Travel to Papua New Guinea — everything you need to know
When to go to Papua New Guinea?
- May – Oct — Dry season : Mildest weather on the coast, ideal for hiking and diving
- Nov – Apr — Rainy season : Frequent, heavy rain, but cultural festivals in August (Goroka Show)
Weather in Papua New Guinea
Check the weather city by city, starting with Port Moresby.
- Port Moresby: daytime highs from 28 to 30 °C depending on the season, 75 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with over 800 spoken languages and ancestral cultures preserved in isolated highlands. Its extraordinary landscapes range from turquoise coral reefs to dense rainforests and snow-capped peaks like Mount Wilhelm (4,509 m). It's a destination for adventurous travellers seeking authentic immersion off the beaten path.
Highlands — Huli Country
The territory of the Huli Wigmen offers one of the most striking cultural experiences in Papua. These warriors wear wigs made from their own hair, adorned with bird-of-paradise feathers and flowers. The Tari region offers a unique window onto thousand-year-old traditions still alive today, with chieftaincies and spectacular sing-sing ceremonies.
Highlights : Huli Wigmen warriors — ritual wigs and traditional adornments, Tari Market — local trade and highland crafts, Goroka Sing-Sing Festival — a gathering of 100+ tribes in August.
Sepik River
The Sepik is one of the great rivers of Melanesia and a global centre of tribal art. Villages along its banks have produced sculptures, ceremonial masks and spirit houses (haus tambaran) of extraordinary artistic power for centuries. Canoeing on the Sepik and visiting the villages is a timeless experience.
Highlights : Angoram Haus Tambaran — a 20m-tall ancestral spirit house, Palimbei Village — wood carving and sacred crocodiles, Lake Chambri — traditional fishing and women's pottery.
Kokoda Track
The Kokoda Track is a historic and physically demanding 96 km trek through Papua's mountainous jungle. It commemorates the 1942 New Guinea Campaign, where Australian and Papuan soldiers held back the Japanese advance under extreme conditions. The trail is today a pilgrimage for Australians and an intense hiking experience.
Highlights : Isurava Memorial — monument to soldiers who died in the 1942 battle, Mountain passes — cloud forest scenery and panoramic views, Papuan Infantry Brigade — tribute to the Papuan carriers, the 'Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels'.
Travel budget for Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is a relatively expensive destination for independent travellers, especially compared to other Asia-Pacific countries. Domestic transport (internal flights, boats) is the biggest expense. Quality accommodation remains costly, but local markets and street food offer cheap eats.
- Backpacker : 60–90 €/j — Basic guesthouses, local markets, PMV transport
- Comfort : 130–200 €/j — Decent hotels, restaurants, guided tours and domestic flights
Practical tips for travelling to Papua New Guinea
- Flight from Paris : 20–28h with 2 layovers (via Singapore, Sydney or Hong Kong)
- Visa : Visa on arrival for French citizens (60 days, PGK 100, ~25 €) or online e-Visa
- Currency : Papua New Guinean kina (PGK). Cash recommended outside Port Moresby
- Language : Tok Pisin and English understood by most; 800+ local languages
- Electricity : Type I (as in Australia), 240V — adapter required
- Health : Recommended vaccines: typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, rabies. Malaria: prophylaxis essential in all regions
- Safety : Extra caution in Port Moresby (crime). In the bush, prefer an experienced local guide
- Connectivity : Limited mobile coverage outside towns. Digicel SIM cards available in Port Moresby
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