Expedia Expert: 5 things to do in Papua New Guinea

Expedia’s Pacific Islands Associate Market Manager Charlotte Le Den shares her tips for the must-dos on a trip to Papua New Guinea. 

1. Culture

With over 800 different languages, PNG is a land rich in vibrant and diverse cultures. The best way to experience these are during the festivals that take place throughout the year around the country, when different tribes come together to celebrate. Their masks and traditional costumes made out of bird of paradise feathers, boar tusks and brilliantly coloured paint are an amazing sight.

The best known festivals are the National Mask Festival in Rabaul (July – check out the volcano there as well!), the Goroka Cultural Show (September) and Mt Hagan Cultural Show (August) in the Highlands and the National Canoe & Kundu Festival in Alotau (November).

2. Historical Relicts

Papua New Guinea was a German and British colony in the nineteenth century and the scene of major military campaigns during WWII, with Japanese, Australian and American forces fighting in the country. The country is rich in historical relicts from those periods. Japanese barge tunnels are cut into the mountainside – the barges are still in situ in East New Britain, and there are beautifully kept cemeteries honouring the soldiers who died in these conflicts across the country.

3. Kokoda Trail

A series of battles were fought along this famous 96km track between the Japanese and Australian (helped by the locals known as the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels) forces in WWII. It’s one the world’s most spectacular and challenging tracks, taking you through mountains and the jungle. Villages are dotted along the way so you get a change to immerse in the local culture and community.