The stress and pressure from continuous work harm the person physically and mentally. A break of at least one or two days helps to regain productivity and satisfaction.
A change of scenario and a break from the tedious workload fills a person with energy and a sense of relief. The person must plan a holiday trip at least once a year. Holidays help to regain a balanced state of body and mind.
Mother Earth is filled with amazing places and beautiful scenarios to its core. Papua New Guinea is situated in the Southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country in Oceania is filled with islands that are rich in marine and wildlife biodiversity.
Papua New Guinea consists of a large portion of tropical rainforest and is the home of the Hooded Pitohui, the only known poisonous bird in the world. The country is the best travel destination with unexplored forests consisting of flora and fauna and fewer population.
The country is rich in culture and tradition. The people speak more than 800 languages in the country. The island country is a famous travel destination among tourists.
These are the 15 best travel destinations in Papua New Guinea for Holidays:
1. Varirata National Park
Varirata National Park is the first National Park in Papua New Guinea officially opened in 1973. The National park is 23 km away from Port Moresby.
Varirata is spread over an area of 1063 hectares with an altitude of 630 to 833 metres. The Lookout point is the perfect location to have an aerial view of Port Moresby. The park is famous among national and international tourists for bird watching, school excursions, hiking and outings.
The first national park of PNG is filled with breathtaking scenery and an exotic array of animals. Eucalypt Savannah is a widely spread vegetation of the park. The park is home to the endangered Raggiana bird-of-paradise, long-beaked echidna, tree kangaroos and various flora and fauna.
Several traditional cultures are located within its boundaries. The National Park is rich in culture and nature which provides visitors with an opportunity to observe them.
2. Muschu Island
Muschu Island is a small island located between the mainland of Australia and Papua New Guinea. The island is only accessible by boat.
It is located 13 kilometres away from the coast of Wewak of East Sepik region. The island is called a hidden paradise and is untouched by the modern lifestyle.
The Torres Strait Island Regional Council protects the island because it has cultural significance to Islanders people. Many artifacts and relics that represented ancient settlements are found on Muschu island.
The protected island is rich in marine life and has a rugged coastline. It is popular among tourists for snorkelling and diving as the waters are filled with fish and colourful coral life.
3. Port Moresby Nature Park
Port Moresby Nature Park is a protected area in Port Moresby of Papua New Guinea. The park is home to around 200 species of birds.
Port Moresby Nature park is filled with a diverse range of wildlife animals, insects, reptiles, flora and fauna. The Poreporena Sanctuary is the main attraction of the park which is home to the endangered Saint Ceistopher’s Imperial Pigeon and a famous bird-watching area.
The natural park consists of wetlands, mangroves and rainforests that attract photography and hiking. Talasea War Memorial and Bomana War Cemetery are also located in the protected region.
The region serves as a great place for educational and scientific research. It represents the unique and diverse natural and cultural heritage of PNG.
4. Lae War Cemetery
War Cemetery is located inside the city of Lae in Papua New Guinea. A cemetery is a peaceful place filled with headstones.
It is the final resting place of 2000 soldiers including those from the United States, New Zealand and Australia during world war 2. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission protects the sombre place.
The headstones are arranged in neat rows and engraved with the name, rank and unit of fallen soldiers. The visit to the Cemetery acts as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the soldiers for their country.
The Lae War Cemetery is an interesting place for the history enthusiast person. It is an area that is rich in the history of world war 2.
5. Tari Basin
Tari Basin is situated in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. It is home to the Largest Indigenous groups.
The native people of Tari Basin are Huli who are famous for their wigs making skills. Tarin Basin is filled with rugged terrain and has a diverse ecosystem. It is home to several unique species like River Crayfish and Tari Melon Fly.
The Basin is known for its outstanding natural scenery including the Tari Gap which is a deep gorge that offers mindblowing views of the surrounding landscape.
The main attraction of the Basin is its Huli people who rely on hunting, fishing and farming. The famous wigs are made from their hair and are worn during traditional ceremonies. Traditional practices such as bird of paradise hunting and the construction of tribal houses are major attractions for visitors.
6. National Parliament House
National Parliament House of Papua New Guinea is located in Port Moresby. The building is the meeting place for National Parliament.
It was designed by Australian architects and is considered as an architectural landmark of the city. The building is curved designed and the main entrance is the central dome. The surrounding is filled with gardens and a courtyard used for special events.
The main attraction of the National Parliament House is its architectural beauty which is infused with the cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea. The statues are carved in a traditional style that represents the local people and animals along with ancient symbols.
The Parliament is uniquely designed and is a symbol of the country’s aspirations. The building is widely famous among tourists and is filled with native history and tradition.
7. JK McCarthy Museum
JK McCarthy Museum is a historical museum located in the capital city of Papua New Guinea. The museum is named after John Keith McCarthy.
The architectural design of buildings resembles the tradition of the highlands region. In 1965 it was publicly opened. The masterpiece building has more than 6000 objects displayed in its galleries including Soso Subi, Leahy Wing, and Archaeology Room.
The visitors can see traditional cravings, masks, arts and other valuable cultural items that reflect the diversity of tradition of the pacific nation. The museum’s main attractions are the exhibition about world war 2 stories and tales, a photographic exhibition funded by Collins & Leahy Families and a Pre History exhibition.
The Museum is open five days a week from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. The artifacts and arts give a deeper understanding of the tribe’s history and foundation.
8. Mount Giluwe
Mount Giluwe is the second highest mountain located in the Southern Highlands province. The mountain is the fifth top peak on the island of the Pacific nation.
It is the highest volcano in the Oceania and Australian Continent as well as listed in Volcanic Seven Summits. The mountain is filled with lava domes and cinder cones whose upper slopes are dissected by glaciers.
The view from the mountain is breathtaking and is famous for mountaineering, trekking and skiing. The mountain is covered by lush rainforest that contains a variety of flora and fauna. The local people regard the mountain as the sacred home of their ancestors.
Mount Gilume is filled with rugged terrain and from the summit, the reward is a mind-blowing view of Papua New Guinea. The climb is challenging and is especially for adventurous people.
9. Goroka Town
Goroka is the capital city of Eastern Highlands province. The town is 1600 metres above sea level.
The town is home to only Goroka University of Easter Highlands province. The University offers a variety of courses including agriculture and rural development. The capital is known for its coffee production and is home to several coffee estates.
Goroka town is completely overwhelmed with variations in culture, nature and agriculture. The major tourist attractions are hiking and trekking in the beautiful mountains and rainforests.
The small town is known for its annual cultural and traditional show that takes place in September. The show features traditional dances with music produced through traditional instruments. The climate is cool and best for enjoying the vacation with loved ones.
10. Kimbe Island
Kimbe Island is situated in the Bismarck Archipelago of Papua New Guinea. The island supports the largest settlement.
The island is home to a variety of flora and fauna including the endangered Kimbe Bay tree kangaroo. The island is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The town is the centre of many industries including logging, cocoa and palm oil.
Being the largest settlement island, it is filled with people of various tribes and the festivals and events are rich in culture and tradition. The island consists of beaches, coves, highlands and rainforests which are major attractions for explorers.
The major activities are diving and snorkelling as the water is clear and calm. The marine life is filled with colourful coral life and a variety of fishes. Hiking, sightseeing and enjoying the local flavoured foods are activities that the island provides.
11. Alotau village
Alotau is a small village located in the east Sepik province. The village is settled on the bank of the Sepik river.
The villagers rely on farming, fishing, hunting and gardening for their livelihood. The people are proficient carvers and artists who use wood, shells and clay. They are well known for their intricate carvings and traditional arts and crafts.
The village is known for their cultural dances and ceremonies that are performed during special events like weddings, harvest festivals and funerals. Mwane dance is the speciality of the villagers. The dance attracts travellers and tourists from all around the globe as it is the heritage of the village.
The community practices ancient healing method that uses local medicinal plants and herbs. The healers are often asked for treating injuries and illnesses. The culture is untouched by the modern influence which makes it special.
12. Tavurvur volcano
Tavurvur volcano is located on New Britain Island. The active volcano is part of Rabaul caldera.
Tavurvur has been active for thousands of years and its most recent eruption occurred in 2014. Though the eruption caused significant damage to the nearby areas, it brought new life to the area.
After the eruption, the volcanic ash and rock made the soil fertile for vegetation to prevail. Occasional small eruptions and steam emissions are often seen in the Tavurvur volcano. The area is restricted for visitors to enter.
Though visitors can observe the volcanic lavas from a safe distance. The hot springs and tremors beneath the feet are also major attractions for the adventurer. The volcano is an important part of the local community as it carries spiritual beliefs and ancient history.
13. The Eastern Fields
The Eastern Fields of Papua New Guinea are present in the Eastern Highlands province. The fields are home to many indigenous communities.
The natives rely on the natural resources of the land for their livelihood including fishing, hunting and farming. The fields are rich in minerals that have already been mined. The region is vast and has a diverse landscape that consists of rolling hills, dense rainforests, wetlands and winding rivers.
The primitive lifestyle, cultural activities and tradition of the community attracts tourists. The area is home to various plants and animals including rare species of birds and mammals.
The waters are brimming with marine life including mantas shakes and turtles. The ecosystem and environment are thriving away from pollution. Eastern Fields is a prime location for scuba diving and marine life observation.
14. Panasia Island
Panasia Island is situated in the Louisiade Archipelago of Milne Bay province. Brooker island people use this island for yam farming.
The island is especially known for its lush rainforests, diverse marine life and beautiful sandy beaches. The calm waters support a wide variety of fish including tuna and barramundi. The transparent water is best suited for swimming, kayaking, eco-tourism and snorkelling activities for travellers.
The southern region of Panasia is habited by the local population who farms a variety of fruits and vegetables. The guests can enjoy the Panacea fruits, bananas and papaya. The suitable time to pay the visit in June, July August and September.
The suitable temperature is best for hiking and visualizing the scenic beauty of the rainforests, wildlife and landscape. The local people’s cultural activities are major attractions of the tourer. The richness and variation of traditional food farming techniques and religious acts attract the guests.
15. Balek Wildlife Sanctuary
Balek Wildlife Sanctuary occupies an area of 470 hectares in the Madang district. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife creatures.
Balek Wildlife Sanctuary belongs to three major clans in Awa and is an interesting place to visit in Papua New Guinea. The protected area is famous for the smelling river that originates from the huge limestone cliff. The reason for the stinky smell is still a mystery.
The abundance of lush greenery, displays of Cheeky Hornbill birds and various flora and fauna are major attractions of the sanctuary. The stunning beauty and natural wonders amaze the guests living them stunned.
The sanctuary visit resembles stepping into gods gardens. The clear water of river provides the shelter for turtles and eels. The glimpses of water bubbles coming out of the cave reminds the of fairy tale stories. The stone bridges and the surrounding creek banks are a magical experience for this modern generation.