Things to do in Papua New Guinea

Hike the rugged 96-km jungle trail across the Owen Stanley Range, retracing the footsteps of WWII soldiers and experiencing breathtaking mountain scenery.

Explore one of the world's most biodiverse marine environments, teeming with colorful corals, pelagic fish, and macro critters in the warm waters of West New Britain.

Witness the incredible assembly of over 100 tribal groups showcasing traditional dances, elaborate costumes, and ancient rituals in the highlands.

Paddle or dive the dramatic flooded fjords of Cape Nelson, surrounded by lush rainforest and pristine coral walls plunging into deep blue water.

Journey along one of the world's greatest rivers, visiting remote villages renowned for their towering spirit houses, elaborate woodcarvings, and crocodile folklore.

Stand on the rim of a massive flooded caldera and watch the active Tavurvur volcano vent steam, while exploring the remains of a town buried by a 1994 eruption.

See the spectacular night-time ceremony of the Baining people, where masked dancers leap through towering flames and spin burning bamboo torches.

Spot magnificent birds of paradise, bowerbirds, and the elusive Doria's tree-kangaroo on scenic walking trails overlooking Port Moresby.

Get up close with tree-kangaroos, cassowaries, and vibrant parrots in lush tropical gardens, one of the capital's most popular attractions.

Walk the wooden boardwalks of this traditional Motuan coastal village, where houses stand on stilts over the sea and canoes are still the main transport.

Reflect at this beautifully maintained Commonwealth cemetery where over 3,800 WWII soldiers rest, set against a backdrop of peaceful tropical gardens.

Ride uncrowded reef breaks and points in the warm waters of New Ireland, with perfect barrels for experienced surfers amid idyllic island scenery.

Witness the unique tradition of tabu shell money, still used for bride prices and trade, at the bustling local markets run by the Tolai people.

Trek through alpine grasslands to the 4,509m summit for panoramic sunrise views across both north and south coasts, an unforgettable highland adventure.

Visit the ‘Islands of Love’ where yam houses are decorated with ancestral carvings, and the annual yam festival showcases intricate exchanges and cricket rituals.

Descend onto perfectly preserved Japanese and American aircraft lying on shallow reefs, now encrusted with corals and surrounded by marine life.

View masterpieces of Sepik masks, ancestral carvings, war shields, and contemporary art that narrate Papua New Guinea's 800 cultures.

Hike through rainforest to this highland lake of mythical significance, home to unique fish species and the Foi people who live by its shores.

Be mesmerized by thousands of warriors in full facial paint, feathered headdresses, and grass skirts performing synchronized chants at this iconic highlands festival.

Just a short boat ride from Port Moresby, this fringing reef offers calm, clear waters teeming with clownfish, rays, and sea turtles.

Paddleboard or kayak across crystal-clear lagoons dotted with volcanic islets, surrounded by coral gardens and palm-fringed beaches.

Meet the famous tribesmen who cover themselves in white clay and wear grotesque mud masks to reenact their haunting battle legends.

Cast for the ferocious black bass, a bucket-list freshwater sport fish, in the remote and winding waterways of the lush Western Province jungle.

Photograph Huli warriors with their iconic yellow-painted faces and elaborate human-hair wigs adorned with everlasting daisies, a living highland tradition.

Explore the 'Coral Triangle' diversity at sites like Samarai and the Conflict Islands, where manta rays, sharks, and macro critters thrive.