Papua New Guinea is one of the most culturally diverse countries on Earth, with over 800 different languages listed for the tiny nation.  It is considered to be one of the fastest growing countries in the Pacific region, prompting many to reconsider travelling to this often-overlooked island.
 
Welcome to the Jungle...
 
Around seventy five per cent of New Guinea is covered by rainforest.  Step off the beaten track and explore the stunning wildlife, pristine mountain ranges and dense jungles in one of the least explored places in the world.  Take a river or jungle tour in the Chambri region, and stop by the remote villages where houses are built on stilts, and the dugout canoe is still the main means of transport. 
 
Go Fishing...
 
Teeming with isolated fishing grounds and untouched rivers, Papua New Guinea offers one of the best fishing spots in the world and is host to species such as the Papua New Guinea Black Bass, river tiger and Barramundi.   
 
Game fish are plentiful in Lae, Madang, Port Moresby, Rabaul and Wewak, and for those of you who prefer the ocean, the underwater predators of Papua New Guinea’s Bismarck and the Arcipelago Seas are littered with challenging catches such as the Dog tooth tuna, Sailfish, Yellow fin tuna, Marlin and plenty more that will erase any memories of your past catches.
 
Go Surfing...
 
The island is flush with year-round surf spots offering a good range of reef breaks that are easily accessible and varying in difficulty depending on the size and direction of the swell.  Among the most thrilling spots are Pikinini, Karanas, Nago Island, Edmago Island, Long Longs and Ral Island.
 
Swimming, snorkelling and sailing are also key features from wrecks to reefs.  Medang, Port Moresby and Rabaul are worth a visit, while Loloata is considered to be one of the best diving areas in the region.
 
Go Island Hopping...
 
There are many tiny islands scattered within close proximity to Papua New Guinea, so why not take a boat ride and go Island hopping for the day.  Explore Sohano Island, a beautiful place with lawns and gardens, a Japanese monument, steep craggy cliffs and war relics from WW II.  Visit Manus Island and buy the locally produced jewellery made from the shells of the Emerald green snail.  Venture to New Ireland to check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the fascinating Kulap chalk limestone funerary sculptures.  Each island offers a glimpse of distinctive cultures at every destination.
 
Visit the Capital...
 
No visit to Papau New Guinea is complete without a stop off at the country’s capital, Port Moresby.  Situated on the magnificent Fairfax Harbour, it is filled with vibrant cultural attractions including museums, libraries, political buildings and their major economic centre.  Be sure to visit the Parliament Haus, the National Museum, the Botanical Gardens and the Catholic Cathedral.
 
Round Up
 
Explore and adventure your way through this small island as part of a mainstay holiday or an expedition from Australia or New Zealand.  Papua New Guinea is undoubtedly one of Australasia’s best kept secrets.
 
 
WHERE TO STAY: Airways Hotel
Airways Hotel offers stunning views of the majestic mountains, crystal clear waters of Bootless Bay and its own botanical gardens.   Ideally located in the country’s capital it is also minutes away from Jackson’s International Airport.  This luxury spa hotel is kitted out with state-of-the-art equipment and offers a variety of relaxing treatments.
 
WHERE TO EAT: Fusion Bistro
This sleek, contemporary venue sits near Port Moresby’s waterfront, and takes full advantage of the country’s heterogeneous population with a platter of pan-Asian dishes.  Chef Sunny Lim prizes his salt and pepper mud-crabs, while the Beef Randang and pepper steaks bring a touch of Chinese and Malaysian delicacies to proceedings.
 
EVENT TO VISIT: National Mask Festival (17-20 July)
Masks are important cultural symbols in Papua New Guinea, and this annual national event was introduced in 1995 to celebrate them.  One of the main attractions, apart from the stunning Fire Dance performance by Baining Tribe is the Kinavai Ceremony by Tolais, main ethnic group of Rabaul and Kokopo.  Buy yourself a mask and be sure to join in with the festivities.
 

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