Papua New Guinea

The fascinating country of Papua New Guinea is made up of over 600 islands. The tribal diversity of a country with over 700 languages cannot easily be summarized. Although in Papua New Guinea it is the tribal life that is most fascinating to the visitor. The diving and marine biodiversity has been making headlines all over the world, there is so much more left to explore.

Faces Facts

Climate: Hot tropical climate at sea level, cooling towards the highlands, which also cause climatic variation from one area to another. The majority of the rain falls between December and March, although Port Moresby enjoys a dry season at this time.

Best time to dive: Diving is possible year round

What you can see: Pilot and Orca whales, sharks, pygmy seahorses, walls carpeted with soft corals

Visibility: 15-40m (50-130ft.)

Water Temperature: 24-30°C (75-86°F)

Languages Spoken: English, Motu and many other indigenous languages

Currency: Kina (PGK)

ATM’s and Banks: AMEX is the most widely accepted credit card but don’t rely on this alone. MC and VISA are accepted as well in some places. Exchange can be made through trade banks. ATM’s should not be relied upon at all. Cash is the best way to travel and most reliable.

Time Zone: UTC+10

Voltage: 240V/50HZ

Health Regulations: Please consult your doctor or nearest health authorities for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure.

Visa Requirements: British, Australian, Canadian, American and other EU nationals are required to have a visa. Nationals of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, the UK and the USA may all apply for a 60-day tourist visa on arrival. Nationals not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy/high commission to check visa requirements. For more up to date information on visa requirements check www.pngtourism.org.pg

Top Tip

Take a river or jungle tour in the Chambri region stopping at remote villages where house are built on stilts and a dugout canoe is still the main means of transport. Be sure to ask before taking photos of the people in the villages, a good idea is also to take some gifts along with you.