Exploring Papua New Guinea is a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its remote and untouched landscapes, rich cultural diversity, and traditional way of life. The country is known for its dense rainforests, rugged mountains, pristine …
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Backpacking Papua New Guinea in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Papua New Guinea with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Venture into the rugged beauty of Papua New Guinea, a backpacker's frontier where tribal cultures and untouched landscapes paint a unique travel canvas. Pros? Immerse yourself in vibrant indigenous traditions, explore diverse ecosystems, and experience authentic cultural encounters. However, limited tourist infrastructure and challenging terrain may pose logistical challenges. For the intrepid backpacker seeking unparalleled cultural richness and natural wonders, Papua New Guinea stands out as an off-the-beaten-path destination, offering a raw and immersive adventure, unmatched by more conventional travel routes.
Best known for:Known for: uniqueness | cheap | mountains
Best time to visit: May-October
Best known for:Known for: uniqueness | cheap | mountains
Best time to visit: May-October
Why to go?
Why backpacking in Papua New Guinea
Uniqueness
Cheap
The average cost for backpacking in Papua New Guinea can vary depending on the length of stay and the level of comfort desired. On average, budget travelers can expect to spend around $50 to $100 per day. This would cover accommodation in budget …
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Mountains
The mountains of Papua New Guinea are a treasure trove for adventurous explorers. The most famous mountain range is the Owen Stanley Range, which offers challenging treks, stunning landscapes, and a chance to experience the rich culture of the local …
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Wildlife
Papua New Guinea is great for seeing wildlife because it is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. It is home to a vast array of unique and endemic species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The country's diverse ecosystems, …
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Scenery
Papua New Guinea is a country that offers a diverse range of stunning sceneries to explore. One of the best places to visit is the Kokoda Track, a historic trail that takes you through dense rainforests, rugged mountains, and remote villages. It is …
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💡 Highlights
Top-5 things to do in Papua New Guinea
- Visit the Kokoda Track: The Kokoda Track is a historic trail that offers a challenging and rewarding trekking experience. It is a significant part of Papua New Guinea’s history as it was the site of a major World War II battle between Australian and Japanese forces. Walking the Kokoda Track allows you to immerse yourself in the country’s rich history and stunning natural beauty.
- Explore the Sepik River: The Sepik River is one of the longest rivers in Papua New Guinea and is home to diverse wildlife and traditional cultures. Exploring the river by boat allows you to witness unique tribal art, traditional ceremonies, and experience the daily life of the local communities.
- Dive in the waters of Milne Bay: Milne Bay is renowned for its incredible diving opportunities. The crystal-clear waters are teeming with vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and numerous World War II wrecks. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, exploring the underwater world of Milne Bay is a must-do activity in Papua New Guinea.
- Visit the Tari Valley: The Tari Valley is located in the Southern Highlands and is known for its stunning landscapes and traditional tribal cultures. It is home to the Huli people, who are famous for their unique customs, elaborate wigs, and vibrant traditional dances. Visiting the Tari Valley allows you to witness the cultural richness of Papua New Guinea and explore its breathtaking natural beauty.
- Experience the Goroka Show: The Goroka Show is an annual cultural festival held in the Eastern Highlands. It showcases the diverse traditional cultures of Papua New Guinea through music, dance, and elaborate costumes. Attending the Goroka Show is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the country’s vibrant cultural heritage.
But Papua New Guinea offers more...
🎎 Festivals: Goroka Show, Hiri Moale Festival, Kenu and Kundu Festival, Mount Hagen Cultural Show, Sepik River Crocodile Festival
🏞️ National parks: Kikori River Basin, Lake Kutubu Wildlife Management Area, Mount Hagen Cultural Show, Tufi Dive Resort, Varirata
🌤️ When to go?
Best time to go backpacking Papua New Guinea
The best time to visit Papua New Guinea for backpacking is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and the chances of rainfall are lower. This makes it easier to explore the diverse landscapes, go hiking, and participate in outdoor activities. However, it's important to note that Papua New Guinea's climate can vary significantly depending on the region, so it's advisable to check the specific weather conditions for the areas you plan to visit.Risk level: medium (67%)
Safety advice for Papua New Guinea
- A large-scale landslide occurred on 24 May 2024 in the Porgera-Paiela district of Enga province. The landslide destroyed several villages and damaged local infrastructure, resulting in many casualties. The road network remains badly damaged and is unusable in parts. Small landslips continue to occur. Reconsider your need to travel to Enga. If you're in Enga, stay away from the affected areas, monitor the media, and follow the advice of local authorities.
- Civil disorder, rioting and looting can escalate rapidly. Always pay close attention to your personal security and your surroundings. Australian officials always follow heightened security measures, including while travelling through PNG. Avoid high-risk areas and activities and consider using private security.
- Kidnapping can happen with criminal motives. There have been incidents of kidnapping in remote areas and near some mining sites. Targets have included foreigners.
- The risk of violent crime and sexual assault in PNG is high. Criminals often use 'bush knives' (machetes) and guns (including homemade ones). Always be alert to your surroundings. Avoid going out after dark.
- Civil disorder and criminal activity have occurred at tourist resorts. Keep doors and windows locked, including when travelling by vehicle. Consider using private security.
- Civil unrest and violent inter-group and tribal conflict are common and can occur without warning. The conflicts can be extremely violent and involve guns, bush knives and other weapons, with recent events targeting women and children. Avoid protests, demonstrations, political rallies and areas where tribal fighting is happening. Criminal groups operate in remote areas of Papua New Guinea, particularly in the Highlands, including across provincial borders and in areas around logging, mining, oil and gas sites. Check security conditions and tensions by monitoring the media and local security reports before travelling to new areas.
- PNG can experience severe weather, heavy rains, flooding, landslides, earthquakes and tsunamis. Monitor the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System for updates. Infrastructure can be damaged, and roads can't be passed. Follow the advice of local authorities.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
Papua New Guinea
My tips to get you on the way!
Does Papua New Guinea sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Papua New Guinea. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Papua New Guinea may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Papua New Guinea. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Papua New Guinea may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Papua New Guinea, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Papua New Guinea, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 24 September 2024