Pacific Island Paradises

– 148 – www.paradises.com New Guinea are trekking, canoeing, bird watching, fishing, surfing and diving, all of which get travellers 'up close and personal' with nature and the people— the essence of PNG's special attraction. Throughout the country there are tours organised for all ages, skill levels and budgets. You can canoe down the Sepik and sleep in local villages, or visit exotic cultures during the day and at night sleep on a luxury cruise ship, or an eco lodge in a tributary. Port Moresby is home to several popular trekking spots, the infamous Kokoda trail—a favourite with war historians, and Variarata National Park—a spectacular mountain region renowned for its striking scenery and panoramic views of Port Moresby and the coastline. In the Oro province, Mt Lamington, an active volcano, is a favourite climb for visiting bushwalkers. Scuba diving has become one of PNG's most sought-after attractions and there are facilities, both land based and live-aboard, all around the country. Fishing charters, bird watching walks and whitewater rafting tours are also available. Surfing is also growing in popularity. PNG is a relatively new surfing destination on the international surfing scene that guarantees clean and uncrowded beaches, point breaks and challenging waves for all levels of surfers. Getting around Rugged mountainous terrain covers much of the country, so the easiest and fastest way to get around Papua New Guinea is by air. There is a good network of roads connecting the northern zone and the highlands region. However, there is no road link between the northern zone and the capital, Port Moresby. Hire cars are usually available and local boats, ferries, buses and taxis can be found in the larger towns. Food and entertainment Western cuisine is available in hotels, restaurants, guesthouses, lodges and resorts. Port Moresby has many Asian and European restaurants. For something different try a traditional 'mumu' of pork, sweet potatoes, rice and greens. Major hotels usually provide their own entertainment. Shopping guide Modern department complexes rub shoulders with quaint little stores and artefact shops where you may try your hand at gentle bargaining. Arts and crafts are as diverse as they are distinctive, produced by different artisans according to their individual skills and unique talents. Pottery, weapons, carvings, musical instruments and basketwork are just a few of the handicrafts sold throughout PNG—the world's largest producer of tribal arts and crafts. There is a fascinating selection of masks, including ancestral and spirit masks. Decorated boards and boat prows are popular objects in Papuan Gulf culture and are thought to be protective spirits to ward off sickness and evil. Shields come in all shapes and sizes and are made of hide stretched over a framework. Stools, tables and headrests are ornate and carry intricate carvings, while fishing hooks were suspended in the men's house and represented spirits which helped in fighting, hunting and warding off disease. Jewellery, body ornaments and accessories are made from pigs teeth, shell, orchid stems, dogs teeth, seed, snake spine, and pigs tusks. The village of Aibom, near the Chambri Lakes, specialises in a unique form of pottery. The two greatest regions for art are the Sepik River Basin and the Papuan Gulf while the two major craft producing areas are the Huon Peninsula and Milne Bay. Climate 23 0 C–32 0 C in coastal areas and 14 0 C–28 0 C in the highlands. Clothing Casual, but more formal than other Pacific countries. Females should dress modestly. A sweater or jacket is necessary in the highlands. Currency The kina is divided into 100 toea. Credit cards accepted at major hotels. Tips are generally not expected, but encouraged if you are happy with the service provided. — P a p u a N e w G u i n e a —

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