Papua New Guinea is the perfect vacation destination for people who have seen it all! There is sure to be something in Papua to impress even the most seasoned traveler. The landscape remains the same as it has been for hundreds of years, the culture remains traditional, and water sports abound for the adventurous traveler.
To start your exploration of Papua, take an island cruise. In fact, many visitors make their vacation a cruise experience. The Sepik Spirit is a large cruise ship that takes visitors on three or six night cruises on the Sepik River. This is a great way to explore life along the rivers, which has remained relatively the same for centuries.
Papua New Guinea is often called an underwater photographer’s paradise. Some of the most famous underwater photos have been taken on dives around the island. Beneath the depths of the water, you can see all kinds of coral, including impressive coral walls and gardens, as well as kelp beds and numerous WWII shipwreck sites. The waters around Papua New Guinea are warm and this makes diving available throughout the year. The beautiful coral reefs in the area are full of the most colorful fish in the world! It pays to learn the sport of scuba diving when you visit this lush island!
Many people come to Papua New Guinea to enjoy jungle treks through the formidable wilderness. Whatever your skill level, there is a walk or trek to match on the island. In the Highlands, you can climb high mountains with beautiful views and several volcanoes. Alternatively, take multiple days and trek through the jungle with your own private guide. Be sure to keep an eye out for World War II artifacts, which are hidden throughout the island.
If you like wildlife, you’ll want to take a day to bird watch. The island is the only place to see the Bird of Paradise, and there are almost forty different species of these extraordinarily colorful birds. If you’re new to birding, you can take guided tours of some of the rainforests to find the best spots to watch the island’s colorful birds.
For an extreme island adventure, enjoy rafting on some of Papua New Guinea’s rivers. There are rapids for all skill levels and plenty of companies to help you get the adrenaline rush that comes from a thrilling river ride. This is another way to see some of the island’s colorful flora and fauna!
During your visit to New Guinea, be sure to take some time to experience the local culture of the Aboriginal people. While the people of the island constantly face the challenges of modernization, there are many subsistence farms in the highlands that still depend on the culture that has been a part of their lives for hundreds of years. A diverse island, there are over a thousand different cultures on the island to explore. To find your next adventure, head to the exotic embrace of Papua New Guinea.