Papua New Guinea Advice

Hey world travelers who've experienced the wonders and culture of PNG.

I was hoping someone could answer a couple questions I have regarding transportation within PNG and also comment on my proposed trip plans. I am looking into doing the Black Cat trek in the middle of November. Would this time of the year be early enough before wet season to ensure safe travel? I am flying into Port Moresby, is it possible to reach Wau by PMV from port moresby or must you fly to lae and do the trek the opposite way from Salamaua to Wau? How much do guides cost per day? I am also interested in climbing mt. wilhelm. How long should I allow to travel from Lae to kundiawa and is this voyage possible by multiple PMV rides? Could anyone comment on how they felt climbing mt. hagen and mt. wilhelm compared....

Thanks,

Trevor

Hi Trevor,

To answer the second part of your question, it is possible to travel from Lae to Kundiawa by PMV. You need to catch one from Lae to Goroka and then get on the PMV to Hagen and make sure it will stop at Kundiawa on the way. Should be possible in one day if you leave early.

P.S Phillip KC from Kerowagi (a 40 min PMV from Kundiawa) can arrange a trek up the mountain, he also has a guest house in Kerowagi where you can stay. He is lovely. Phone him when you arrive on 723 89 651

late november the big rain storms come to the wau area,check out this link for great info on black cat....
http://richard.stanaway.net/blackcat.htm
north coast aviation used to fly from lae to wau,they even had a flight once a week from moresby,not sure of current schedule?check their websites.no pmvs from port moresby to wau!
a lot of trekkers rate the cat as much tougher than what kokoda throws up?
don

Thanks for all the information. I have decide against doing the black cat trek and plan on relaxing for several days on some beach. Did you spend any time in madang or salamaua? What would you recommend for the most beautiful beaches outside Lae? Thank you so much for this contact would be lovely if he could do this for us. Do you know how much he charges for his guesthouse and the guided hike?

Trevor

Best beach outside of Lae... Kavieng!

Madang is great but no real white sand beaches.

Lae = no beaches at all. Salamua is nice though.

Is it difficult and expensive to get to Kavieng from Lae??

trevor,you are confusing us!!!it is a long way from black cat to kavieng?????i would hope you do your own homework on where you actually want to go?and what you actually want to do??????a lot of png "beaches" are black sand,you can reach kvg from pom,3 flights per week

Of course i know that haha in a earlier post i said i have decided against doing the black cat track and have decided to spend the first portion of my trip relaxing hoping to find some secluded beaches before climbing mt wilhelm and spending some time at mt. hagen. I fly to lae two hours after i arrive in port moresby and i'm trying to decide what i want to do for the first five days. Either head north to madang or south to salamaua because i don't think there will be enough time for both.

Hi Trevor,
reccomend some of the beaches in New Ireland Province but it all depends on what you're comparing too, Whitehaven Beach Whitsunday Island in Aus it isn't. No beaches in Madang just sharp volcanic rock tumbling into the sea!
Wilhelm is fantastic, easily reached by PMV from Lae. We organised guides and accom on the fly, much cheaper but more riding by the seat of your pants. Willy Phillip is a great guide, ask for him in Kundiawa. The view is a buzz.

Jon