Papua is a still unknown and uncontaminated country that attracts more and more tourists looking for adventure. Let's see together which places to visit
Papua or rather the Papua Nuova Guinea is an independent state in Oceania. Within the Commonwealth since 1975, it is made up of the eastern part of New Guinea and around 600 islands, the most important of which are New Britain and New Ireland, both belonging to the Bismarck archipelago. It is part of Oceania, a region of the Pacific Ocean north of Australia, and borders Indonesia to the west.
Remote, varied and fascinating land of the famous Papuans, Papua is a territory characterized by very jagged coasts, gulfs and inlets, various plains, vast rainforests and mountains that even exceed 4.000 metres, such as Central Cordillera. It is one of the most hidden places and uncontaminated of the planet: here there are still completely unknown and impenetrable areas that attract more and more researchers and anthropologists but also tourists in search of adventure.
It is also worth remembering that tourism in Papua is still in an initial phase so you will find very expensive hotels, irregular and inefficient local transport also due to the poor infrastructure and poorly asphalted roads which make connections difficult. The only area where it is possible to drive is in the Highlands, where the Highlands Highway winds throughout the region. To get around it is best to fly with small planes, which leave from the capital Port Moresby and reach around 20 destinations within the island.
Papua New Guinea is characterized by an equatorial climate, hot and humid all year round along the coasts and in the plains, while it becomes progressively colder as you rise in altitude. Rainfall varies depending on the region but is still more concentrated from December to March. Therefore, if you want to enjoy the enchanting beaches or go on excursions, it is best to organize your trip in the dry season which lasts from May to October.
To reach Papua from Italy it takes about 30 hours; There are no direct flights but it is necessary to stop in Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore, Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney or Jakarta. The country's main airport is Port Moresby International Airport, which is about a 25-minute journey from the city. Furthermore, shuttle and minibus services are guaranteed to the large hotels and the city. Its capital, located along the south-eastern coast, is Port Moresby, the most populated and main port of the country.
Although it is considered one of the worst cities to live in due to its great poverty and its high level of danger due to its high crime rate, we still advise you to make a short stop because it includes some sites of considerable interest that are worth visiting. There are the National Botanical Gardens which boast local and exotic plants; The Parliament House, the symbol of the city housed in a large building similar to a haus tambaram, i.e. the traditional house of spirits, with graceful decorations and a sloping roof; The National Museum which preserves some of the best collections of indigenous crafts plus a vast exhibition that tells the story and culture of the country.
For purchases, you can wander around the Koki market, near the port, or in the busy Gordons Market, where you can find fruit and handicrafts. You can also go shopping in the lively Boroko shopping district, which brings together various bars and restaurants and a huge shopping centre. Port Moresby among other things is also an excellent starting point to reach the spectacular Rouna Falls and Varirata National Park, where, among the paths you can see enchanting views of the capital and the characteristic coast of Papua.
For those who want to swim or raft, you can reach the Brown River, the river north of the city, while the beaches east of the capital are excellent for snorkelling or diving. In the vicinity of Port Moresby, you can get to Kokoda Track, a route of almost 100 kilometers where you can come across the ruins of villages and monuments commemorating those killed during the fighting between Australians and Japanese in the Second World War.
In the region of Milne Bay, in the town of Alotau, there are several black sand beaches and seabeds rich in marine fauna, rural settlements such as the village of Wagawaga surrounded by a beautiful rainforest with waterfalls and panoramic points. Throughout the region there are other places that are worth visiting, the island of New Britain with its beautiful seabed to explore, and Rabaul, a center on the slopes of a volcano, or Mount Hagen which leads to one of the wildest parts of village.
One of the most beautiful cities in Papua and also the most touristy Madang, another ideal place for underwater fishing or for diving among corals and marine life. And then beyond you can glimpse it Sepik Valley, crossed by the gigantic river of the same name which for the tribal populations of the area has not only an importance as a trade route but also an enormous symbolic value. You can navigate the river aboard canoes but some agencies organize river cruises and trips to explore the lifestyle and culture of the villages along the banks.
This area is also known for its tribal art and initiation rituals: with a bit of luck you can witness the traditional sing-sing, a celebration in which villagers dress up in spectacular clothing and body paintings .
To conclude our overview of Papua, a mention of the region cannot be missed Highlands, the most populated and most productive territory in the country. Here are the main cities such as Kainatnhu, Mt Hagen and Mendi. The large populations of New Guinea live among the valleys and rivers, such as the Huli Wigmen who wear particular wigs decorated with flowers and feathers. From the city of gore, there are excursions into the jungle and nearby caves or adventurous excursions lasting a few days to Mount Wilhelm, the highest peak in the country
