Discover
Papua New Guinea’s raw beauty, rich tribal cultures and world-class
adventure experiences. From volcanic landscapes to rainforest
highlands and remote coastal villages, this bucket list reveals the
best places and things to do across Papua New Guinea.
Explore the Sepik River & Its Villages A journey along the Sepik River immerses you in one of the most culturally rich regions of Papua New Guinea, where spirit houses, wood-carving traditions and ancestral stories define daily life. As you glide past misty riverbanks and remote stilt villages, you’ll witness ceremonial dances, intricate masks and artistic heritage preserved for centuries — a rare insight into a living, breathing culture untouched by mass tourism.
Hike to the Crater of Mount Tavurvur (Rabaul) Standing before the steaming crater of Mount Tavurvur is an unforgettable experience — a stark volcanic landscape where ash plains meet turquoise sea views across Blanche Bay. The rumbling earth, sulphur-scented air and constant plume rising from the crater remind you how alive Papua New Guinea’s geology is. The surrounding war history, hot springs and rugged scenery create a powerful blend of nature and heritage.
Discover the Underwater Wonders of Kimbe Bay Kimbe Bay is often described as a living aquarium — a pristine marine reserve home to untouched coral gardens, barracuda schools, reef sharks and over 900 fish species. With visibility often exceeding 30 metres, every dive feels surreal, from colourful pinnacles to deep reef walls. It’s one of the most biodiverse marine environments in the world and a dream destination for divers seeking raw, untouched underwater beauty.
Visit the Asaro Mudmen of Goroka The Asaro Mudmen continue a dramatic tradition born from ancient tribal conflict — warriors covering themselves in thick white clay and wearing haunting clay masks to terrify their enemies. Today, these performances offer a captivating window into Papua New Guinea’s cultural heritage. Combined with the lush Eastern Highlands scenery and community warmth, this is one of the country’s most iconic cultural encounters.
Swim in the To Sua Ocean Trench–Style Pools of Tufi Fjords The Tufi region amazes with its emerald fjords, jungle-covered cliffs and deep natural inlets that create one of PNG’s most dramatic coastal scenes. Hidden within the rainforest are volcanic pools and crystal-clear swim spots surrounded by orchids and palms. The fjords also offer world-class diving, sea kayaking and quiet villages where time feels suspended.
Experience the Huli Wigmen in Tari Highlands The Huli Wigmen maintain age-old customs of elaborate face paint, ceremonial songs and the crafting of striking human-hair wigs. Their “singsing” performances are vibrant, rhythmic and deeply symbolic, revealing the clan identity and spiritual beliefs of the Huli people. Surrounded by cloud forests and rugged highland peaks, meeting them is both theatrical and profoundly cultural.
Explore the WWII Relics of Kokoda & Owers’ Corner Walking sections of the Kokoda Track offers a moving tribute to the soldiers who fought in one of the toughest WWII campaigns. Jungle-clad ridges, steep mountain passes and flowing streams create a dramatic backdrop to memorial plaques, supply routes and historic battle sites. Whether you trek the full trail or visit key points, Kokoda connects adventure with powerful wartime history.
Join a Traditional Sing-Sing Festival Papua New Guinea’s sing-sing celebrations bring together dozens of tribes in a spectacular display of feathers, drums, chants and full ceremonial dress. Each group showcases its identity through movement, rhythm and carefully crafted costumes. The energy of these festivals — from Goroka to Mount Hagen — makes them unforgettable cultural gatherings.
Learn Wood-Carving with Sepik Artisans The Sepik region is renowned for its carved masks, totems and story-rich sculptures. Spending time with local artisans allows you to learn carving techniques, understand symbolism and take home a unique handmade piece. The experience supports community livelihoods and deepens your appreciation of PNG’s artistic heritage.
Experience a Spirit House Ceremony Spirit houses (haus tambaran) are sacred cultural centres where ancestral stories, rituals and clan identity are preserved. Visiting with permission offers a glimpse into ceremonies passed down through generations — including music, mask performances and spiritual symbolism.
Try Clay Pot Cooking in Coastal Villages Coastal communities still cook fish and root vegetables in clay pots over wood-fired stoves, infusing dishes with smoky, earthy flavours. Joining a cooking session offers a warm, communal experience and insight into PNG’s coastal lifestyle.
Participate in a Bilum Weaving Workshop Bilum bags are iconic symbols of Papua New Guinea. Watching them woven — and trying your hand at weaving — reveals patience, artistry and cultural meaning behind each piece.
Visit the Remote Island of Lababia Lababia offers a rare combination of rainforest trekking, coral gardens and a peaceful village atmosphere. The community-run nature lodge provides access to pristine reefs and the star-filled night skies that define PNG’s untouched charm.
Discover the Karawari Caves The Karawari region hides limestone caves with ancient pictographs and burial sites. The surrounding rainforest and traditional villages make the journey feel like stepping back in time.
Explore the Rare Birds of Varirata National Park Just outside Port Moresby, this quiet park is a haven for birdwatchers — home to Bird of Paradise species, tree kangaroos and lush viewpoints over Sogeri Plateau.
Relax on the Quiet Shores of Kavieng (New Ireland) Kavieng’s beaches are postcard-perfect yet wonderfully unspoiled, with turquoise lagoons, coconut palms and excellent snorkelling just offshore.
Hike the Cool Highlands of Wabag Wabag offers serene trails, waterfalls and gardens bursting with orchids. Its cool climate and peaceful villages make it a refreshing contrast to Papua New Guinea's coastal humidity.
Discover the Remote Fjords of Cape Nelson Cape Nelson’s dramatic volcanic headlands and inlets create a stunning landscape rarely visited by tourists.
Dive Among WWII Plane Wrecks in Madang Madang’s underwater WWII wrecks — aircraft, barges and scattered relics — create one of the world’s most compelling dive sites, where history and marine life interact in eerie harmony.
Watch Fire Dancers in East New Britain The Baining fire dance is a striking ceremony where dancers leap barefoot through blazing flames to rhythmic drumming — an extraordinary cultural performance.
Visit the Crocodile Men of the Sepik The scarification rituals of the Crocodile Men reflect strength, identity and ancestral symbolism. Their stories and artistry are deeply fascinating.
Explore the Quirky Kokopo Cultural Village This cultural village blends humour, tradition and theatrical performances showcasing local customs through playful storytelling.
Port Moresby
Rabaul & Kokopo
Goroka & Eastern Highlands
