Coral Reefs

National Geographic picked in 2009

Country : Papua New Guinea

Currency : Kina

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Travel Safety : Elevated Risk

Papua New Guinea, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, is a diverse and culturally rich country with a unique blend of tribal cultures, pristine beaches, tropical rainforests and spectacular landscapes. Although the country is relatively unexplored by tourists, Papua New Guinea offers a wealth of fascinating experiences for those who venture to its shores. Getting There: Papua New Guinea is not the easy destination to reach. But the best way to get to Papua New Guinea is by flying into its capital city, Port Moresby. The city is served by international flights from Australia, Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries. From there, you can take a domestic flight to reach the coral reef areas. Things to See and Do: - Explore the tribal cultures: Papua New Guinea is home to over 800 tribal cultures each with its own unique customs, languages and traditions. One of the best ways to experience these cultures is to attend one of the many cultural festivals held throughout the country. The most famous of these festivals is the Mount Hagen Cultural Show which takes place in August and brings together hundreds of tribes from across the country. - Visit the Kokoda Trail: A historic trek that runs through the Owen Stanley Range and was the site of a significant battle between Australian and Japanese forces during World War II. The trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that takes around seven to ten days to complete. - Dive the Coral Sea: Papua New Guinea has some of the best diving in the world, with pristine coral reefs, colorful fish and a range of wrecks to explore. Some of the best dive sites in the country include the wreck of the World War II aircraft carrier, the USS Lexington and Kimbe Bay which has been dubbed the "soft coral capital of the world." - Visit the Sepik River: The Sepik River is one of the longest rivers in Papua New Guinea and is home to a fascinating array of tribal cultures. Visitors can take a river cruise to explore the region and see the intricate carvings and artwork produced by the local tribes. When to Visit: The best time to visit Papua New Guinea is between May and October, which is the dry season. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the coral reefs are at their best. It's worth noting that the country's rainy season starts around November and the weather can be quite unpredictable during this time. Tips: - Visitors from other countries may need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin, so it's best to check with the nearest Papua New Guinea embassy or consulate in your country. - Stay Safe: Papua New Guinea has a high crime rate, particularly in urban areas like Port Moresby. Visitors should take precautions. It's also a good idea to hire a local guide when traveling outside of major cities. - Get Vaccinated: Visitors to Papua New Guinea should make sure they are up-to-date on routine vaccinations and consider getting additional vaccinations such as hepatitis A and B, typhoid and yellow fever, depending on the areas they plan to visit. - Pack Appropriately: Papua New Guinea is a tropical country, so it's essential to pack lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Visitors should also bring insect repellent and sunscreen. - Be Prepared for Limited Infrastructure: Papua New Guinea is a developing country with limited infrastructure, particularly outside of major cities. Visitors should be prepared for basic accommodations, limited transportation options and intermittent power and water outages. - Be Prepared for Language Barriers: Although English is an official language in Papua New Guinea, many people in rural areas may not speak it fluently. Visitors should be prepared to communicate through basic phrases or a local guide.

Photo - Unsplash: Ganda Lukman