Cruises to Papua New Guinea 2023

Papua New Guinea is a unique and fascinating destination that offers an unforgettable experience for travellers who are looking for adventure, culture, and natural beauty. While Papua New Guinea is not a typical cruise destination, several cruise lines offer trips to this beautiful country. 

In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the cruise lines that visit Papua New Guinea, and what you should know before booking your trip.

(PNG is one of the best surfing hotspots in the Pacific. Check out this article for the Surfing Papua New Guinea)

Princess Cruises: A popular choice for Australian travellers

Princess Cruises is a well-known cruise line that offers a 14-day cruise to Papua New Guinea. Departing from Sydney, Australia, this cruise stops at several destinations in Papua New Guinea, including: 

• Alotau, 
• Kitava, 
• Rabaul, 
• Kiriwina Island, and 
• Conflict Islands. 

With its excellent onboard facilities and services, Princess Cruises is a great choice for travellers who are looking for comfort and convenience.

P&O Cruises: A variety of options to choose from

P&O Cruises is another popular cruise line that offers several trips to Papua New Guinea. 

Departing from Brisbane, Australia, these cruises range from 7 to 12 days in length and visit destinations such as Alotau, Kitava, Rabaul, and Kiriwina Island. 

P&O Cruises is a good choice for travellers who are looking for affordable options, as well as families with children.

Holland America Line: A premium experience

Holland America Line offers a 14-day cruise to Papua New Guinea, departing from Sydney, Australia. 

This cruise stops at 

• Alotau, 
• Kitava, 
• Rabaul, 
• Kiriwina Island, and 
• other destinations in Papua New Guinea. 

With its elegant and refined onboard atmosphere, Holland America Line is a great choice for travellers who are looking for a premium cruising experience.

Silversea Cruises: An Expedition to remote islands

Silversea Cruises offers a 12-day expedition cruise that explores the remote islands of Papua New Guinea. 

Departing from Cairns, Australia, this cruise visits the Louisiade Archipelago, Trobriand Islands, and other remote destinations in Papua New Guinea. 

With its focus on exploration and adventure, Silversea Cruises is a great choice for travellers who are looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Here are some facts about Australia and Papua New Guinea that will blow your mind, find out.

Coral Expeditions: A cultural and natural exploration

Coral Expeditions offers a 14-day expedition cruise that explores the cultural and natural wonders of Papua New Guinea. 

Departing from Cairns, Australia, this cruise visits destinations such as Alotau, Tufi, the Sepik River, Madang, and other locations in Papua New Guinea. 

With its focus on cultural immersion and nature exploration, Coral Expeditions is a great choice for travelers who are looking for an authentic and unique experience.

What to know before booking a cruise to Papua New Guinea

Before booking your cruise to Papua New Guinea, there are a few things that you should know. 

First, Papua New Guinea is a developing country, and some parts of the country may not be as developed as you may expect. Be prepared for limited infrastructure and facilities, especially in more remote areas.

Second, Papua New Guinea has a rich and diverse culture, and it's important to be respectful and mindful of local customs and traditions. Be sure to read up on the culture and customs of Papua New Guinea before your trip.

Finally, keep in mind that Papua New Guinea is a tropical country, and it can be hot and humid throughout the year. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear for the climate, and stay hydrated while exploring.

Conclusion

A cruise to Papua New Guinea offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travellers who are looking for adventure, culture, and natural beauty. With several cruise lines to choose from, there's a trip that's

PNG Public Holidays 2024: Celebrating Festivals, Cultural Shows, and Traditional Activities

Papua New Guinea is a country that is rich in culture and traditions. It is a land of diverse ethnic groups, each with its unique customs, beliefs, and practices. Papua New Guineans celebrate various public holidays throughout the year, which offer a glimpse into their rich cultural heritage. 

In this article, we will explore the top 10 festivals, cultural shows, and traditional activities that take place during public holidays in PNG.

Check out the Gazetted Public Holiday PDF file here and download it!

 

Independence Day (September 16)

Independence Day is the most significant public holiday in Papua New Guinea. It marks the country's independence from Australia in 1975. 

The day is celebrated with parades, cultural performances, and feasts. The main celebration takes place in the capital city of Port Moresby, where thousands of people gather to watch the colourful parade.

New Year's Day (January 1)

New Year's Day is a global celebration, and Papua New Guinea is no exception. The day is marked with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings. 

Many people attend church services to thank God for the blessings of the past year and pray for the year ahead.

Easter

Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

In Papua New Guinea, it is celebrated with religious services, parades, and feasts. 

Many people also participate in traditional activities such as egg rolling and egg decorating.

Christmas (December 25)

Christmas is a significant public holiday in Papua New Guinea. 

Although the country is predominantly Christian, the celebration of Christmas is a fusion of Christian and traditional customs. 

Many people attend church services on Christmas Day, followed by family gatherings and feasts.

Hiri Moale Festival (September)

The Hiri Moale Festival is a cultural celebration that takes place in the Motu-Koitabu area of Papua New Guinea. 

The festival commemorates the traditional trading voyage of the Motu-Koitabu people, who sailed hundreds of kilometres to trade goods with neighbouring villages. 

It is marked by cultural performances, feasts, and the reenactment of the traditional trading voyage.

Ten young women are vying to be Queen, but this is about culture, not beauty. Get a glimpse into Port Moresby's annual Hiri Moale festival. This story was such a joy to shoot, all the contestants were so impressive. #PNG pic.twitter.com/YXIdZMngXc

— Natalie Whiting (@Nat_Whiting) May 2, 2022

Goroka Show (September)

The Goroka Show is a cultural extravaganza that takes place in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. 

The show brings together more than 100 different ethnic groups, each with its unique costumes, music, and dances. 

The Goroka Show is one of the largest cultural festivals in the country, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Mt. Hagen Show (August)

The Mt. Hagen Show is another cultural festival that takes place in the Western Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. The show is a celebration of the culture and traditions of the people of the highlands. 

It is marked with cultural performances, traditional dances, and the famous "singsing" competitions.

Kenu and Kundu Festival (November)

The Kenu and Kundu Festival is a cultural celebration that takes place in Alotau, the capital of Milne Bay Province. 

The festival is named after the traditional canoes (Kenu) and drums (Kundu) that are used in the celebrations. It is marked with cultural performances, traditional dances, and the reenactment of traditional canoe races.

Mask Festival (July)

The Mask Festival is a cultural celebration that takes place in the East New Britain Province of Papua New Guinea. 

The festival is a showcase of the region's unique mask-making traditions, marked with cultural performances, traditional dances, and the display of the region's unique masks.

Sepik River Crocodile Festival (August)

The Sepik River Crocodile Festival is a cultural celebration that takes place in the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea. 

The festival is a showcase of the region's unique crocodile cult, which is a central aspect of the Sepik River culture. 

It is marked with traditional dances, crocodile hunting demonstrations, and the display of traditional artefacts.

PNG Public Holidays 2024: Success Stories

The public holidays in Papua New Guinea are not just a time for celebration and enjoyment, but also a platform for economic growth and cultural exchange. Many of the festivals and cultural shows attract visitors from all over the world, providing opportunities for local businesses to thrive.

One success story is the Goroka Show, which has become a major tourist attraction in Papua New Guinea. According to the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, the Goroka Show has generated over PGK 1.5 million (USD 435,000) in revenue for the local economy. The show has also created employment opportunities for local artisans, who make traditional costumes and artefacts for the festival.

Another success story is the Hiri Moale Festival, which has become a platform for cultural exchange between Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island nations. The festival has attracted delegations from countries such as Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, who come to witness the traditional trading voyage reenactment and showcase their own cultural performances.

The Kenu and Kundu Festival has also contributed to the economic growth of the Milne Bay Province. According to the Milne Bay Tourism Bureau, the festival has generated over PGK 500,000 (USD 145,000) in revenue for the local economy. The festival has also provided opportunities for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, such as traditional arts and crafts, food, and accommodation.

PNG Public Holidays 2024 Dates

Public holidays in Papua New Guinea are not just a time for rest and relaxation but also a time for celebrating the country's rich cultural heritage. 

The top 10 festivals, cultural shows, and traditional activities highlighted in this article offer a glimpse into the diversity of Papua New Guinea's ethnic groups and their unique customs and traditions.

These festivals and cultural shows not only provide opportunities for locals to showcase their talents and skills but also contribute to the economic growth of the country. They attract visitors from all over the world, who come to witness the cultural diversity of Papua New Guinea and contribute to the local economy.

Whether it's the colourful parades of Independence Day, the traditional trading voyage of the Hiri Moale Festival, or the unique mask-making traditions of the Mask Festival, public holidays in Papua New Guinea are a time for celebration, cultural exchange, and economic growth.

Varirata National Park: Port Moresby's Best Kept Secret - Must See

The park is less than an hour’s drive from Port Moresby, Varirata National Park covers 1,063 hectares inhabited by all the main iconic species of Papua New Guinea.

I visited several fun places both within and outside Port Moresby but my recent visit stood out - Varirata National Park. To be honest I did not think the visit was going to be fun. It, however, turned out to be an enjoyable trip. 

Other fun places to visit in Port Moresby 

• Port Moresby Adventure Park
• Sunset Lodge
• Loloata Island Resort
• Koitaki Country Club
• Varirata Natioanl Park
• Kokoda Track Memorial
• Bomana War Cemetry
• Tutu Beach

Varirata National Park is at an elevation between 600 and 900 metres. The park is rich with a variety of ecosystems and landscapes and plants and animals.

The Park offers four tracks to explore its untamed nature, discover its unique plants and observe its extraordinary wildlife.

 New buildings are erected to serve as the Information Centre 

As I mentioned earlier, the park is a must-visit as is the best way to get away from Port Moresby. There are five important things that make Varirata  National Park special.

1. The road condition can be described as excellent. From the turn-off to the look-out and all around the park was sealed and in superb condition. Grasses are trimmed neat and tidy. 

2. The BBQ areas and huts are well kept and in very good condition.

3. Cheap to visit - residents pay only K2.00 per head and external visitors pay K5.00 per head. The caretakers of the park will be happy to show you around.

4. Beautiful view of the surrounding places from the look-out; looking out to Loloata, Port Moreby, Jacksons Airport and the nearby mountain ranges. 

5. Nature Walk and Fresh Air - nothing beats the fresh air from the forest. There are lots of animals and plants to see and adore.

View towards Port Moresby from Main Lookout  (accessed by car) others are walking distances away

Bush Walking 

Varirata National Park is a fantastic place for bushwalking. A great variety of vegetation from woodland to rainforest, beautiful butterflies, huge ferns, wild orchids, fresh air and lookouts with its spectacular views of Bootless Bay.

Five out of the thirty-five species of birds of paradise live in the park, and PNG’s National Emblem, the Raggiana, is without any doubt, is the guest of honour. 

Between April and October, during peak breeding season, there is an excellent chance of seeing some males in full breeding plumage dancing to attract female attention.

Top tip: If you really what to get the best out of your trip to Varirata National Park, I would recommend enlisting a local guide to take you around the walks through the forest. You can ask for guides or assistance at the main entrance.

Go prepared with cash, food, water, sunscreen and bug repellent. As for the serious walkers, this could be a recurring visit once you've done it the first time. 

You've got to visit Varirata National Park if you have been living in Port Moresby, but have not visited the park yet. 

Bird Watching 

Varirata National Conservation Park is famous among birdwatchers for its birds of paradise, accessible by road. Here are some species of birds you can see at the park:

• Raggiana bird of paradise, 
• cassowaries, 
• hornbills, 
• kingfishers, 
• cuscus,
• forest wallabies, 
• echidna, 
• bandicoots, 
• possums,
• green pythons...

Infomation about Varirata National Park 

The Varirata National Park recently opened its new Information Centre at Sogeri outside of Port Moresby. The modern information centre will enhance visitors experience of the nature park. 

The park is already popular with schools excursions, bird watching, weekend outings for city residents and nature tours. PNGTPA is a partner in the development of the Variarata National Park through setting up signboards and working with JICA to develop bird watching attractions in the nature park.

Contact PNGTPA for Varirata Visits

• Media Coordinator/ TPA Board Secretary : Colin Taimbari
• For further information, contact the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority’s on Phone: +675 320 0211 or email: info@papuanewguinea.travel

Here are earlier posts about the things to do when in Port Moresby:

• Nature Park
• Adventure Park
• NEW Loloata Island Resort (re-opened 2019)

There are also other places out of Port Moresby for the more adventurous spirits like the Koitaki Country Club, March Girls Resort and Sunset Lodge, including Varirata National Park

About PNG Insight

PNG Insight is an education blog. It aims to highlight the key developments in the education sector in Papua New Guinea. Started in 2014 on Google's blogger (now self-hosted on WordPress), PNG Insight strives to be a platform for critical thinking and discussions; and a source of information.

Leave a comment and let us know about your visit. 

Is Papua New Guinea's Capital the Most Dangerous City? livability of Port Moresby depends on the attitudes and actions of its residents

Port Moresby (POM), the capital city of Papua New Guinea, has been labelled as one of the most dangerous cities in the world due to the high rates of crime and violence. However, it is important to note that this classification is largely based on petty criminal offences such as holdups, pickpocketing, and knife and gun crime, including serious crimes such as rape and murder.

To make Port Moresby a livable city, there needs to be a change in attitude among its residents. It is essential to have a basic command of order in society, with every individual upholding common sense and respecting one another, the law, and themselves. These values are currently lacking, resulting in a disorganized society with high crime rates.

The development of human capital and law and order should be a priority for the city. Law enforcement agencies, such as the police and courts, need to take responsibility for controlling opportunistic crimes and ensuring that citizens are protected. The police should prioritize the protection of citizens over the protection of white-collar criminals and fraudsters.

POM has the potential to become one of the best cities in the world, but this will require political will and civil obedience. It is crucial that all residents work together to rebuild the city and make it a safe and livable place for everyone. 

In addition, there should be efforts to promote economic development in the city, as this can create jobs and improve the standard of living for residents. With economic growth, the city can attract investment, create more opportunities for its citizens, and improve its infrastructure.

Another crucial aspect that needs to be addressed is education. The city needs to invest in its education system to improve literacy rates and ensure that citizens have access to quality education. Education can also promote civic engagement and a sense of responsibility among residents, which can lead to a safer and more livable city.

In conclusion, the livability of Port Moresby depends on the attitudes and actions of its residents. It is essential to prioritize the development of human capital and law and order, promote economic growth, and invest in education to create a safer and more livable city for all.

Port Moresby's Best Getaways Top Things to Do

POM has lots of things visitors can do. Like any holiday, if you do proper research, you are likely to find the best things around/within the city to do. 

I thought it would be helpful to list 10 touristy 'things' visitors (including locals) can do when in POM.

5 Things To Do in Port Moresby

1) You can arrange for a guided tour along the ranges from UPNG to Hanubada (a good way to see POM from a different angle) or singsing group from one of the Motu Koitabu villages (travel out to the village and enjoy the tranquillity there). 

2) The  Parliament House -Opens every weekday, free f charge. You can look around or go in when the doors are open and visit Parliament Gallery. Check parliamentary sitting time. If you love comedy, you'll enjoy the sessions - a must-watch. 

3) Port Moresby Botanical Gardens - Variety of native flora and fauna to see at the gardens: Animals can be seen up close and personal; Cassowary, Bird of Paradise, Crocodile, Snakes, including a good collection of ferns and orchids. 

4) Vision City Mall - If you are up for a stroll or window shopping, VCM could be the right place to visit. It offers a contemporary shopping experience. (Ssshhh....here is the secrete: given the value of PNG Kina at the moment, overseas visitors can shop and save). Paradise Cinema is located within its precincts- check out the cinema if you want to watch dull movies. 

5) Ela Beach Art and Craft Market - takes place either at the end or beginning of every month. A lively atmosphere, always buzzing with traditional items, PNG bilums, carvings, canvas paintings and all things PNG. You may see a traditional PNG 'singsing' performing at the market. 

5 Things To Do Outside Port Moresby, a Drive away

6) Loloata - day visit to Loloata Island Resort can be arranged easily from any hotel in POM. Spending a day or two is not a problem as there are plenty of activities you can do when on the island: snorkelling, diving, walking, kayaking, or just relaxing in the sun - recommended.

7) Kokoda - If you really want to feel the tropical heat and enjoy the flora and fauna. You've got to do this. Preparation is essential. Tour operators can be found here.

8) Pacific Adventist University Sunday Market - take a trip out to PAU, and enjoy the Sunday morning market and surroundings there. You can also visit the Safari Park while you are there (right at the entrance to PAU) or travel 10 minutes up to Crystal Rapids & to Bomana War Memorial. A complete package can be found on the PNG Trekking Adventures website.

9) Varirata National Park - You don't have to travel to other parts of PNG to see beautiful birds of paradise and enjoy the natural beauty of the place. A day trip to VNP is a better way to get out of the city. 

10) March Girls Resort - Located 3 - 4 hours out of the city, a nice place with a 'black sandy beach'., a good family getaway. Along Magi Highway, travelling past Loloata. There are roadside markets where you can get fresh 'kulau', watermelon, mango and anything on sale at a fraction of the price in POM. Take a picnic, sit on the beach, have an SP beer and enjoy the day.