Photography in PNG

Wow! So much information is here, this really helped me decide that PNG is the place for my honeymoon this summer!
Diving, culture, and spectacular views, who could ask for more...

Now my question is this: I am an amature photographer. I have a GREAT camera and lenses. I am looking forward to taking my camera while travleing through PNG, probably in the areas of Mt. Wilhelm (read that its better than Mt. Hagen) and around Madang for diving. Will it be safe to bring my camera along? How can I avoid it being stolen? If I cannot bring my camera it will be a great loss to me and part of the edventure will be missing.

Please comment on this, as well as any advice you might have about spending 3 weeks in PNG this July.

Thank you all,
A fellow Travler,
Shanna

Both Mt.Wilhelm and Madang are frequently visited by tourists and are safe.
I think you will be fine taking your camera there, especially if accompanied by local guides.
Ditto at any resort.

Problem could be more in remoter places, or in bigger towns like Hagen or Lae, especially if you are the type of camera-addicted person who just has to walk around everywhere with a huge camera with mile-long lenses hanging from the neck and being flashed into people's faces at every turn.
That would attract undue attention.

i think what goes for PNG goes for travelling in most developing or undeveloped places, most people that you will encounter are good and will probably aid you if you were in need. however there are always a few people that have alterior motives. the main weapon is to be aware at all times and be descreet with your camera. often you will be in a situation where you are desperate to take a photo but its just not prudent to pull it out, so then keep in your bag. be polite when snaping someones photo.

i have been travelling for many years from africa to afghanistan, and nothing ever happened, 2 months ago i was mugged in cuba. at the time i was mugged i was walking on a busy street and felt very safe and at ease, so you never know.i typically travel alone but in this instance was with my gorlfriend, i feel that the 2 of us together made us and my camera draw more attention. a person came from behind and grabbed the camera, fortunately i had a good grip and held on, we ended up on the floor. the robber was so determined that even with my strongest grip i had trouble holding it as he used his whole weight to pull. anyway this ended up with a semi happy ending. we fought and i held on long enough for other people to come to my rescue and the robber was arrested by police. my camera was fine although sustained a heavy fall, the lens was damaged and had to be replaced.

i think part of being discreet is wearing the correct clothes, fancy or expensive clothes draw attention. i tend to look downtrodden and i think it helps.

good luck.

I would not say you are 100% safe from having your camera stolen .. it has happened before, but it also depends on the type of transport you take. If you are using the PMVs to get to Kundiawa, from Goroka or Hagen along the Highlands Hwy, and then further up to Keglsugl (the village below mt Wilhelm) please be aware that there have been hold-ups of PMVs. In saying that I think you would have to be unlucky for this to occur.

I travelled quite a few times along the highlands highway with my kit (a Nikon D100 digital camera) and was never robbed.

My advice. Get your camera insured as part of your travel insurance (ie tell your insurer you are taking it, they will probably charge you a little bit more depending on its worth) and then go and enjoy your holiday and take those amazing pics.

I just have come from PNG last week. Mt.Hagen Lae are 2 places where you should take an extra care. Don't even show your camera bag. Better go striaght from bus or PMV to your accomodation with local. Walk all the time with someone from locals. I didn't meet any other traveler in last 3 weeks in PNG. You'll be flashing on streets. But there is no reason why not take it with you, just pay extra care always have someone around you, talk to the people, try to make friends.

I heard story of a man who walk in Hagen couple of months ago and they slashed thru his face with a machete. He ended in hospital for a month with broken jaw and all his belongings were stollen. I guess as he was professional photographer he carried his flashy bag around - that's what bringing attention.

Try to avoid Hagen Lae at this time. It's very safe in Tari [a lot of army forces there], Goroka, Kundiawa, Madang. Mendi doesn't look very safe to me. In Wewak were few crimes in last few weeks especially in town, but generally it's safe.

If yu've got "flash" (as in cool) Camera showing
What have you got in your pockets,
Be careful be very very careful It happens fast
and when you get up all seems the same-except you

I had the same question before embarking on my just completed (or maybe not completed) 45-country trip which took me thru eastern euro, russia, central and south america and parts of asia....my answer is...insure your equipment, be streetwise, and dont be afraid to use your cams...once you are back home, for many years, you'll be so happy you took your good equipment and took awesome pictures. Show your pics to the world and you'll get so much satisfaction from it. Dont be afraid!...but you need to be streetwise!