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Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Immense cultural diversity and unique wildlife - most notably the glorious birds of paradise - are the hallmarks of a trip to Papua New Guinea.

In this little-visited but fascinating country, located on the fringes of Asia across the Coral Sea from northern Australia, an incredible 800 different tongues are spoken - more than half the world's indigenous languages.

The Highlands, where ‘Sing Sing' festivities take place, are the starting point for many people's travels, before heading either by boat along the Sepik River or to outlying island groups such as New Britain and New Ireland, where excellent diving and surfing can be enjoyed. Virgin rainforest and volcanic black-sand beaches are another reminder of the country's wild and untamed character.

Papua New Guinea developed largely beyond the eye of the rest of the world, and even today some inland areas remain largely unexplored. This allowed the tribal groups to flourish, although rivalries occurred, involving headhunting and cannibalism until well into the 20th century.

The Highlands are the tribal heartland, with elaborate rituals accompanying deaths, feasts, marriages and initiation rites. Bilas (traditional costumes) are worn at tribal gatherings where the distinctive art, dance, weaponry, costumes, singing and music of the communities are celebrated. The costumes often incorporate the feathers of birds of paradise, Papua New Guinea's most famous bird, known for its elaborate plumage.

 

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At a glance

Flying time from UK
18 hours

Time zone
GMT +10

Currency
Kina = 100 toea

Language
English and Pidgin English

Travel advice
Check the FCDO for visa & travel advice

Where to go in Papua New Guinea

New Ireland

New Ireland is loved for its white-sand beaches, diving, surfing and thriving Malangan culture. The sleepy town of Kavieng is the capital and from here you can drive along the east coast in single day to discover breath-taking beaches interspersed with traditional villages offering traditional Mala…

West New Britain

New Britain is the largest island in Papua New Guinea's Bismarck Archipelago, separated from the mainland by the Dampier and Vitiaz Straits and from New Ireland by St. George's Channel.

Mainland

Papua New Guinea's mainland is made of the southern provinces around the capital Port Moresby, the Highlands region and the Momase region to the north.

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Papua New Guinea articles

Charley Boorman - 5 places that changed me

Charley Boorman, one of the most popular modern TV adventurers, tells us about the five places he has travelled to that changed his life and that make him tick.

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0614 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

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