Planning a trip in PNG

Hello everybody,

I am about to spend 3+ weeks travelling in PNG. I’ve been wanting to go for a long time, but it took me a while to finally decide to go considering all the negative comments one can read about safety and cost. I must say that reading the posts of Majordom and bkester was a big help, thanks guys! Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to do much planning, and haven’t booked anything in PNG yet. My hope is that I can do most of the booking while I’m there, but I have a few (probably naive) questions that I hope some of you can help answer.
First a few lines about the itinerary I have in mind, in random order. I’m looking to do some diving, probably in New Britain (Rabaul). I would like to experience the Sepik, both nature and village life, and possibly attend the crocodile festival at Ambunti. I would also like to see the highlands and may be the Mt. Hagen show.
These are some of the questions I have
- Is it just really silly to expect to do most of the booking and to contact guides while I’m there?
- I’m due to arrive at POM at 5am. This is pretty early and I don’t really know what I will find open at the airport at that time. Will I be able to change money. I am considering the option of leaving right away to New Britain, with a flight going to Rabaul at 06h25. Is there any ways I can make that flight with 1h30 layover to clear custom (including getting a visa) and collect my bag. I’ve tried to cal Air Nuigini about this but nobody answered…
- Is is possible easy to find tickets to festivals like the Mont Hagen or the crocodile festival on the spot? Is it worth trying to attend both festivals, considering that my time is limited. I also read that all hotels have a minimum 3 night stay on the Show weekend. Is this accurate?
- Should I bring a sleeping bag? I’d rather do without and I’m not planning to camp.

I’ll stop here for now. I’ll be there from July 30th to August 22nd. If anybody reading wants to team up and share some of the guide/boat cost on the Sepik or otherwise, let me know (I’m a male 48).

I lived in POM for two months last year while on a short-term work assignment. I don't have recommendations on guides, but given the unique environment and culture, I'd strongly recommend finding a guide/tour company for logistics with getting around the country.

There's not much of anything at all at POM Airport, especially open at 5am.

From my experience, there are plenty of guesthouses/hotels across the areas that you mentioned, so I don't think you need a sleeping bag.

Happy travels!

3 weeks is a great trip for PNG - you should have time for seeing 3 locations island/coast, highlands and sepik

read the trip reports here and on tripadvisor and come up with a clear plan making sure that you leave plenty of time for travelling between locations

access to phone and internet cannot be assured so at minimum you should book your flights and the accommodations around those flight dates

1.5 hrs is not enough time for the transfer from international to domestic - spend a day in moresby and see the sights and leave the next day - there are post specifically about early arrivals here and on tripadvisor

tourist price festival tickets will always be available up to the day of the festival - accommodation and transport is another matter !

you dont need a sleeping bag but a silk liner is good as it is not bulky and keeps the insects off and lets you sleep if the sheets are less than clean

Thanks for the tip. I didn't find post on early arrival at POM yet, but I will keep looking.

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