10 Gorgeous Places To Visit In Papua New Guinea
Posted by Maris on 30th Oct 2023
Papua New Guinea is a fascinating island nation off Australia's north coast. The country, which shares the island of New Guinea with Indonesia and also includes a number of offshore islands in the Melanesia region, has a rich tribal culture that encompasses over 800 languages and various tribes. The rich culture of Papua New Guinea is best displayed in the many destinations to visit in Papua New Guinea, which are popular with travelers from all over the world. Aside from these locations, its beaches are well-known for providing a perfect escape from the stresses of the outside world.
National Museum and Art Gallery
Suppose you're wondering what to see in Papua New Guinea that captures its colorful tribal and indigenous culture. In that case, the National Museum should be at the top of your list because it's one of the must-see destinations in the country. The exhibits are organized by subject; there are sections on the people's musical instruments, masks and costumes, and canoes and other maritime instruments. You may observe the famed Sepik totem poles as well as the skull racks known locally as 'agiba'.
Varirata National Park
Most trips of the country begin in Port Moresby, and the Varirata National Park is ideal not just for wildlife and bird watchers, but also as a vantage point for views of the city and the sea. Birds of paradise can be seen here, but you must arrive early to have a chance of seeing them.
The Rainforest Habitat
This is located on the University of Technology's campus and houses a variety of native flora and fauna under an eleven-metre-high canopy of rebuilt rainforest. While most visitors to Papua New Guinea come to view cassowaries, tree kangaroos, or birds of paradise, the draw at Rainforest Habitat is the saltwater crocodile Agro. If you like crocodiles, this is one among the spots in Papua New Guinea to visit.
Parliament Haus
The Papua New Guinea parliament is a must-see combination of local architectural forms and a treasure of Papua New Guinea tourism. The main building is designed in the style of a Sepik or Maprik haus tambaran, while the adjacent cafe is a circular structure that embodies the highlands' spirit. Other symbols inside the building highlight the country's significant cultural legacy; for example, the lobby doors are miniaturized kundu, which are traditional drums used in rituals.
Tari Basin
The Tari Basin and Gap were brought to the attention of bird watchers and enthusiasts by David Attenborough's 'Attenborough in Paradise' (1996). The bird reserve, which is spread between 1700 and 2800 meters, contains a variety of habitats and thus a dazzling assortment of species. Between July and September, this is the only site in the world where you may see the King of Saxony or the blue Bird of Paradise. This nature reserve is one of the most breathtaking spots in Papua New Guinea.
JK McCarthy Museum
The museum, named after an Australian patrol officer stationed in Papua New Guinea, is one of the most recognizable sights in the country. The museum features a large collection of pottery, jewelry, and musical instruments from the numerous tribes that live here. Here you can get Anga mourning jewelry in the form of a finger necklace. A rare collection of photographs taken by Mick Leahy in 1933 is also on display.
Volcanology Observatory
Seismic and volcanic activity is widespread in Papua New Guinea, as it is in other countries in the region. The Rabaul Volcano Observatory was founded in 1937 following the eruption of the Rabaul volcano and is used to monitor the activities of 14 active and 23 dormant volcanoes dispersed across the country in three arcs. It is also a popular stop on sightseeing tours in Papua New Guinea. The views from the observatory are breathtaking, and you can watch the volcanoes and the bay while experiencing small tremors (known locally as gurias).
Muschu Island
Muschu, a lovely island located off the coast of Wewak, does not frequently appear on the list of Papua New Guinea tourist destinations. There is only one B&B here, managed by a local family, and the oceanfront home offers stunning views of the sea and the Muschu's trademark black beach. The swimming hole, woodlands, beach, and sea create a really pleasant picture, and you should consider spending a full weekend here.
Port Moresby Nature Park
Another natural reserve, this one around Port Moresby is maintained by the University of Papua New Guinea and is one of the serene and calm locations to visit in Papua New Guinea and the city of Port Moresby. The nature preserve features around 2 km of trails that run in and out of the canopies of the rainforests that are preserved here. Here, you may often see the country's famous animals (tree kangaroos are common).
Lae War Cemetery
Papua New Guinea was an active theatre during WWII, and the Australian government still maintains the war cemetery at Lae in remembrance of Australian soldiers who died here during the fight. The solemn place is a silent reminder of the region's recent history. It is also one of the modern Papua New Guinea points of interest, with markers of Indian and New Zealand soldiers.