Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Sepik - Port Moresby Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Papua New Guinea
jesgitz25 22:29 UTC 15 Apr 2007 | Does anyone know if its possible to travel overland through the mountains from Sepik - Port Moresby? Want to do most of the trip on foot, in about 4 months, coming in from Carstenz P. Im not worried about the physicals, but how about local recognition? Is it even possible to walk from village to village and put a tent up here and there, or will it be too contrary to local customs. Will i put myself in a severe risk in thinking that i can just put my tent up and buy food in an occasional village along the way? Looking forward to hear some serious answers. Jes |
Laszlo 22:35 UTC 15 Apr 2007 | For a start, the Carstenz P is nowhere near the Sepik, it is in Indonesian Papua, and even there, way out in the west. And there would be no legal border crossing in the mountains, which might be OK for Papuans, but less so for you. Camping in the PNG Highlands would be strange unless well away from villages. I really think staying in villages would be both safer and more culturally appropriate. | 1
brendan_cycling 03:50 UTC 16 Apr 2007 | Ahoy! I'm glad to see that other people are interested in the paths less traveled in Papua New Guinea. I spent about a year there doing that same thing- camping and getting food at villages. NOt sure about the route, I did most of my time on the Eastern area. Some tips: Camping is generally fine, even in villages, and I think alot of villagers were relieved not to have put me up- but I always asked if I could pitch my tent, and they obliged- just know you'll be the sight of the town, and the children will ALL want a look at the inside:) Food. Food was BASIC, and I did go hungry a few times when I didn't make it to the next village, so carry a knapsack with some backup (water, granola bars probably saved my life a few times...) MAP! Get a good map, shell out for one that includes all the terrestrial paths, I got mine online...I don't remember where, but an ethnographic map would help too. Above all (like it needs to be said) remain polite and respectful. I found no problem cycling about (some roads were more of a cycle-trek:) and meeting people was very relaxed. Good luck mate! | 2
jesgitz25 19:54 UTC 16 Apr 2007 | Thank you Laszlo for your reply! I will not be crossing the border walking and i am wide aware of where Carstenz P is. Was looking for at way to get from Carstenz to somewhere in the Sepik region and then start my trip. Maybe you knew of naval/aero connection. Even a C-182 for rent will do. And thank you indeed Brendan for you encouraging info! Did you bring your bike all the way? Did you get any local assistance on behavioral matters, language etc? What about VISA for such a long period? Economics? Hope to hear soon! Jes | 3
Laszlo 20:45 UTC 16 Apr 2007 | To get from West Papua to PNG legally and directly, the only way I know of is crossing the land border east of Jayapura. See the PNG link in my signo line for more on that. Of course, if you have money to burn, you could charter a plane to fly you over... | 4