Should I go to PNG?

Hi all,

I am a single female traveller on a long trip (6 months). On my way back to Australia I am considering a one month stay in PNG. The purpose of my trip is to build my photography portfolio...so photography is what I do day in and day out. The following questions sound like I'm a bag of nerves...but I am trying to realistically weigh up the risks to see if this trip is feasible for me. Any help greatly appreciated! :)

1. Travel as a lone female: What are the risks? Should I exercise more caution than I would elsewhere? I am an experienced traveller (done Russia, Iran, Mexico + many more solo) but I have no idea what to expect from PNG in terms of treatment of foreign women, especially outside of the major cities.

2. I have some expensive stuff with me: Mainly an expensive SLR + lenses and laptop. Will I attract unwanted attention with my camera and be a target for thieves (i.e more so than other developing countries). Just trying to gauge street theft/crime

3. Health issues: I'm prone to stomach bugs. Do a great deal of foreigners experience severe stomach upset? Of course bottled water, no salads/ice etc...but just want to get a steer on this. Again, travelling alone means I need to make sure I can look after myself :)

4. Costs. From what I have read it's expensive! Can it really be so? What is a realistic daily budget if you go on the cheap?

I don't know what a realistic budget would be for PNG, not these days anyway, and it is expensive. I agree that you need to take more precautions in PNG than elsewhere, especially in Port Moresby and some of the other larger towns. The smaller places are reported to be quite safe and the people welcoming. It will be a terrific place for photography and it is a fascinating place to visit. Good luck!

Read the following thread:
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/australasia-pacific-pacific-islands-papua-new-guinea/Papua%20New%20Guinea/travelling-alone-as-a-woman?page=1#post_11571149