The country of Papua New Guinea, located in southwestern Pacific Ocean, is one of the least explored countries in the world. Â It is believed that it still has many undiscovered species of plants and animals, and uncontacted tribes. A journey to Papua New Guinea is truly an adventure in every sense. The very attributes that make it a an attractive destination – unexplored terrain, unknown traditions and lack of modern infrastructure – also make it challenging. It is not easy to travel there, but if you take on the challenge, it can feel like travelling back in time.
Papua New Guinea occupies the eastern half of New Guinea island, sharing the border with Indonesia’s West Papua province. This is where the capital Port Moresby is located housing a few points of interest like the Port Moresby Nature Park, a lush 30 acre garden and the National Museum and Art gallery. Ela Beach is a notable beach in the city. There’s also the Bomana War Cemetery dating from WWII. The Asaro tribe of Goroka and their traditional Holosa masks, which has become one of Papua New Guinea’s signature images also live on this island.
Inhabited by the Papuans and Austronesians for thousands of years, Papua New Guinea’s second largest island – New Britain, in the Solomon Sea is home to Rabaul – a former provinicial capital. It was largely destroyed in a volcanic eruption of Mount Tavurvur in 1994 and most of it still lies under ash. You can still visit nearby Kokopo War Museum, which has relics from WWII.
Papua New Guinea is a country that feels like stuck in a time capsule and rewards visitors with unique experiences and an opportunity to come out of their comfort zone.
It is not easy to travel there, but if you take on the challenge, it can feel like travelling back in time.
