Pacific Island Paradises

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 languages are spoken throughout PNG. Melanesian Pidgin (Tok Pisin) and Police Motu are the two most widely used, but English is the official language in education, business and government circles. Nature Papua New Guinea's enormously rich diversity of animal and plant life has earned the esteemed designation of being a 'mega diversity' country. Scientists believe that PNG, along with the 16 other countries bearing this unique distinction, account for more than two-thirds of the earth's total biodiversity. The fact that so many of PNG's natural ecosystems and human cultures are intact makes it fascinating and scientifically important. On land it is estimated that there are 242 species of mammals including shy forest wallabies, slow-moving cuscuses and tree kangaroos. Birds are one of PNG's biggest natural attractions. There are 762 different species, 85 endemic, including 38 of the world's 48 species of the spectacular Bird of Paradise. The world's only known poisonous bird called Hooded Pito-Hui is 198 www.paradisesonline.com found in Papua New Guinea. Activities The most popular activities in Papua 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.

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