Tourism in Papua New Guinea

Explore notable sights and destinations in this country

Oceania / Oceania

Tourist attractions

Kokoda Track

Region: Owen Stanley Range

War site / Trekking

Historical trail spanning 140km through World War II battlefields and tropical rainforest.

Rabaul Volcano Group

Region: East New Britain Province

Nature / Volcanic landscape

Series of active volcanic zones centered on Mount Tavurvur. Crater observation combined with World War II ruins.

Kuk Early Agricultural Site

Region: Wahgi Valley (Western Highlands Province)

Cultural heritage

World Heritage registered site preserving 10,000 years of agricultural traces.

Tufi Fjords

Region: Tufi, Oro Province

Nature / Marine leisure

Tropical fjords with steep green cliffs and coral reefs; popular for diving.

Mount Wilhelm

Region: Eastern Highlands Province

Nature / Mountaineering

At 4,509m elevation, one of Oceania's high peaks with alpine plants and glacial remains.

Sepik River Basin

Region: East Sepik Province

Nature / Cultural experience

Tour massive river by canoe visiting water villages and wood carving culture.

Port Moresby Nature Park

Region: Capital region

Urban park / Flora and fauna

Country's largest urban nature garden with endemic animals like birds of paradise and cassowary, plus orchid greenhouses.

Madang Lagoon

Region: Madang Province

Marine leisure

Popular with Western divers for clear lagoon and wreck diving.

Kavieng Islands

Region: New Ireland Province

Nature / Surfing

Untouched beaches and manta cleaning stations are attractions.

Bilum Market

Region: Highland provinces

Folk crafts

Direct sales market of colorful hand-woven 'bilum' bags from production areas.

Suggested itineraries

Highland Culture and War Sites Tour

Duration (days): 7

Highlights: Mount Hagen, Goroka, Kuk Site, Bilum Market

One-week course flying domestic routes to highland cities, visiting village festivals and World Heritage agricultural sites.

Diving Paradise Island Resort Stay

Duration (days): 5

Highlights: Tufi, Madang, Kavieng

Hopping domestic flights to three major dive spots enjoying wrecks, large creatures, and macro diving.

Travel tips

  • No direct flights from Japan; typically via Australia or Singapore
  • Entry requires passport valid 6+ months and eVisa acquisition
  • Malaria prevention medication and long sleeves recommended
  • Mountain areas have significant day-night temperature differences; fleece useful
  • Cash society; credit card usage unavailable outside cities
  • Photography requires prior permission; compensation may be requested
  • Avoid nighttime travel in tribal conflict areas; check latest security information
  • Domestic flights frequently canceled due to weather; build flexible schedule
  • Public Wi-Fi extremely limited; SIM card purchase convenient
  • Tap water not potable; use bottled water
  • Dry season (June–September) suitable for travel with concentrated festivals
  • Travel to Bougainville Autonomous Region may require government permission

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