie's Bommie awaits. A 'bommie' refers to a submerged offshore reef, and this one is home to a variety of fascinating creatures, from pygmy seahorses to larger species like schools of barracuda.
UNCOVER WARTIME HISTORY
Kokoda trail
Papua New Guinea bears profound historical significance from World War II, hosting a trove of captivating sights. Visitors can explore relics of the conflict, including aircraft wrecks, bunkers, and war memorials, especially prevalent in areas like Kokoda and Rabaul.
The Kokoda Track, a jungle trail, retraces the footsteps of Australian soldiers during the Kokoda Campaign.
Rabaul, a once-bustling Japanese base, features tunnels, gun emplacements, and volcanic landscapes shaped by war. These WWII sites provide a poignant and educational journey into Papua New Guinea's wartime past.
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