Best 8 days in PNG!!

Hi All!

Just graduated from med school and in 2 weeks I head to png to work in the hospital in pt. moresby. I have ~ 8 days before work to see the country. I'll be alone and have about $1K max to spend. In 8 days what would you recommend. I'm just a guy mid 20's, would like to avoid unnecessary safety risks, dont usually travel w/tours but sounds like it may be the only way. What would you experts recommend to be able to:

1) feel like I've "really seen" some real PNG
2) See culture without watching pre-rehearsed awkward shows on lawns infront of lodges.
3) Take in the jungle/nature.
4) Scuba dive (if time allows)
5) Would you recommend a "tour" or am i safe as long as i hop around by plane and get to lodging by taxi etc? Is there such a thing as joining a few others with a smaller scale operation, a guide, and really just travel through and experience the country?? I feel like i'd like to be off the beaten track,whatever that means there..but safe too.

Thanks so much in advance!!!

-Jeff

PS I've read nearly all the posts on here and really appreciate everyone's advice and suggestions they've written in other posts.

I left PNG 18 months ago, so perhaps you will get more recent info before you head off.

Air Nugini had some weekend deals going that were pretty reasonable, airfare and accom packages. See if you can get one to Alotoa -Milne Bay for a few days. Nice spot, generally pretty safe to walk around town. I stayed a few times at the Napatana lodge, but there is also a place down the road Education Milne Bay, they have some nice bungalows, both the people who run these places were very informative and switched on in terms of what was going on around town. Napatana has a nice airy bar and both joints have great food.

A dive - you could dive in Milne Bay of course, there are plenty of operators there. I did 20 odd dives through the guys at the Airways Hotel in Pt Moresby. They will take you to some top spots, only a half hours drive from Moresby.

Good luck. Moresby's OK...just keep ya wits about you and you'll have a ball.

Thanks so much! Thats a great help. I'll look into milne bay. If i were to choose one beach town would that be the best?

I'd recomend Madang. It on the north coast and you can fly there from Pt Moresby. The bigger hotels such as the Madang resort can organise all sorts of day tours. Diving, snorkelling, jungle walks, highland trips (all though some of the highlands highway has been taken out by a land slide). Although I don't know if they'd don it just for 1 person. It would probably be pricey if they do.

Madang is a good spot for sure, but you need to get out of town to find a decent beach (clean) like pretty much most larger towns in PNG. I spent a few days diving and such at Tufi. That was pretty memorable spot. Tawali was probably the best spot I went to. I seem to recall that we went to Tawali on one of the special deals I mentioned above. The snorkelling off the beach was great. You can do dives off the beach too. The resort is a bit pricey, but ok if you can get a package deal, made a really nice break from Moresby. Fly to Alotau, a van will pick you up and take you on a nice drive along the coast for an hour or so. Then take a banana boat to Tawali about 15 minutes.

The guide book is worth getting, I have a 2005 edition. I'd add 30% to the cost in the book to be a bit more on par.

I used the travel agent above Anderson supermarket just next door to the yacht club, they were quite good, 18 months ago. Heavily used by the expat community. The Yacht club is a good spot to get some info. Friday night happy hour was the go.

lukim yu

Hi Jeff,
Having lived and worked in PNG for many years will give you my best advice.

Tufi Resort is excellent and definately worth going to either first up or at some later stage - they do weekend specials for Moresby residents through out the year. Great for diving, bushwalking, village visits and just relaxing.

Madang - again another great place for a weekend or a few days away, Madang Resort or Jaishaven Resort (sorry have forgotten the spelling) which is about 20minutes out of Madang can both offer diving.

Before booking with any tour agent check out the PNG Tourism website - they list any unreputable agents - definately worth knowing.

Also, if you are still in PNG in October make sure you visit the Morobe Show in Lae, it is the best way to see traditional dancing in a safe environment (1000 people dancing in traditional custom is amazing) - check their website at www.morobeshow.org.pg

Enjoy your time in PNG, it is an amazing country but you will need to get out of Port Moresby to appreciate it - stay safe in Moresby.

Lukim yu

I'd also throw in my recommendation for Tufi Resort. There's just a nice variety of things you can do there regardless of your mood or energy levels!

About safety: I'd exercise the usual safety measures you would anywhere else. Don't leave valuables unattended, have small bills, etc and you should be fine.