Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Solo backpacking? Mt Hagen? Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Papua New Guinea
turtlesg 13:16 UTC 28 Jun 2014 | Hi there, I would like to go to PNG in August to see the singsings and do some trekking. However, I dont really want to join a tour (too expensive, restricted, not my thing). However, the information are really mixed about travelling Papua (safety, etc). Is it doable to do PNG backpacker-style? How difficult would it be for a female solo traveller? Has anyone been to Mt Hagen show? What was was your impression, worth it? Thanks for any comments. :) |
calemc 14:58 UTC 01 Jul 2014 | I'm doing just that throughout August this year. Public transport and 'cheap' accomodation. Rabaul/New Britain first. Lae to Madang coast, before back and up in to the highlands. Maybe Mt Wilhelm trek on the way to Mt Hagen for the show. Managed to chat to a couple Couchsurfing contacts along the way which is good. 26 yr old Aussie bloke who's done a bit of traveling. Very different as a young solo female though huh! Drop me a message if you end up there at the same time? There was one other fella on here who's going to be at the Hagen show too :) | 1
clh215 20:08 UTC 10 Aug 2014 | Hi, I spent a month in PNG in June 2013. I am a female but was traveling with my boyfriend as well as a friend who has been living in the area for a few yrs. It can be a very dangerous place as a female. I would not travel solo there or suggest it to other women. The public transport is not very safe for solo travelers either, so if you do go please look into private transfers offered by the hotels. I highly encourage you to do some research on the country and their treatment/views of women prior to planning a trip. If you stay in the northern areas of the country such sa Rabaul/New Britain it is very different and much safer however the rest of the country is very tribal in their thinking and still believe in witch craft, public hangings/burnings, etc. Rape is very common. I don't usually answer posts but felt you should make sure you are informed of the situation there prior to going if you still decide to do so. I am fairly well traveled and do not usually hesitate to go on my own but this place is an exception. However if you can afford the packages and tours this is a beautiful country with so much to offer and an amazing experience. I highly suggest going, just make sure its safe. The extra money for the tourist areas is well worth it. I didn't see one female traveling alone there. http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/papua-new-guinea - "Women’s safety Sexual assault, including gang rape, occurs and foreigners have been targeted. Victims of any assault are encouraged to seek immediate medical treatment. Women should not travel alone and should dress conservatively in public. Consult our publication entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Safe-Travel Guide for travel safety information specifically aimed at Canadian women." Travelers have disappeared on Mt Hagen even with a guide. http://www.amnesty.org.au/svaw/comments/33629/ | 2