PNG is not safe but you will return with all your parts intact

It seems that posters here are of two minds
1) PNG is safe 'if you take the usual precautions'.
2) PNG: don't go (although I went)

I would say, if you MUST go, go.
If you are a serious diver, have been everywhere else or are insatiably curious about PNG culture, go.
If you haven't been to a country that has a serious crime problem, don't let this one be your first.
If you don't have street smarts, don't go.

I live here with my wife and 5 year old daughter. She has no problem eating an ice cream cone on the street in Goroka without incident. You are right, there are two minds about PNG. This can be seen in how expatriots act while here. Some live in fear behind razorwire fences, snarly dogs and treat the locals like it is circa 1969. Then there is the other camp who, like us, have countless local friends, ride the buses and walk eveywhere. Yes, PNG is a bird of another color, but the fear surrounding it is way overboard. Papua New Guineans are the most generous people I have ever met and it is a shame selective media reports keep so many other people from having the amazing experiences we have everyday.

Hey!

Does anyone know what is the situation like in the Kikori District this time of year (I mean with the elections and everything)?

What kind of safety hazards can a medical doctor who is coming to volunteer at the Kikori hospital (we are hopefuly flying with a charter flight from P. Moresby to Kikori airport) expect on the journey?

I know it's hard to answer these questions but please try anyway. I do have some experience with travelling and working in remote areas, I've spent 3 months in Uganda last year volunteering in a village outpatient clinic, we have contacts in P. Moresby (local people who will help us with getting around town for a couple of days) and then we are flying directly to Kikori.

Any info is much appreciated!

Cheers!

I've crossed PNG hitching with folding bicycle by this route: Port Moresby - Alotau - Port Moresby - Kerema - Kikori - Mendi - Madang - Vanimo in May-July 2011.

Generally there are 2 types of people in PNG:
1. Coastal and islanders - more quite ppl.
2. Highlanders - more agressive (not exactly with tourists, just because of their lifestyle)

Both of these types are very kind and hospitable.

Just be careful, especialy in Highlands. Highlanders are fightings with their neighbors all the time, there is a chance to be in the between of fighting tribes.