2 ladies back from PNG!

2 ladies just arrived back from a month trip round PNG...
As usual were seriously put off this trip by most people we talked to...although none of them had actually been there. It does make it a very difficult decision to take but we thought we'd extend the budget a bit and go for it. And it was all worth it albeit with a lot of luck on our side!

Sepik

We directly flew out of Port Moresby to Wewak to organise a trip down the Sepik. We had emailed around first to various people and tour operators (of which around 2 exist) and then once we were out there, met up with them all to see who we felt comfortable with. Ended up going with PNG Frontier adventures with George Forgi and Luke Kama...all in all a fantastic trip. PM me for any more info on this.
We were lucky to meet locals in Wewak and they always kept us in good hands...didn't meet any tourists there and didn't feel too safe walking around the town.

Muschu Island

Dropped off at this island by some locals and it was pure wild paradise. We stayed at Clemence's little guesthouse..basic but charming...basically living as the locals do and Clemence's wife cooks up freshly caught fish of the day, coconut rice and plenty of bananas! they sure do like ther bananas! Stayed 3 nights here and visited some wrecks in the jungle and on the beach...the sea was crystal clear and did some snorkelling..brought our own gear with us! (would recommend bringing your own gear to PNG with you). We felt very SAFE here although remember to keep yourself covered with shorts and top at all times.

Madang

We took a cargo ship from Wewak to Madang. around 20 hours. Think they go twice a week. Still much cheaper than flying. OUr trip was calm and we booked 1st class and nabbed 2 bunks so slept with our luggage. Made sure we made friends with everyone around us..all very friendly. Toilets fine too. Security guards walking around too who stop any one from drinking...ie. take them out on deck for some 'lessons.' l

In Madang stayed in the budget rooms at Madang Lodge. Great place but food very pricey so just walked to the supermarket and bought food there instead.

Kimbe Bay

We flew in here as no direct flights or ships from Madang
As we were told Kimbe bay was not the safest of places to stay and we are mega keen divers...we treated ourselves to 4 nights at Walindi. It is £50 each per night...which includes all your meals (fantastic), water and snacks, great accommodation, fantastic service and brilliant diving. Think about £35/dive but obviously less the more dives you do. Beautiful & amazing variety of corals, barrucada, few sharks, lots of schools of small fish. Only thing was there was no real beach at Walindi. Walindi was obviously very SAFE.

Rabaul/Kokopo

We Had to fly here again - just one flight weekly from Kimbe Bay (Hoskins) to Rabaul

Here we stayed in the budget room at Taklam Lodge that were superb value for money! we were in room 1 which was great and had Satellite TV. Shared shower facilities but that was all clean and fine. Lovely people with whom we made great friends. This place is also run by the Kokopo Beach Bungalows so you can go over there for breakfast and sunbathing, lounge in the lovely bar area and see the volcano at sunset.
Kokopo and Rabaul are safe to walk around by day. Though if you want to climb Mt. Mother take a guide and leave early.
We stayed too at Kabaira Beach Hideaway where the people were lovely and the food scrumptious but we found it very poor value for money. Unfortunately we can't comment on the diving as we had ear problems at the time.

If you can make it for the Warwagira and Mask festival, must be one of the biggest HIGHLIGHTS of PNG!

We flew back from Rabaul to Port Moresby and stayed with a mate we met in Wewak. He also lives in a fully guarded compound and said we weren't to leave at any time unless with him.

As a female, avoid travelling alone in Port Moresby, Lae and be very careful in the Highlands. Try to use a local guide where possible.
- Do not wear skimpy clothing
-Take no valuables out with you and no jewellery on you.
-Just be cautious when taking your camera out to take photos.
-Do not leave your place at night
-Make friends with as many people as possible...hotel staff..etc
-Be weary of taking PMVs outside of East New Britain and New Ireland. Madang seems fine too but did see a bit of bloodshed.
-Use a safe where possible - most have safes at reception
-Book your internal flights as soon as possible to get special fares on Air Niugini.
-Find out in advance when cargo ships leave.
-Bring a tin opener and some packet food, cereal bars, crackers..etc if you on a tight budget.
-Learn some Tok Pisin to get by a bit.

PNG is one of most beautiful places..so wild, luscious and untouched. Saw very few tourists the whole time, absolutely none for the first 2 weeks. Just being there is fantastic and the internal flights are worth it for the views over the steaming volcanoes, amazing rainforest and coral attols. wow!

Great trip report. I hope to be living there later this year.

Have a brilliant time!! magical scenery and the vast majority of people just wonderful!

Great report. Thank you for posting.