Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands

hello fellow travelers,

As I am going to set off to my two-month adventures in september this year, I need your assistance regarding destinations of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.... My travel itinerary is just in its infancy and I am rather in the position of doing research than anything else.

For starters, I was wondering if you could come forward with some tips or pointers as for which particular places I should visit in each country.

One of my main motives for this trip is the Goroka Show and a chance to make some nice photographs. So the place of this cultural event is obvious. Next I would love to visit coastal areas and some jungles, too. I have seen some spectacular pics of Menya River, which made me put it in my tentative itinerary. I am eager to use boats as transport as much as possible - i have even considered crossing the border over to Solomon Islands by boat; however, it still does not seem feasible to be done under current circumstances (no immigration office upon the entry). Finally, I wish to meet locals, if possible, in their authentic, traditional villages or dwellings.

Any recommendations for Papua New Guinea? What about for Solomon Islands?

p.s.: Although I am aware of the famous Kokoda Track being as one the main attractions, I think I will give it a miss right because of it. What's more, I intend to travel light, and such a trekking trip requires some sort of preparation (and rather a larger group - I am going to travel solo) as I learn from some sources...

thanks a lot,

jirikoo

I think for a river trip the Middle Sepik is unbeatable, due to its unique art and architecture.
Not much jungle thereabouts though. But you can see LOTS of jungle elsewhere on your trip.

I also consider Mt Wilhelm a not to be missed highlight, and it is close to Goroka.

Among coastal areas, I think the islands have most to offer, and New Ireland was my fave.
But pretty much anywhere along the north coast of the mainland should be nice, too.

You will meet "locals in their authentic, traditional villages or dwellings" pretty much everywhere throughout the country. You will probably not see them in traditional dress (except during a festival) but you seem to have realized that.

In the Solomons I found the Shortlands the best for beaches and war relics, Malaita for traditional culture (but despite the LP hype would suggest avoiding the horribly unfriendly and commercialized interior Kwaio), and Rennel for a taste of remote Polynesian life and a unique ecology combined.

thanks laszlo for your reaction... that what I need. it seems like i have been following in your footsteps with a few years' span...this time it will PNG and SI...

Edited by: Jirikoo

In fact I think you have beaten me to a few places like French Polynesia and (northern) Micronesia. ;-)

I agree with Laszlo about avoiding the Kwaio in Malaita. The artificial islands (Lau and Langa Langa Lagoons) are unique and definitely worth visit.
Incidentally, I will be staying at St Agnes in Honiara for a week from 28th September this year if you are around then. I would be happy to introduce you to locals who can help you visit their home villages.
Santa Ana also has very interesting culture, and there are regular weekly flights from Honiara, as well as irregular shipping.

Ozziegiraffe, thank you for your suggestions and offer. I might take you up on that. Only, I may be in Solomon Islands a bit later (around October 10th).

Hi Ozziegiraffe, I'm flying into The Solomon Islands Oct 16. I have never traveled to this part of the world before and I'm so excited. Earlier this year I met some guys on a boat in Panama while I was working there. I am to meet them and the boat somewhere in the Solomon Islands after my arrival. We don't know where they will be at that point. Is it easy to get water transportation? Or will I have to chase after this boat by flying?
This is all very new territory for me. Although I have done a fair bit of traveling nothing like this and never so far away and on my own, so any info you give me will be much appreciated.
Thanks so much

You might find it difficult to chase someone on a boat spontaneously if they are anywhere except Honiara, Gela or Maaita. Planes to other parts of the country tend to be over-booked, and ships (actually small ferries) run erratically, and are not scheduled.