Hotels in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is a country located in the southwestern Pacific and Port Moresby acts as the capital of the country as well as the largest city. It is well known as one of the most linguistic and culturally diverse countries in the world and also one of the most rural with only 18 per cent stay in urban centres. There are 852 known languages in the country, of which 12 now have no known living speakers. It is a hidden gem and least explored, culturally and geographically.

It was mapped in the 1930s and brought under government control in the late 1960s. Papua New Guinea is classified as a developing economy by the International Monetary Fund. The development comes from the mining and resource sector which transformed this country into the sixth-fastest-growing economy in the world in 2011. Numerous Chinese have worked and lived in Papua New Guinea, and establish Chinese-majority communities. Chinese merchants became established in the islands before European exploration. Anti-Chinese rioting involving tens of thousands of people broke out in May 2009. Papua New Guinea asked various Southeast Asian nations for their support for Papua New Guinea's full membership bid in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Indonesia supported the bid after Papua New Guinea supported Indonesia's hold on West Papua. In 2012, despite a refugee crisis at the border of Papua New Guinea and West Papua, the country was steadfast in its support of Indonesia, which promised Papua New Guinea a greater role in ASEAN in the future. In January 2017, Papua New Guinea gave citizenship to 138 West Papuan refugees in a bid to calm tensions. From March to April 2018, a chain of earthquakes hit Papua New Guinea, causing various damage. Various nations from Oceania, Australia, the Philippines and Timor-Leste immediately sent aid to the country.

Papua New Guinea is divided into many areas that have become the main attraction among local and international tourists. Alotau is a laid-back capital of Milne Bay province and gateway to some fascinating and composed of islands. There is an amazing highland town with pleasant climate called Goroka. It is also the centre of the country's coffee industry and the venue of annual Goroka Show. Mountain Hagen is a town in the Highlands with a cool climate and visitors can enjoy many activities such as hiking and learning on the culture of villagers. Those who interested to see flying bats, Madang is a beautiful city with magnificent flights of bats in the evening. Besides that, there is Vanimo which is the border town of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. It is a popular surfing destination as Vanimo has amazing beaches. Wewak is the gateway to the Sepik River where you can experience the Sepik culture, the river itself, and the elaborate carvings typical of the region.

Papua New Guinea has many languages than any other nation on earth except Vanuatu. It has more languages than any other country with over 820 indigenous languages. The most widely spoken indigenous language is Enga, with about 200,000 speakers, followed by Melpa and Huli. The primary language of the country is Tok Pisin which is commonly known in English as New Guinean Pidgin or Melanesian Pidgin. The only area where Tok Pisin is not prevalent in the southern region of Papua, where people often use the third official language, Hiri Motu. English is also used for government and the education system, but it is not spoken widely.

As for food, the cuisines are mainly comprised of various spices. Mumu is known as a way of cooking using an underground oven in which meat and vegetables, such as Kaukau (sweet potatoes), are cooked. There is also rice and another form of starch. In addition, tourists also can enjoy local and international cuisines at restaurants, cafes and hotels. Besides that, beers and wines are often served warm due to a lack of refrigeration in certain areas. Local homebrew known as stim is very strong, not safe and the drink of choice of the raskols. Alcohol is widely available everywhere on licensed alcohol-selling premises.

Nationals of all European Union/European Economic Area member states, Andorra, Argentina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Cook Islands, Ecuador, Fiji, Guam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Monaco, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Peru, the Philippines, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Uruguay, Vanuatu and Vatican City may obtain a free visa valid for 60 days upon arrival, provided that they arrive through the airports at Port Moresby or Tokua (Rabaul).For visitors possess an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) from Australia, Brunei, Chile, China (PRC), Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam is valid for travel to Papua New Guinea can enter visa-free for up to 60 days. A visa or entry permit can be obtained in advance at a Papua New Guinea embassy, high commission or consulate. The application fee (per person) is 75 kina (tourist/visitor), 200 kinas (yachts person), 500 kina (businessperson/journalist) or 50 kinas (sportsperson). If you live in a country that does not have a Papua New Guinean embassy or consulate, you may be able to apply for a PNG visa in advance at an Australian or British embassy, high commission or consulate.

How to Get There?

By Plane

The best- known way to reach Papua New Guinea is by using the plane. Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby is the nation's main international airport. This busy airport caters for international and domestic flights. The national airline of Papua New Guinea is Air Niugini which flies to and from many parts of the other countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, Manila, Brisbane and many more. Other airlines that frequently fly to Papua New Guinea are Philippine Airline, Qantas and Virgin Australia that connects Port Moresby to Brisbane four times a week. Visitors from Malaysia can take a flight to Singapore and fly from Singapore to Papua New Guinea.

What to Do There?

Vanimo River

If you come to Papua New Guinea, bird watching is a must activity to do. Papua New Guinea is home to various species of birds. Among them is Cassowary, Bird of Paradise, Victoria crowned pigeon and many more. There is numerous location in Papua New Guinea where tourists can enjoy this activity. For instance, Vanimo, Tabubil and Bensbach river. Heritage Expeditions run voyages on an expedition ship and assign Birding Expert/Lecturer onboard who acts as a guide and to explain more on various types of birds. Visitors can bring binoculars and ask villagers to help find the bird. Another popular attraction here is trekking through the mountains, coastal lowlands and rolling foothills of the Kokoda and other trails.

Goroka

The most popular activities for tourists here are festivals such as The Sing-Sing performances at the annual Goroka and Mount Hagen shows. The festivals attract many local and international tourists to participate in a competition. During these shows, the winning ensemble is rewarded by being invited to give concerts at many restaurants and hotels during the following year.

Where to Stay?

Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby

Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby is located 15 minutes away from Ela Beach and a 10-minute drive to Port Moresby International Airport. Every guestroom is well- equipped with standard amenities such as television, work desk, and private bathroom with complimentary toiletries and hairdryer. Besides that, guests can fill up leisure time by exercising at the fitness centre and swimming at the pool. As for dining options, there are top- class restaurants and bar on site where it serves local and international food.

Grand Papua Hotel

Grand Papua hotel features amazing accommodation and also one of the popular choices to stay among local and international travellers. Besides located nearby attractions in the city, the Grand Papua Hotel offers modern rooms, a day spa, 2 restaurants, 2 bars and a swimming pool. All guest rooms feature a desk, a refrigerator, large flat-screen television and an iPod docking station. Bathrobes, slippers and deluxe guest toiletries are also provided. As for dining options, The Grand Brasserie serves a fresh selection of Asian and Pacific Rim cuisines and the Grand Bar offers a range of beer and wine.

Gateway Hotel

Gateway Hotel is a popular place to stay as it is located nearby Jacksons International Airport and just a short drive to government offices. All air-conditioned rooms feature a refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities and en-suite bathroom with a shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. Besides that, guests also can enjoy facilities at the hotel such as swimming pool, free 24 hours airport shuttle, tennis court and fitness centre. As for dining options, Wild Orchid Restaurant offers modern cuisine with Pacific Island and Asian influences. In addition, Rattle n Hum Bistro serves burgers, fish and chips and Enzo's Express Takeaway. Guests can catch live entertainment each Friday night and big-screen TVs showing live sports.