Find a Travel Partner in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is one of the last truly off-grid trips on Earth - hundreds of languages, untouched reefs and highland festivals of extraordinary color. It takes effort and a sense of adventure, which is exactly why travelers who go rarely forget it.

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🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea at a glance

Capital: Port Moresby
Largest city: Port Moresby
Official languages: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin
Area: 462,840 km² (178,703 mi²)
Population: 10.6 million2024 · World Bank
Currency: Papua New Guinean kina — PGK (K)
Region: Melanesia
Time zone: Pacific/Port Moresby
Calling code: +675
Plug type: Type I

Local time · Port Moresby

Sun 02:51

Weather now · Port Moresby

25°C Partly cloudy

Exchange rate

$1 = 4.43 PGK

Data updated: weather just now · rates 3 min ago · sources: Open-Meteo, ExchangeRate-API

What Papua New Guinea is known for

Highland cultural sing-sing festivals
World-class wreck and reef diving
The Kokoda Track
Remote islands and birds of paradise

Tourism in Papua New Guinea

International tourist arrivals over the most recent years with available data - roughly #5 of 5 in its continent by reported arrivals (sources vary by country).

220k

2025 arrivals (est.)

+10.0% YoY

Source: UN Tourism (UNWTO). Years marked * are modelled estimates — this country's real baseline scaled by UN Tourism's published regional recovery rates — shown until final measured figures are released.

Top cities to explore in Papua New Guinea

From Port Moresby to Rabaul, these are the places most Papua New Guinea trips are built around. Find a travel buddy in Port Moresby who's already planning the same route, or pair up before you fly.

Port Moresby

Coastal capital and the country's main international gateway.

Mount Hagen

Highland hub famous for its annual cultural festival.

Madang

Palm-lined coastal town and a base for diving.

Rabaul

Volcano-ringed harbor town on New Britain island.

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Things to do in Papua New Guinea

A shortlist of experiences worth building a trip - and a partnership - around.

Culture & festivals

The Mount Hagen and Goroka sing-sings
Highland villages and tribal traditions
Sepik River art and spirit houses

Diving & reef

World-class wreck diving off Rabaul
Pristine reefs around Kimbe Bay
Snorkel untouched coral off Madang

Trekking & nature

The historic Kokoda Track
Spot birds of paradise in the forests
Volcanoes and hot springs near Rabaul

Islands & coast

Quiet beaches in the outer islands
Surfing on the north coast
Boat trips through remote lagoons

Know before you go

The practical stuff every traveler needs - weather, safety, costs and how to get around.

Best time to visit

May to October is drier and best for trekking and the highland festivals. The wet season runs November to April. Highlands are cool, the coast hot and humid - and rain can arrive any time.

Safety tips

Travel with a local guide or operator and avoid moving after dark
Use registered ride-hailing apps at night rather than hailing on the street
Carry a copy of your ID and leave the original in your accommodation safe
Traveling with a verified partner adds an easy extra layer of safety

Accommodation & daily budget

Hostel dorm: $25-45/ night
Budget hotel / guesthouse: $75-140/ night
Mid-range hotel: $160-300/ night
Meals (per day): $30-65

Splitting a twin room and transport with a partner can cut your daily costs by 30-40%.

Getting around & useful apps

Domestic flights are essential - roads between regions are few. Trips are usually arranged through local guides or tour operators, which also helps with safety.

Maps.me - offline maps Google Translate - Tok Pisin basics Wise / XE - currency