Pacific Island Paradises

— P a p u a N e w G u i n e a — – 137 – www.paradises.com While the infrastructure for travel throughout PNG is firmly in place, travel as an industry is still in its infancy. As such, every visitor to PNG has the opportunity to be part of the endless discovery. PNG occupies the eastern portion of New Guinea, the second largest island in the world. Precariously situated on the Pacific Rim of fire, it is the cumulative result of two of the world's largest geological upheavals. The ensuing terrain is a rich, rugged collage of towering mountain peaks, dense rainforests, mangrove jungles, fertile valleys, white sands and glistening coral islands. The underwater topography is a ref lection of the dramatic landscape. Hills and valleys translate into majestic pinnacles, fish- filled passes, lush colourful gardens and coral-draped walls. Capital and major centres Port Moresby, PNG's capital and gateway is situated on the western coast of the mainland peninsula. Other popular coastal regions on the mainland include Alotau, Lae, Wewak, Vanimo and Madang. Alotau, at the eastern tip of the Owen Stanley Range, is an upcoming seaside resort town with rich culture and gorgeous scenery. Lae is the second largest city, situated on the eastern coast, at the mouth of the Markham River. Wewak and Vanimo are in the Sepik Basin famous for their art, custom a nd culture. The Sepik River runs 1126 kilometres from source to sea and is one of the world's largest waterways. Further north is Madang, which has one of the South Pacific's most beautiful harbours with lush tropical vegetation. It was the centre of heavy fighting during World War II and has 34 sunken ships and coral gardens to explore with superb visibility. Many of the most rewarding cultural opportunities can be found in the Highlands. Goroka is the capital of the Eastern Highlands; Mt. Hagen is the capital of the Western Highlands. Papua New Guinea's outer islands cover an enormous area, offering access to both the Solomon and Bismarck Seas. In this region opportunities for exploration and adventure are enormous. New Britain, the largest island, has two tourism centres: Rabaul on the eastern tip, and Kimbe in the west. Other popular spots include Kavieng on New Ireland and Manus Island further north. The people Nationals are predominantly Melanesian, though in appearance they are varied. More than 800 indigenous P A P U A N E W G U I N E A Popondetta Port Moresby Alotau Kerema Goroka Mount Hagen Wabag Mendi Wewak Lae Madang Kimbe Rabaul Kavieng Lorengau MANUS ISLAND NEW IRELAND WEST NEW BRITAIN SOLOMON SEA TROBRIAND ISLANDS WOODLARK ISLAND D'ENTRECASTEAUX ISLANDS LOUISIADE ARCHIPELAGO BOUGAINVILLE Owen Stanley Range EAST NEW BRITAIN

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