Papua new Guinea? possible or just a silly idea?

Hi

Im currently in Cairns, and would really like to get away. Im flying out of Cairns 5th August and am thinking I would really like to see Papua New Guinea if its possible before I go. So I just wanted to check out if anyone thinks its possible with my limited time and money?

I really like culture, people and nature, but from the look of it I need to get out of Port Moresby. The flights to Moresby are affordable to me, but all the domestic flights seem expensive. Is it somehow possible to still see some nice places without near sorroundings of P. Moresby? ...and prob. most importantly, is it at all possible to book, plan, accommodation and so on in that short amount of time? ...and to get just a decent feel of PNG in just 4-5 days?

Alternatively, could it be just as good, economic and doable to get the bit more expensive flight to Vanuatu?

...I would appreciate quick response, if its possible, as I would like to know quickly if im just a dreamer with no sense of reality or to start making arrangements:-)

Jacob

Chack out Pacific Blue for cheap flights to Honiara (Solomon Islands). Less touristy than Vanuatu, and safer than PNG. Also, you don't need to fly to get out of the capital (which is highly recommended, but for aesthetic rather than safety reasons).

Hey Ozzie!

Thanks for your quick response, I appreciate it a lot
I had a look at the flights, and feel bad I didnt think of this when I was in Brisbane, everything leaves from there. But by far the cheapest deal is still Port Moresby, which I can get for 400AUD. Any other place in the pacific is close to 1000 from Cairns. So I think Im going to PNG.

So that just brings me to the next set of questions. Where is my best option from Port Moresby? Can I find accomodation when I get there, or is it necessary from here? And finally how is the best way to get myself out of the city?

Hi,

I don't know about mainland PNG, although I think Ae or somewhere on north would be best, but if you can fly to New Britain, to Kokopo. Then you can do some really cool stuff around Rabaul and a few days would be perfect. Also I think this is pretty safe compared to rest of PNG. There was an erupting volcano when I was there. Fly with PNG Airways, just started up and really good for my 1 flight with them. Domestic flights are expensive be warned but the only realistic way to travel PNG.

et me know if you want more info.

Hey
Thanks for your reply.
Yeah, it seems like I have to go deep in my pockets to get the most of my days there. I have decided I am going now. I got 6 days from 29th to Aug 3rd. I have though read threads here about people just going around by PMV's. Is there nothing worth of interest just PMV-distance from P.M.? Like Hula, Popondetta, Buna or around there. It would just really help my economy a lot if I didnt have to take the expensive flights. ...But if I have to, I have to:-)

By the wy, how do I fly to New Britain, I couldnt find any flights from P.M. to neither Kokopo or Rabaul?

I have no idea about the mainland to be honest. Maybe there is something to see here nearby, maybe not. It seems PNG airlines do not fly to the islands. Air Niugini do though.

You will have to either take a flight or do a multiday hike to get anywhere really interesting out of Port Moresby.
Though for a few days' taste of the country, there should be options closer to PM... ones I can not comment on from personal experience.

Vanuatu would certainly be a great country for a short break.
It's very easygoing and friendly even in the capital, and some "outer islands" could easily be reached without flying there. For only 4-5 days, I'd definitely recommend Vanuatu over either PNG or the Solomons, both of which have a less apealing capital and longer distances to cover to get anywhere really "nice".

Thank you very much for your answers again. Vanuatu sounds so nice and perfect, I know, but Its just too expensive from Cairns. So Ive booked the trip to Port Moresby. Ive found through Couchsurfing someone to stay with the first day, so hope she can help me out, and I can find something really nice in drive-distance from PM. Right now Im thinking places like Yule Island and around. But if anyone has experinces with that part, please let me know. ...or really affordable flighttickets:-)

I would be interested to know how your couch surfing was in PM and your trip?