Beautiful places in Papua New Guinea

Travel To Papua New Guinea

Kainantu

A small town in the Eastern Highlands, not much here besides basic stores. It's known as a somewhat dangerous rascol town with high unemployment. You would be wise to meet someone as you get off the bus, or head straight for the nearest store. However you can catch a PMV to a place called SIL (The Summer Institute of Linguistics) A christian based organisation that is endeavouring to translate the bible into as many languages as possible. You can go there for a look around, or use their stores which are quite well equipped. Theres also locals gold mining in the area, just ask around and you could pay someone to drive you into the hills to see their workings. There is a nice cultural center in town which sells mainly locally made pottery but also other traditional crafts, such as bilums and bows and arrows. 

Lae

Lae is the second-largest city of Papua New-Guinea. Although it is located in beautiful fairly unspoilt area, the city is a bit grey, grim and not really inviting. (It might have something to do with the iron bars fixed in front of doors because of prevalent criminal actions). Lae is situated on the Markham River and is mostly known for its well-maintained botanical gardens.


Goroka

Even if Goroka is an amazing place, you shouldn't stay out after dark. If you are going outside of the city you'd better find a guide.  Be aware that an all inclusive price may be inclusive of nothing except guides (who will want and deserve tips). It can take up to two days of hiking to get to the first village without seeing anyone in the jungle. Quite dangerous terrain


Port Moresby

Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, is also the major entry and exit point of the country. It is a sprawling city with a population of around 300,000. A ridge divides the older town from the newer island suburbs, including the government centre at Waigani.
Port Moresby is also a superb natural harbour situated in the south-east corner of the country. The city houses some famous attractions like the National Museum and New Parliament, the latter built in traditional Sepik ahaus tambarana or Spirit House style. Don't miss out on the interesting and spirited debates held in the parliament if you are there. The National Museum is the best place to begin your sightseeing expedition in the city, though it remains closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Within the city limits are situated a modern university campus and the National Botanical Garden. On Fridays, you can visit the Moitaka Wildlife Sanctuary, which is known for its crocodile farm.
At a distance of around 50 km from Port Moresby is the Sogeri Plateau, which has a cool and sylvan environment. Some other attractions in the city are Idler's Beach, Sinasi Reef, Boroko, Gordons, and Daugo Island.

Lake Kutubu

Lake Kutubu is located in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guines, it is extremely remote. Traditional villages dot the shore and nearby rainforest. Like all virgin tropical rainforest areas the bidiversity is spectacular, but not obvious, unless you have a great passion for plants and insects. Mammals such as tree kangaroos, possums and other marsupials (New Guinea is evolutionarily related to Australia) and birds such as spectacular Birds of Paradise and cassowaris are ever-present, but rarely spotted. Cultural diversity is also rich, but off limits if you do not speak a local language - and there are many, PNG features hundreds of locale languages and dialects. The national Lingua Franca is Pidgin - and with it you can navigate/survive.  There are virtually no facilities for travelers - their are no facilities for tourists - this is definitely a location for hearty travelers only. There are local flights that service the villages in the area, although plan on going by foot after that. You must plan on taking almost everything you need with you. Most village do have a local store, but these are definitely bush stores that cater to local needs - tin fish, rice, sugar, powdered milk, tea. Is it spectacular - yes, is it isolated - yes, will you see another western soul - unlikely, will you have any accessible safety net should you mess up - NO. 
On the north end of the lake Chevron New Guinea began oil and gas extraction in the 1990's. Their effort has resulted in a pipeline down the length of the Kikori River Basin (through which waters from Lake Kutubu flow) to an offshore transfer platform approximately 80 km south in the Papuan Gulf. 

Kundiawa

Kundiawa is the provincial capital of Chimbu or Simbu Province. There are plenty of shops, selling basics like rice and biscuits, and two larger supermarkets which carry more variety of stock. Also 2 banks, hospital, government offices, radio station and even a courthouse. Do not expect Western standards or sophistication though.

Madang

With its lagoons, tiny islands, and north coast drive through amazing lengths of coconut plantations, Madang is a perfect example of the relaxed Pacific outlook. The town is described by many as the prettiest place in the Pacific and not without reasons. It has beautiful parks, ponds, waterways, snorkelling and scuba diving options, besides providing the finest accommodation facilities in Papua New Guinea. Volcanic islands, some of which are still active, are other attractions of Madang. The islands around Madang Kranket and Long Islands in particular also attract tourists in good numbers. Kranket Island has several traditional villages while Long Island is known for its abundant bird species. There are several tiny uninhabited island off Madang that dive boats will drop you on for the day. Stunning. Madang is most beautiful from the water.

Rabaul

Situated in East New Britain, Rabaul was most beautiful city of PNG until it was devastated by a series of volcanic eruptions in 1994. It is a charming harbour town with a great character. Not much is left of the earlier beauty of the place, but it is still worth a visit. Diving into the sea, which is littered with war relics from the Second World War, is an exciting affair. The nearby Duke of York islands offer a good excursion trip from Rabaul.