Hotels in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea, officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is an Oceanian country that occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and its offshore islands in Melanesia, a region of the southwestern Pacific Ocean north of Australia. Its capital, located along its southeastern coast, is Port Moresby. The western half of New Guinea forms the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua. The island is the second largest island on earth and was previously thought to be uninhabited. However, it was the most densely populated region—a colossal anthropological discovery. Altogether, Papua New Guinea has one of the world’s most diverse cultural and linguistic landscapes, with over 800 indigenous languages, or 25 per cent of the world’s spoken tongues. However, the locals throughout the country use Tok Pisin (New Guinea Pidgin) to communicate. Hiri Motu is spoken across the southern regions of Papua, while English is also becoming more prevalent in the larger cities.

One of the world’s last great travel frontiers, Papua New Guinea offers pristine rainforests teeming with undiscovered wildlife, exotic tribal cultures and fascinating histories, fantastic diving, sparkling beaches, smouldering volcanoes, and remote mountain, an incredible array of delights for the adventurous traveller. The diving spots in Papua New Guinea is world famous. You will find that the coral reefs surrounding the island rival Australia's Barrier Reef. You will also find numerous wrecks teeming with underwater ecologies when diving here. Surfers will also find some of the world's best surf waves and reef breaks, with year-round action at Kavieng in New Ireland and Vanimo in West Sepik. Adventure lovers can test their endurance at the Kokoda Track, or arrange an expedition to summit PNG's highest point, Mt Wilhelm (4,509m). Bird lovers will also enjoy the fact that there are 38 varieties of birds-of-paradise on the island, and it is also home to the world's smallest parrot and the world’s only poisonous bird: the hooded pitohui.

Papua New Guinea is just to the south of the equator and has a tropical climate. In the highlands, though, temperatures are distinctly cool. The best time to visit Papua New Guinea is from June to September when the climate is cool and dry making these months the most comfortable time of the year to visit the island. Travellers may want to avoid travelling to Papua New Guinea between December and March as that is the period when the heaviest rain falls. It is also a period when the bugs come out.

When visiting Papua New Guinea, one must immerse themselves in the culture and specialities of the country. Papua New Guinea’s culture still includes elements of a primitive lifestyle. Trying out the local food would be the best way to get to know the country better. The traditional cuisine of Papua New Guinea is based on root crops such as taro, kaukau, yams, sago and also pork (cooked in the earth for traditional feasts). Don’t forget to try Mumu, a traditional dish combining roast pork, sweet potato, rice and greens.

Most foreign nationals who wish to enter Papua New Guinea are required to obtain a visa. Nationals of all European Union/European Economic Area member states, Andorra, Argentina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Cook Islands, Ecuador, Fiji, Guam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Monaco, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Peru, the Philippines, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Uruguay, Vanuatu and Vatican City may obtain a free visa valid for 60 days on arrival, provided that they arrive through the airports at Port Moresby or Tokua (Rabaul).

How to Get There?

By Flight

The main airport at Papua New Guinea is Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby while the country is serviced by Air Niugini which is the country’s national airline. The airline flies to and from Bali, Brisbane, Cairns, Hong Kong, Honiara, Manila, Nadi, Port-Vila, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo-Narita. The only direct flight from Singapore to Papua New Guinea is served by Air Niugini with the journey taking approximately 6 hours and 35 minutes.

By Land

The only land border crossing between Papua and Papua New Guinea open to foreigners is on the north coast between Jayapura and Vanimo in Papua New Guinea, called the Skouw - Wutung border crossing. It is open from 8 am to 4 pm (Indonesian time. Travellers going into Papua New Guinea from Indonesia will require a visa beforehand which can either be obtained before leaving your home country or for free at the Papua New Guinea consulate general in Entrop, close to Jayapura.

What to do There?

The Kokoda Trail

The Kokoda Trail is a 60-mile trail, beginning in the Port Moresby area and leading up into the Owen Stanley Range. This trail was first used by gold miners in the 1890s and is most known as a historic World War II site as the Japanese tried to reach Port Moresby along it. It takes about five days to hike this track, which includes plenty of ups and downs between mountain ridges and streams.

Port Moresby Nature Park

The Port Moresby Nature Park is a haven of greenery and lawns spread over 30 acres, boasting two kilometres of boardwalk threading beneath a jungle canopy, plus excellent wildlife exhibits, plant collections, and cultural demonstrations. You may find yourself passing by a wedding, a friendly soccer match and a class trip all in one single visit to the park.

Bomana War Cemetary

Thousands of young Papua New Guinean and Australian soldiers were put to rest in this carefully tended World War 2 cemetery, a heart-wrenching reminder of the horrific campaigns in the region. The tranquil site is a 30-minute drive from the city centre on Sogeri Road not too far from the turnoff at Sir Hubert Murray Highway.

Asaro Village (Asaro Mudmen)

Asaro village, northwest of Goroka, is famous for its mudmen – warriors who traditionally covered themselves in grey mud and wore huge mud masks before heading off on raids. It’s a very striking image, best witnessed in a village setting rather than one of the big shows. The Asaro men re-create war scenes for tourists, and in the spirit of ‘the more, the merrier’ the number of mudmen in the war scenes are in direct proportion to the number of tourists visiting the village.

Madang

Once described as the ‘prettiest town in the South Pacific’, Madang is a popular launching pad for travellers looking to explore Papua New Guinea’s extraordinary underwater world. As well as being a gateway to reefs, wrecks and crystalline waters, Madang has a variety of shops and markets where local crafts can be bought. The natural scenery is also unwittingly beautiful.

Where to Stay?

Adequate and comfortable accommodations are available throughout Papua New Guinea. However, it is found that accommodation is generally more expensive in Papua New Guinea than any other Australasian states. There are hotels of international standard found in Port Moresby, Lae, Madang and most major cities. Many motels also offer value accommodation.

Driftwood Resort

Driftwood Resort is an exclusive tropical hideaway lying off the easternmost tip of Papua New Guinea in Milne Bay Province. Set amongst stunning rainforest on the absolute water’s edge and only a few minutes’ drives from bustling Alotau town Driftwood is the perfect place to stay and explore Milne Bay.  With accommodation restricted to just 11 bungalows, your privacy and peace are assured. Each finely appointed bungalow comes complete with luxurious double bed with beautiful Rosewood detailing, as well as waterfront bungalows featuring stunning oversized decks jutting out into the bay.

Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby

The Holiday Inn Express is a smart hotel choice for the savvy business and leisure traveller, as it offers you all the essentials of a great hotel but at an exceptional value. Centrally located, it's the perfect base for you to get business done while in Port Moresby or start your adventure in Papua New Guinea. It is located 2-minute away from local restaurants and shops and just a 5-minute drive to Port Moresby Nature Park. Ela Beach is also a 15-minute drive away. Each air-conditioned room includes a seating area, satellite TV and a desk. The rooms also contain a safety deposit box and a bathroom with a hairdryer. Travellers can start their day with a free continental or hot breakfast. They may also exercise at the fitness centre, which highlights aerobic classes, a jogging track and a weight room.

Laguna Hotel

Laguna Hotel is Port Moresby’s newest boutique hotel. It is conveniently located just seven minutes from the airport in the commercial district, with an abundant choice of shopping venues nearby. There are 60 rooms which have been purposefully and stylishly designed for the corporate and leisure traveller alike, with each room featuring contemporary furnishings that provide comfort and convenience; providing a place to unwind or to catch up on work.