South East Asia, Papua New Guinea

Overview

Papua New Guinea is a raw land, remarkably untamed and as variegated as swamp and jagged limestone; mud and moss forest; suffocating heat and Highland chill; plumed, pearl-shelled villagers and prosaic hill people; tiny tree kangaroos and enormous Queen Alexandra Birdwing butterflies.

When To Go

You'll probably want to avoid rainy seasons although a good tropical downpour is a sight to be seen but they vary across the country. In most places the wet season is December to March, the dry season from May to October. During April and November the weather can't make up its mind which way to go and tends to be unpleasantly still and sticky. The most notable variations on this pattern are Lae and Alotau where May to October is the wet and we mean wet season. The months from June to September are cooler, drier and better to visit PNG.There are no real high and low seasons in PNG. At Christmas, Easter and other major holidays, hotels and transport can fill up, and booking ahead is advised if you're in a town during one of the cultural shows. It's worth scheduling your trip around a festival or event, such as one of the unforgettable cultural shows that are held between July and October. If you plan on trekking, diving or looking for that elusive bird, you'll need to research the b

Visas

Visas can be obtained on arrival at Jackson's International Airport for a maximum stay of 60 days in any 12 months. It is recommended however, that you obtain a visa prior to arrival.

Weather

Visas can be obtained on arrival at Jackson's International Airport for a maximum stay of 60 days in any 12 months. It is recommended however, that you obtain a visa prior to arrival.

Getting There

Most visitors arrive by air, specifically from Australia to Port Moresby, although there are direct connections with Honiara Solomon Islands and Nadi Fiji. Air Niugini, the national airline, operates between Australia and Asia in conjunction with Singapore Airlines. Port Moresby is the largest international gateway but another international airport has just opened at Alotau Milne Bay Province. The departure tax is about 7.00; if you overstay your visa, expect to pay a heavy fine before being allowed on the plane. Arriving or departing by sea is almost an impossibility unless on a cruise ship or a yacht the best places in PNG to find a berth are Port Moresby, Madang and Milne Bay. Arriving by sea, expect a 'customs clearance fee' of about 40.00.

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