- Exotic and diverse cultures 
- Traditional people living a subsistence lifestyle 
- Incredible natural beauty including extensive rainforests 
- Several areas producing high quality primitive art
- Excellent diving and underwater exploration 
- A unique and accessible fauna 

Geography: Papua New Guinea lies just south of the Equator and approximately 150km north of Australia. The country, with a population of just over 4.8 million people, occupies the Eastern half of world's second largest island with several hundred islands in the Bismarck and Solomon Seas. 

Papua New Guinea has extremely rugged mountains, thick jungles and vast seas which have for centuries restricted contact between differing tribes, inhibiting the growth of a common language and contact with the outside world. The country is a vast, primitive and sensationally beautiful destination for travellers.

It is also known as "The Land of the Unexpected", so when you are in Papua New Guinea, expect the unexpected! (Click on Image to enlarge)

Climate: The climate in PNG is generally warm with wet and dry seasons - the wettest months for Morobe Province are November to May in the interiors and May to October in Lae, on the coast. Temperatures on the coast are reasonably stable and vary between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. In the mountainous regions it is cooler and temperatures can fall considerably at night. 

Language: There are over 700 distinct languages in Papua New Guinea. Pidgin and Hiri Motu are the two most widely used. However English is the official language spoken in education, business, and government circles. 

Currency: Papua New Guinea's unit of currency is the Kina, (K) which is divided into 100 toea(t). International currency can be exchanged at Jackson's Airport (if travelling through Port Moresby). Some hotels offer money exchange (please check with hotel direct). Banks are open from 8.45am to 3pm Monday to Friday and until 4 pm Friday. Credit cards are accepted at leading hotels. 

Transportation: Air and Sea Transportation play a major role in Papua New Guinea due to its rugged terrain and offshore island destinations. A highway network connects the Highland Provinces to Morobe and Madang and some cities and towns. However, air travel is the most practical and efficient way to move around the country. 

Drivers licenses issued in other countries are valid for 3 months after arrival.  Vehicles travel On the left side of the road; speed limits are 60kph in built-up areas and 80kph out of town.

Time: Papua New Guinea is 10 hours ahead of GMT in the same time zone as Eastern Australia. There is no daylight saving.

Shopping: Large stores and artifact shops offer a variety of goods for sale. Saturday is a half-day for most shops and nearly all are closed on Sunday. Artisans sell their craft beside the roads or in markets. All markets sell a wide range of fruits and vegetables.

Export Rules: Many artifacts, historical and cultural objects are prohibited exports. Others require a permit from the National Museum. Export Permits for wildlife are available through the Nature Conservation Division of the Department of Environment and Conversation in Port Moresby. 

Health: Water quality is within WHO standards in most towns. Bottled water is readily available. In rural areas it is advisable to boil water. As malaria continues to be a health risk in the country, anti-malaria tablets should be taken two weeks before arrival, during your stay and for 4 weeks after departure. 

Use insect repellent and wear long sleeved shirts, trousers and shoes in the evening. Lae has the services of a professionally staffed private hospital - Tusa Private Hospital as well as the government run hospital - Angau Memorial Hospital. Private dentists, doctors and Pharmacies are available. Rural areas have health centres and aid posts staffed by trained health workers. 

Dress Codes: Please be culturally aware when travelling within PNG. Women should be modestly dressed. Very short skirts or shorts, bikinis or brief swimwear are not appropriate in public.