Prices in PNG

Hi there,

I think I have hugely under estimated how expensive PNG is. I've traveled to other developing countries and didn't think that prices would vary that much compared to the likes of India, Thailand, Vietnam etc...

What I have read is that it's very expensive, in some cases like European prices? I'm there for 30 days and was wanting to do a live aboard diving but they seem too expensive (6,000 USD for a week at cheapest).

I guess my question is, how much can i get by on in PNG? I would like to spend sometime in the Highlands, maybe a few dives, and anything else highly recommended??

I'm not usually this money aware, but I'm buying my first house in the next few months and I'm starting to think I may not be able to go...

any help would be great.

Lee :-)

If you had thought prices in PNG were like those in India, Thailand or Vietnam, you were VERY wrong.
PNG is in the South Pacific, which is an expensive region in general, plus it is a big country with few roads which force most visitors to take expensive internal flights every now and then.
I think a reasonable minimum for you might be US$ 50/day, and that would not include diving. Without flying, it can be done on less than that, but that's definitely roughing it and not everyone would enjoy doing so. It could also cost more - it all depends on where and how you travel.

PNG is an expensive country for travelers since there is very little infrastructurea nd virtually everything is being imported. I have traveled the northern coast, Sepic region, New Britain and Bougainville island with my husband in 2008 and our daily budget was about 40 euro (2 persons). This did not include lodging, because we were mostly hosted by friends and locals. We did not fly, traveled only on PMVs or by boat, but some jungle roads and "highways" are subject to weather and good luck - maybe there is some transport overland and maybe not. In bigger towns, there are (rather expensive) supermarkets and chinese shops, but try local markets for cheap fresh food. Gas price are very high and there might be wohle regions without fuel. Budget accomodation is rare, look for church guesthouses or pay the big money in a resort. The nice thing when comparing to Asia is that there are no double tourist prices (for transport, on the market...). enjoy the country, it is rough but amazing!

PNG - in October 2009. This time of year will there be a lot of rain on the Sepik River? I interested in visiting as many remote villages as I can in 7 days or so. But I am a bit torn between spending the money for boat trip up Sepik River on the Sepik Spirit via PNG Holidays or go cheap and take dugout canoe from EcoTourism. Anyone have gone down middle Sepik using either company?

Also, anyone stayed at the Karawari Lodge in Aramback country? I understand this is supposed to be pretty amazing lodge and you have opportunity to travel up tributaries of the Sepik to see villages.

Thanks

I'd say that without diving, $50 - $60 US a day is a good budget estimate. Diving will set you back $100-$200 a day (two dives with equipment).

#3
Go down the Sepik on your own! Its the absolute best way to do it!