A Wild Adventure in Papua New Guinea

Destinations: Papua New Guinea Highlands, Mount Hagen, Kimbe Bay, Rabaul Kokopo, Bougainville

Papua New Guinea Highlands and Mount Hagen

The Papua New Guinea Highlands offer a fascinating glimpse into traditional Melanesian culture, with lush mountains, fertile valleys, and vibrant tribal communities. The region's centerpiece is the Mount Hagen Cultural Festival, a kaleidoscope of color, sound, and tradition.

- The festival features over 40 tribes, each with distinct face paintings, headdresses, and costumes.

- Performers use natural materials like bird feathers, animal skins, and plant fibers in their elaborate outfits.

- Traditional sing-sings (gatherings) showcase ancient dances and rituals, some dating back thousands of years.

I stayed at the Highlander Hotel in Mount Hagen. The hotel's architecture incorporates traditional Highland motifs, and its gardens feature native orchids and rhododendrons.

Unique experiences:

- Visited a local coffee plantation to learn about PNG's renowned coffee industry.

- Explored the colorful Mount Hagen market, filled with exotic produce and handcrafts, especially the handbags.

- Witnessed a tribal dispute resolution with traditional peacekeeping methods.

Birdwatching at Kumul Lodge was a highlight, offering sightings of numerous Birds of Paradise species. The lodge's feeding platforms attract these elusive birds, providing unparalleled viewing opportunities.

Interesting fact: The Highlands were unknown to the outside world until late 20th century, when Australian gold prospectors stumbled upon these populated valleys.

Kimbe Bay

Located on the island of New Britain, it is renowned for its marine biodiversity and is part of the Coral Triangle, the global center of marine biodiversity.

- The bay features many colorful coral species and hundreds of fish species.

- Kimbe Bay is home to several species of whales and dolphins.

- The area's volcanic activity has created unique underwater topography, including seamounts and deep drop-offs.

While I initially planned to stay at Walindi Plantation Resort, I found it didn't meet my expectations and wouldn't recommend it. Instead, I opted for a smaller, local guesthouse in Kimbe Town called Genesis Haven, which provided a comfortable, clean, and safe environment.

Unique experiences:

- Swim in the warm waters of the Garu hot river, where thermal springs meet the sea.

- Visited nearby waterfalls hidden in the lush rainforest.

- Explored local markets and interacted with friendly residents of Kimbe Town.

The diving experience in Kimbe Bay was somewhat underwhelming compared to expectations. However, the area's other natural wonders compensated for this. The volcanic landscape offers stunning vistas and unique geological features that are worth exploring.

Interesting fact: Kimbe Bay is part of the "Ring of Fire," a region around the Pacific Ocean characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.

Rabaul Kokopo

Rabaul Kokopo area is a testament to nature's power and human resilience, having been rebuilt after devastating volcanic eruptions.

Expanded details:

- The area is surrounded by several active volcanoes, including Mount Tavurvur and Vulcan.

- Rabaul was once known as the "Pearl of the Pacific" before being largely destroyed by volcanic eruptions.

- The region played a significant role in World War II, with extensive Japanese military installations.

I recommend the Rapopo Plantation Resort, a beachfront property offering views of the volcanoes across the bay. The resort's design incorporates elements of colonial architecture with modern luxury.

Unique experiences:

- Explored Japanese war tunnels and bunkers, including Admiral Yamamoto's bunker.

- Visited the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory for insights into volcanic activity monitoring.

- Enjoyed a sunset cruise in Simpson Harbor, with views of the smoking volcanoes.

The dolphin swim experience was the highlight, offering close encounters with large pods of spinner dolphins in their natural habitat.

Interesting fact: Rabaul's harbor is a massive flooded caldera, formed by an ancient volcanic eruption.

Bougainville

Bougainville, an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea, offers untouched natural beauty and a rich, complex history.

- The island is home to some of the world's few remaining living vine bridges, created and maintained by local tribes.

- Bougainville's beaches are among the most pristine in the Pacific, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters.

For accommodation, I stayed in an Airbnb with a local family. Luxury options are extremely limited on this less-developed island.

Unique experiences:

- Crossed the ancient living vine bridges in Topinanga, some of which are developed over generations.

- Explored the abandoned Panguna mine, once one of the world's largest copper mines and a focal point of the civil conflict.

- Visited local villages to learn about traditional customs and the island's push for independence.

Island hopping to Tautsina, Arovo, and Pok Pok revealed stunning beaches and opportunities for snorkeling in untouched coral reefs.

Interesting fact: Bougainville is named after French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville, who sailed past the island in without landing.

Throughout Papua New Guinea, I was continually amazed by the country's cultural diversity. With over languages spoken, it's one of the most linguistically diverse places on Earth. Despite economic challenges, the warmth and generosity of the people were overwhelming, offering a genuine and unforgettable travel experience.

Throughout Papua New Guinea, I was continually amazed by the country's cultural diversity. With over 840 languages spoken, it's one of the most linguistically diverse places on Earth. Despite economic challenges, the warmth and generosity of the people were overwhelming, offering a genuine and unforgettable travel experience.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Papua New Guinea, Oceania. In need of further inspiration? Check out Katie Moreno’s guide, Chef-Led Tours of Oceania Cruises.