Popondetta is the capital of the Oro Province in Papua New Guinea. The city became the focus of relief after the nearby Mount Lamington erupted and killed 4,000 people in 1951. Popondetta is close to Buna on the northern coast of Papua and not far from the beginning of the Kokoda Trail. This New Guinea region is the placement of a threatened Queen bird. It is the largest butterfly in the world. History of the Oro Territory is dramatic like its landscape. You will be impressed by the history of this province.

Airports in Popondetta

1. Girua Airport

Girua Airport is the airport serving Popondetta, a town in the Oro region of Papua New Guinea. Girua Airport is located near Dobodura to North-East Embi Lakes and North-East Inonda. While in the South of the airport is Mt. Lamington is a volcano. The airport was built during World War II at the end of 1942 and early 1943 as part of the Dobodura Air Complex. It is also known as the Kenney Strip, in honour of the Fifth Air Force Commander, George Kenney. The main complex of Dobodura has eleven major airstrips for airport movement. After the war, the airport has developed into a major air base with storage and repair facilities and connects the runway to adjacent airfields. Today, Girua is the only airport still in use.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Popondetta?

Traveloka is a travel search engine that makes it easy for travellers to find the cheapest flights to Popondetta. All you need to do is key in the information in the search box, and the application will recommend the best trip according to your budget. It compares flight prices across some trusted airlines to help you to get the best possible deal. Use Traveloka’s price alert feature to be notified of flights in your desired price range to get the best flight price to Popondetta.

When is the Best Time to Fly to Popondetta?

The Popondetta summit season is from May to October. It was a dry season at that time. It's a good time to do outdoor activities. You must make an early booking for your accommodation and flight to save you money. This is because the price of this stone will be high at other times because many tourists come. While November to April is the least tourist season, that's because it was the rainy season. The heavy rain creates tourists coming to Popondetta. But you will be cheap compared to other seasons for accommodation and flight prices. You have to get ready if you come at this time. Climbing and watching wildlife is also better during drought, and diving can be done throughout the year. In the rainy season, you can surf the beach at North Popondetta.

The climate of Papua New Guinea is hot, wet and is flooded by heavy rain during the rainy season of November to April. The dry months are from May to October, in general, it is the most pleasant month and overlapping with many festivals.

The Oro culture has a strictly non-written protocol that is passed down through generation. People believe that their culture is a light flare that recognises who they are and marks the characters, attitudes, values and practices that must be followed in their daily lives and during rituals and ceremonies. You can watch the Tapa and Tatto festival. The event was officially opened with a national anthem sung by Orokaiva by school children and the crowd for a truly unique experience. You can better recognise the local culture more if you are watching this festival. In the past, tattoos were not just icons of beauty but also reflections of the character and strength of a woman.

What are the Top 3 Things to Do in Popondetta?

1. Ondahari Village - located about 40 minutes north of Popondetta. It is a settlement to the world's largest butterfly Queen Alexandra birdwing. You will be surprised by its 25cm long wings and three similar species packing their wings in the old rainforest. Ondahari has a village guest house if you want to stay there for a longer period. With reduced rainforests for oil palm plantations, this fragile species and on the threatened list make it hard to see.

2. Kokoda Trail - Kokoda Town is approximately two hours’ drive from Popondetta or a short flight from Port Moresby. You will find several guesthouses, guides and information. The challenging climb road reaches 2,190m, and along the climbing route, there is a place commemorating some of the incredible historic sites of World War II battles. It is hot and humid during the day, and it is very cool at night.

3. Varirata national park - it has an area of 1,000 hectares. Varirata is a habitat of the national symbol of paradise, bird-paradise. Deer and other animals can be witnessed when you are there.