PNG in August

texgwd00:37 UTC08 Jul 2009

To say I am feeling a bit anxious about my upcoming trip to PNG is an understatement. So anxious, I've yet to purchase my flight and we are set to leave in a month from today. My girlfriend and I are planning on heading to Mt. Hagan for Sing Sing, then up to Madang to scuba dive. We have 11 days slated to be in PNG. Can anyone out there give me a first hand report of there experience? What recommendations do you have for accommodations during the Mt. Hagan Festival? We have yet to book and are afraid that there might not be any room when we arrive. My ass is grass if we book a flight and fly over only to show up and sleep on the street.

Thanks.

Laszlo03:47 UTC08 Jul 2009

See the PNG link in my signo line.
There are also many more PNG trip reports on TT.
I can't comment on the Mt Hagen Show though.

misskiri01:45 UTC14 Jul 2009

Hahaha......Sleeping on the street in Hagan.....Thats funny.

I cant comment on the Hagen show either, I went to the Simbai culture festival last year, which is excellent.

If the Hagan show is anything like the Goroka show then accommodation will definately be an issue, so dont think you will be able to turn up and wing it.

If you are around Hagan I would recommend going to stay with Phillip KC and his family in Kerowagi, which is in Simbu province and you can get there on a PMV from Hagan. Phillip is an abosolute legend and you will get a real taste of village life if you spend some time with him, let me know if you want his number.

Have fun! You'll have a great time, dont pull out of the trip, PNG is awesome!

mgperilane12:13 UTC14 Jul 2009

Hello all - have been investigating trip to PNG for Sepik River trip in September. Have 10 to 14 days to spend in country and very much interested in visiting the villages to experience their cultures and looking for good local primitive art to purchase (not artifacts but locally and traditionally made). I am also looking to experience one of the festivals which I believe are still running in September? I believe the Goroka festival may be early Sept? My reading tells me Sept is end of dry season in PNG highlands - correct?

But - wow - tour prices are really high for the tour groups. As an individual traveling alone, not inclined to do entirely independent travel to PNG as I might do in SE Asia or China. The lowest priced tour company that I have found so far - with some positive references - is Niugini Holidays. Can anyone suggest or comment on their quality?

Open to suggestions - but my time is running short to book for this season. Thanks much

Glen

PNG in August Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Papua New Guinea
texgwd00:37 UTC08 Jul 2009	To say I am feeling a bit anxious about my upcoming trip to PNG is an understatement. So anxious, I've yet to purchase my flight and we are set to leave in a month from today. My girlfriend and I are planning on heading to Mt. Hagan for Sing Sing, then up to Madang to scuba dive. We have 11 days slated to be in PNG. Can anyone out there give me a first hand report of there experience? What recommendations do you have for accommodations during the Mt. Hagan Festival? We have yet to book and are afraid that there might not be any room when we arrive. My ass is grass if we book a flight and fly over only to show up and sleep on the street. Thanks.
Laszlo03:47 UTC08 Jul 2009	See the PNG link in my signo line. There are also many more PNG trip reports on TT. I can't comment on the Mt Hagen Show though.	1
misskiri01:45 UTC14 Jul 2009	Hahaha......Sleeping on the street in Hagan.....Thats funny. I cant comment on the Hagen show either, I went to the Simbai culture festival last year, which is excellent. If the Hagan show is anything like the Goroka show then accommodation will definately be an issue, so dont think you will be able to turn up and wing it. If you are around Hagan I would recommend going to stay with Phillip KC and his family in Kerowagi, which is in Simbu province and you can get there on a PMV from Hagan. Phillip is an abosolute legend and you will get a real taste of village life if you spend some time with him, let me know if you want his number. Have fun! You'll have a great time, dont pull out of the trip, PNG is awesome!	2
mgperilane12:13 UTC14 Jul 2009	Hello all - have been investigating trip to PNG for Sepik River trip in September. Have 10 to 14 days to spend in country and very much interested in visiting the villages to experience their cultures and looking for good local primitive art to purchase (not artifacts but locally and traditionally made). I am also looking to experience one of the festivals which I believe are still running in September? I believe the Goroka festival may be early Sept? My reading tells me Sept is end of dry season in PNG highlands - correct? But - wow - tour prices are really high for the tour groups. As an individual traveling alone, not inclined to do entirely independent travel to PNG as I might do in SE Asia or China. The lowest priced tour company that I have found so far - with some positive references - is Niugini Holidays. Can anyone suggest or comment on their quality? Open to suggestions - but my time is running short to book for this season. Thanks much Glen	3