The main attractions of Papua New Guinea: review and photos. Shopping and shops

The first European to see the shores of Papua New Guinea was the Portuguese navigator Jorge de Meneses, who in 1526-1527 named the island Ilhas dos Papuas (Island of Curly Hair), and the Spaniard Inigo Ortiz de Ret a little later called it New Guinea ( the reason for this is the same thick hair of the islanders - de Ret considered them to be descendants of the Guinean tribes of Africa).

Further exploration of the vast territory around New Guinea was carried out successively by Bougainville, Cook, Stanley and John Moresby, after whose campaigns European ships practically disappeared from these waters for several centuries.

However, in 1824, Holland, relying on the power of its colonies in the region, declared its rights to the western part of the island New Guinea, in 1884 Germany took possession of the northern part of the territory, and just three days later Great Britain declared a protectorate over the southern coast of the island (outright annexation occurred four years later).

In 1906, British New Guinea became known as Papua, and administration of the territory was transferred to newly independent Australia. With the outbreak of World War I, Australian troops captured the capital of the German territories, Rabaul, and took control of the German part of New Guinea.

In 1920, the League of Nations officially transferred these territories to Australia. Twenty years later everything northern islands And most of north coast New Guinea was captured by the Japanese, who were rapidly advancing south, and by 1942, fierce fighting had broken out throughout the territory between the Imperial Army and Allied forces.

By 1945 mainland countries and the island of Bougainville were recaptured, but the Mikado army turned New Ireland, Rabaul and New Britain into an impregnable fortress, equipping extensive defensive lines (about 600 km of tunnels alone were dug), the fighting on which continued until the surrender of Japan.

After the war, the eastern half of New Guinea was returned to Australia and became a mandate territory of Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia took control of the Dutch part of the island (in 1963 this territory was annexed by the Indonesian state as Irian Jaya). Papua New Guinea was granted self-government in 1973 and declared full independence in 1975.

Nowadays Papua New Guinea is a land of wild and unexplored land, virtually unknown to European tourists, a country of harsh conditions and unique nature. On this piece of land, only slightly larger in area than Germany and the Benelux countries combined, such a variety of living beings and natural complexes is concentrated that they can, perhaps, be compared with the whole of Eurasia.

Stifling rainforest regions give way to cold mountainous regions, centuries-old swamps lie next to equally ancient coral reefs, and jagged limestone cliffs border plains covered with emerald green grass.

Plus hundreds of unique tribes and peoples with their own traditions and amazing history, thousands of species of exotic plants and many dozens of species of unique animals, from tiny tree kangaroos or birds of paradise to huge butterflies. It is this diversity, left completely untouched by man for so long, that attracts thousands of researchers, anthropologists and travelers.

Port Moresby

The capital of Papua New Guinea and the country's main gateway, Port Moresby is located on a peninsula in the superb natural Fairfax Harbor lying on the south-eastern shore of the island, in the wider Gulf of Papua.

The hills surrounding the capital are extremely picturesque, and almost the entire mouth of Fairfax Bay is blocked by powerful coral reefs, so there are many sports organizations here. The city has all the conditions for scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing, sea fishing, water skiing, golf, tennis and squash, and some lack of equipment and qualified instructors is more than compensated by the unique conditions of the surrounding nature. However, most interesting places located outside the city limits, in the Central District.

Central District

The Central District covers a narrow strip along the southern coast of the Gulf of Papua to the eastern tip of the island of New Guinea, as well as the southern slopes of the central mountain range. To the northeast of Port Moresby are the spectacular Rouna Falls, and nearby National Park Varirata is the country's first nature reserve.

Covering an area of approximately 1,000 hectares, the park was originally a hunting ground for the chiefs of the coastal Koiari tribes, and now features almost all of the region's flora and fauna, including birds of paradise, wallabies and deer. There are a dozen and a half routes along the reserve hiking trails, at the end of which a beautiful panorama of Port Moresby and the green coastline opens. Just north of Port Moresby, the Brown River is a pleasant place for swimming, rafting and picnicking.

The trail goes through rugged and beautiful mountain areas, under the canopies of dense tropical forest, past numerous clear rivers and waterfalls, visiting battle sites - bunkers, caponiers, artillery positions and defensive lines of both warring sides.

Just 46 kilometers from Port Moresby, the picturesque Sogeri Plateau begins - the starting point for the Kokoda Trail.

Here, at an altitude of about 800 meters above sea level, the air is fresh and cool, and the numerous rubber plantations and ethnic villages only add to the charm. Here, in the town of Six Miles, near the airport, is Village Arts, a state-owned store with the best collection of folk arts and crafts in the country.

Nearby are the historic Bomana War Cemetery with a beautiful park and the Moitaka Farm, which researches and breeds crocodiles and other living inhabitants of the region.

To the east of the capital, the popular Idlers Beach begins, and in the waters of the bay lie the Sinasi Reef and Daugo Island, famous for their beautiful corals and white sandy beaches.

Further east, just fifteen minutes' drive from Port Moresby, is one of the best resorts islands - Loloata Island Resort (www.loloata.com). Surrounded by one of the largest coral reefs on the planet, it offers excellent conditions for snorkeling, diving, fishing and more. aquatic species recreation (nearby is marine park"Oceanarium").

Northern District, or Oro

Few people, when mentioning New Guinea, expect to hear about fjords. However, the coast Northern District around the town of Tufi really most resembles the rocks of Norway or Iceland, with the only difference being that the water here is always warm, and these beautiful rocks were formed not by the influence of a glacier, but by the tectonic forces of the Earth. Cape Nelson, jutting out into the Solomon Sea, was formed by the eruption of three volcanoes, whose rapidly hardening lava ran down to the water, creating numerous rock tongues and gorges, so similar to classic fjords.

The clear waters of the local fjords, going down to a depth of 90 meters, are teeming with a huge number of representatives of tropical ichthyofauna, and the rocks themselves rise above the water to a height of more than 150 meters. The wide mouths of the bays are protected by reefs, and the shores are often covered with mangrove forests, over which hang vertical slopes of gorges covered with mosses and orchids, from which cascades of waterfalls fall.

It is not surprising that in such a beautiful place a tourist infrastructure is being intensively created, the fulcrum of which is the city of Tufi, from where diving tours and many various trips related to bird watching, deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, canoeing or simply doing nothing on the white sandy beaches are regularly organized. the shores framing Cape Nelson from both the north and south.

It was also the site of fierce fighting during the Second World War, so the surrounding area is replete with traces of those battles, and at Hiropa Plantation, on Buna Road, there is a Japanese plaque commemorating the 15,000 Imperial Army soldiers who died here. On the slopes active volcano Mount Lamington is home to thousands of birds.

Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands lie not in the south at all, but in the very center of the country. This region is often called "Wonderland" because until 1935 this chaos of mountain ranges and evergreen forested valleys was practically one big blank spot on all maps of the world.

The Kikori, Erave and Strickland rivers take off from here, the second highest mountain of the island, Jiluwe (2900 meters), is located here, caves of enormous depth have been discovered and amazing peoples live, whose acquaintance with modern civilization is limited only to occasional meetings with the inhabitants mountain towns. This is one of the few places on the planet where traditional ways of life are evident in almost every aspect of local life.

Ancient ceremonial rituals are present everywhere, men and women still wear traditional dress, and huts are still built from stones and branches of bushes. The fresh air of the mountains is ideal for numerous excursions, and under the canopy of a dense tropical forest you can see (and hear) dozens of bird species, clear rivers with numerous waterfalls.

It is also calm and very beautiful lake provides refuge to almost a hundred species of birds, and its shores abound with reptiles and insects. Above the water's edge local residents They built a small boarding house, and used only local materials and traditional construction methods. From here they depart regularly walking tours to the very beautiful places in the vicinity of the lake.

The Mendi Valley is also well known for its beautiful landscapes, limestone caves and the Uli Vig hunters who paint their faces red and yellow and wear elaborate wigs made from human hair.

Eastern Highlands

A land of gold mines and coffee plantations, the Eastern Highlands are more susceptible to European influence than any of the country's other upland regions. The Highlanders still live in neat villages, clusters of round huts surrounded by low walls and meadows of feather grass-like kunai grass. Traditional rituals and dress here are gradually being replaced by jeans and cowgirls, and English speech can be heard much more often than in other regions of the country.

The biggest locality region - Goroka (population about 25 thousand people) is its agricultural and commercial center.

Also nearby is the village of Asaro, inhabited by representatives of the ethnic group of the same name, widely known for its ritualism, as well as the unusual tradition of covering their bodies with gray mud (legend says that in this way Asaro warriors frightened their enemies, who mistook them for ghosts - theatrical illustrations of this particular legend are the centerpiece of the Goroka Festival).

And around there are endless coffee plantations, through which you can access the Kotuni trout farm, or the large cultural center of Kainantu (however, it is better to go here through the Kassim or Lae pass), where not only traditional local crafts are sold; but they also teach local woodworking or weaving technologies.

Chimbu District

In the heart of the highlands lies Chimbu District, the country's smallest and most densely populated region. The mountain slopes here literally rear up - the entire area is occupied by steep mountain ranges, dissected by deep and often inaccessible valleys. The highest point of the country is also located here. most popular place for climbers from all over the region - Mount Wilhelm (4509 meters).

The main way to relax here is active. Trekking trails of all difficulty levels scatter throughout the district, going past traditional villages of the Chimbu (Simbu) tribal group, through dense tropical forest, past pristine rivers with their trout farms, along the shores of the beautiful Pindaunde lakes, where there is a small lodge. The landscapes here are breathtaking - on a clear day you can see almost the entire island from the mountain slopes, from the northern coast to the southern, and the climate is cool (there is even snow cover on the peaks).

Just a few kilometers from Kundiawa, almost next to the main road, lie the Keu Caves, where speleological tours are often organized (there are many other caves in the vicinity, but most of them are burial places for soldiers killed in battles and are therefore closed to the public), and The local rivers Vagi and Purari, according to many experts, are among the best in the world for organizing rafting and kayaking.

Western Highlands

Western Highlands District lies between Chimbu, Enga and Southern Highlands Districts. The mountainous land of the region is covered with dense equatorial forests of the lowlands and green alpine meadows of the mountain slopes, merging into the ever-shrouded mountain peaks.

55km north of Mount Hagen, Bayer River Reserve is one of the best places in the country to see the famous birds of paradise, possums, tree kangaroos, parrots and cassowaries in their natural habitat. Hiking trails to the valleys of the Vaga and Ter rivers or trekking routes to the southwestern slopes of Mount Wilhelm begin from here.

Western District

On south coast islands of New Guinea, between the border with Irian Jaya and west coast Gulf of Papua, lies the Western District - the main agricultural region of the country. The region's wide open fields and marshy river valleys are teeming with life - home to Rusa deer, wallabies, wild pigs, crocodiles and lizards. And all this is just a few steps from domestic flocks and waterfowl - the region's residents manage to find a delicate balance between providing for their own food needs and protecting the original inhabitants of this land.

The main city of the district, Daru, is located on a small island of the same name near the southeast coast of the country, in the Torres Strait.

Once a small center for pearl and sea cucumber fishing, it has now become a fast-growing trading and fishing port, somewhat reminiscent of the ever-bustling Arab seaside towns. Its main export product is crocodile skin and products made from it, so the local market is constantly flooded with lovers of fashion accessories and tourists from Australia (Cape York is only 180 km from here - a trifle by the scale of the region).

The main tourist attraction of the Western District is Bensbach Wildlife Lodge, located on the river of the same name, whose mouth forms the border between Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya. The vast plain of the Bensbach River is almost entirely flooded during the season, providing unique living conditions for a myriad of birds and fish (the lodge is considered one of the best fishing spots in the country), and during the dry season, herds of ungulates roam this analogue of the Nile Valley.

In the upper reaches of the Fly River, which flows through the district, there is one of the largest gold and copper mines on the planet - Ok Tedi. Opened in 1980, it produces about 80 thousand tons of ore daily; it is not difficult to guess that the Fly River is also gold-bearing - amateur gold mining on its banks has long turned into a kind of tourist attraction (the content of the precious metal in local sediments is small, but the process itself is entertaining ).

Lake Murray (Murray), located in the very center of the district, is the largest floodplain lake in Papua New Guinea and in the rainy season increases its area five times, filling more than 400 square meters. km of meadows and valleys. Now a crocodile research station has been opened on the lake, offering tourists other environmental services.

Sepik District

The Sepik River, the valley of which forms the Sepik River northwestern district country, is one of the largest river systems in the region (the length of the river itself is about 1126 km). This vast region north of the Bismarck Ridge is almost entirely occupied by a huge river basin, marshy lowlands and tropical forests, turning into mountain slopes, whose peaks are often crowned with snow caps (at the equator!).

This secluded corner of the planet with its oily brown rivers, dozens of tribes, many of which are barely above stone Age, their myths, magic and rituals, is ideal place for fans of extreme tourism. Along the banks of the rivers there are a series of colorful local villages with their stilt houses, long canoes with noses like crocodile heads, lakes overgrown with exotic flowers, and local misty sunrises and stunning sunsets are said to have no analogues on the planet.

Good beaches for relaxation and diving are located in the area of Cape Moem, in the Mapik region you can get acquainted with the amazing culture of the Abalem tribes, around Madang - the capital of the region of the same name - with the art of local potters, in the village of Timbunke - with local construction methods. Near the capital of East Sepik - the city of Wewak - you can visit Cape Vom (Uom) - the site of the surrender of the last Japanese garrison on the island (here on September 13, 1945, Lieutenant General Adachi signed the act of surrender and presented his sword to General Robertson) with its war memorial and old an airfield around which silent evidence of that war is scattered in abundance (Wewak itself also has a Japanese war cemetery and a Peace Park).

The village of Kanganaman is famous for its recently restored "house of spirits" (the local house tambaran is considered a national monument), and Korhogo is famous for its "mei" masks ( local tribes since ancient times they have used totemic symbols from the world of insects), in Vaskuska there is also a beautiful “house of spirits”, in Yigei they make traditional tom-toms “garamut” (when rafting on the river their sound can be heard everywhere), and in the village of Svagap (Suagap) they make simple and elegant pottery in folk style.

From September to January the 260-kilometer coastline near Wutung attracts hundreds of surfers, and strong northwest winds between December and March create excellent conditions for windsurfing. A short distance from the town of Aitape (founded by the Germans in 1905) lie several small islands. There were also bloody battles in this area, so in the waters around the islands and the old Taji airfield you can find several dozen crashed planes and warships (there is a war memorial near Taji).

Morobe District

In the very northeast of the island of New Guinea, on the Huon Peninsula around the bay of the same name, Morobe District is located. In these places, the densely forested Saruwaged Mountains, the northern spur of the Owen Stanley Range, overlook the coastline, forming a chain of small volcanic islands, and the southwestern part of the county lies within the fertile Markham Valley, sandwiched between high ridges.

Such a varied topography also resulted in the richest natural world The region - the interior and coast of Morobe abound with unique representatives of flora and fauna and are cut through by numerous excursion trails, especially frequent in the Wau Bulolo area.

Lae

The second largest city in Papua New Guinea, Lae was a tiny mission station until the 1920s, developing rapidly after the discovery of gold veins in the Wau region. Over the next twenty years he grew into main port and the industrial center of the northeast of the country.

Near Lae lies the town of Wau, which was previously a major gold mining center and now houses the Wau Institute of Ecology with a small museum and zoo. Near the city are McAdam National Park and Mount Kaindi, the pretty coastal town of Finschhafen (founded by German colonists in 1885, today it is the center of the island's Lutheran community), the Vatut (Watut) River with its beautiful raft sites, as well as the Thami Islands, whose population is widely known for its carved wooden balls, considered true works of art.

South of Lae lie the attractive Sialum coastline with coral terraces, the excellent Salamaua beach with good conditions for swimming, diving, windsurfing and hiking through the battlefields of World War II, the picturesque Labu Lakes in the Markham Valley (an interesting population of lake crocodiles here), the Siassi Islands with beautiful coral reefs, as well as the long ocean shores of Maus Buang and Labu Tali - nesting sites leatherback turtle, some representatives of which weigh up to 500 kg and reach a length of up to two meters.

Milne Bay District

The very east of Papua New Guinea, together with the groups of Trobriand Islands, Murua (Woodlark), Lachlan, D'Entrecasteaux, Louisiada, Conflict and Samarai, is part of the Milne Bay district. Formerly one huge naval base, the district is literally full of various traces of those events. It also includes 160 small islands and 500 reefs, scattered over an area of more than 250 thousand square kilometers, which turns it into a real Mecca for divers and fans of water sports.

The capital of the district is the town of Alotau, spectacularly located on the edge of Milne Bay, - excellent place to start getting acquainted with this unusual region. From here numerous ships depart to the island of Fergusson with its hot volcanic springs, mud fumaroles, geysers and volcanoes, picturesque island Mishima with its reefs and gold mines, Murua (Woodlark) island with its woodcarvers, the Trobriand Islands with their unique social system (local chiefs have enormous power and influence, but inheritance is through the female line)

and the colorful harvest festival of Milamala, to the island of Kiriwina with its freshwater caves (an amazing phenomenon for the small islands of the region) and ritual caves near the village of Matawa, to the island of Goodenau, in the center of which rises a large stone with mysterious inscriptions, as well as to numerous small reefs, waters around which contain the ruins of hundreds of sunken ships and warplanes from the Second World War.

New Britain

The island of New Britain (area 37.8 thousand sq. km), lying 30 km northeast of the coast of New Guinea, forms two administrative regions - Western and Eastern. This is the most big Island Bismarck Archipelago - from east to west it stretches for almost 475 km, and from north to south - from 35 to 85 km. Its northern shores are washed by the waters of the Bismarck Sea, and its southern shores by the Solomon Sea.

Despite its age (about 10 million years), the island is mountainous and active - a low slope runs along its entire length. Mountain chain, replete with volcanic peaks, fumaroles and green valleys. There are especially many volcanoes in the northern part of the island - here they stretch in an almost continuous series high peaks active volcanoes Langila (Cape Gloucester, 1330 meters), Bamus (2248 meters), Ulawun (the highest high volcano Bismarck Archipelago, 2334 meters), many of them having extensive calderas. The southern slopes of the mountains are composed of limestone, and therefore abound in caves, grottoes and picturesque outlier rocks.

Rabaul

City of Rabaul - official capital island and one of its most tragic monuments. Once the richest and most beautiful city in the country, which became the scene of fierce fighting during World War II, the city of flowering gardens and a rich port was almost completely destroyed in September 1994 by the eruption of the Tavurvur volcano, and its inhabitants were evacuated to other parts of the island.

All that remains of its former appearance are the neighborhoods around the Simpson Bay harbor half-buried with black volcanic ash, some port buildings (the port is still operational!) and numerous underground structures of a huge (total length of almost 576 km) tunnel system dug by the Japanese during the war.

Having driven through the black streets of the city, most similar to the scenery of some apocalyptic film, you can exit through the relatively undamaged Mango Avenue to a real oasis of miraculously surviving (and carefully restored) tourist hotels. If you have some courage, you can dive in the harbor of Rabaul, which stores in its depths tens and hundreds of warplanes and ships of the Second World War. Then drive east to the town of Kokopo with its Museum military history and the ruins of Gunanthambu Mansion, built in the 1880s by the legendary "Queen Emma".

Duke of York Island is a 45-minute boat ride from Kokopo, renowned for its excellent diving and snorkelling conditions, while the surrounding lagoons offer canoeing, windsurfing, waterskiing and yachting. Or you can head north to Kabakada, where the extreme popular resort Kulau Lodge, built right on the beach in traditional local style.

Volcanic caves, thick coral thickets and the clear blue waters of the bay are home to huge amount sea inhabitants. There is also a popular dive site known as "The Cathedral" - a vast horseshoe of coral reef with a large cave at one end. The inner side is formed by an extended strip white sand, and the outer one - with the richest coral “gardens”.

Muruk Cave in the Nakanai region is believed to be the deepest underground system in the southern hemisphere (French cavers recently traversed part of the tunnels to a depth of 1,200 meters below the entrance level, but did not reach the end of the tunnels). The small town of Talasea is located on the shores of the Williams Peninsula, the adjacent bay is widely known for its “necklace” of small islands, the ruins of American bombers from World War II and active volcanism.

Talasea is the center for the production of traditional local "money" from cowrie shells, and obsidian (volcanic glass) mined in these parts has been found in excavations in many areas of Oceania, with many of these samples dating back to the third millennium BC. And on the island of Pangula, the Vabua Valley (Valley of Hot Water) with several dozen geysers and fumaroles deserves attention.

The best surfing spots - www.surfingpapuanewguinea.org.pg - are located along the coast of Vanimo (West Sepik, 30 km from the Indonesian border), on the sandy beaches in the Kavieng area (New Ireland Island).

It is located in the Indian Ocean north of the Australian continent. It is usually classified as Oceania. However, New Guinea is almost equally divided by the vertical border. The western part belongs to Indonesia, and the right part belongs to the state of Papua New Guinea. Therefore, its western part is often referred to as Asia. Its closest neighbors are the Moluccas to the north, New Britain Island to the east, and Australia to the south. The island of New Guinea itself is simply huge. It is the second largest island in the world, only Greenland is larger. There are many small islands around New Guinea. Some of them are inhabited by Aboriginal people, others are deserted.

Nature and climate of the island of New Guinea

On the island the flat terrain gives way to mountain ranges. In the western part there is a massif called Maoke. Its highest peak, Puncak Jaya, almost reaches an altitude of 4.9 km above sea level. The Bismarck Mountains to the east are only slightly inferior in scope and height. Mount Wilhelm has a height of about 4.5 km above sea level.

Proximity to the equator and distance from civilization made this island a real corner wildlife. Researchers count about 11 thousand species of plants, hundreds of species of animals and insects here. There is a place on the island called the Garden of Eden. It was discovered only in 2005. The Garden of Eden is a site in the western part of New Guinea, it covers an area of 300 thousand hectares. Its location allowed the Garden of Eden to remain isolated until recently. Researchers discovered here many species of frogs, butterflies and plants that science knew nothing about. To their surprise, they found here the so-called “bird of paradise,” which was considered extinct, and the rarest mammal, the tree kangaroo.

The climate in the south and north of New Guinea is different. Northern part lies in the equatorial belt, the southern one - in the subequatorial belt. The hottest weather is usually on the coast and small islands. In the north of the island the climate is uniform throughout the year. During the day the air temperature stays around +30ºС, at night it drops to approximately +24ºС. In southern New Guinea, the seasons vary more widely. In summer the weather is about the same as in the north. During the winter period, which lasts from May to September, the temperature during the day is around +28ºС, and at night – about 22ºС. If you do not tolerate heat well, it is better to choose central or mountainous areas for your holiday. There the air temperature is always 7-10 degrees lower. At high altitudes at night the air temperature can drop to +6ºС. Therefore, you will have to take care of warm things.

The humidity on the island is different everywhere. Moreover, it is never possible to guess where there will be more rain and where there will be less. The rainy season usually lasts from December to March. However, even in summer, showers are not uncommon here. They are especially common on small islands off the coast of New Guinea.

Attractions and population of New Guinea

When going on holiday to New Guinea, don't expect to see many cultural monuments. There are no majestic architectural structures to be found here; famous poets and painters were not born here. But the island itself is amazing. It fascinates with its wild tropical nature. And a separate point is the local population. Scattered throughout New Guinea are traditional villages inhabited by Aboriginal people who have preserved their ancient culture.

An interesting landmark of Papua New Guinea is the Giluwe volcano. It has two peaks at once, and on its slopes stretch alpine meadows. This is the highest volcano in all of Oceania and Australia. Its height is about 4.4 km above sea level. The first ascent of Giluwe Peak was made by two Australians - Mick and Dan Leahy. Nowadays, tourists are invited to repeat the expedition of the Leahy brothers and climb to the very mouth of the volcano. The view from the top is simply fantastic.

Another interesting place is the Cook settlement. It was named after the famous discoverer, sailor James Cook, who made many voyages and made a significant contribution to the study of the life of the people of Australia and Oceania. The Cook settlement is also called the Cook swamps, which are located in the Wagha valley, at an altitude of 1.5 km above sea level. Thanks to archaeological excavations, it became known that many thousands of years ago, local tribes were excellent in the art of agriculture. The researchers' findings made it possible to create a complete picture of the life of the aborigines - how they moved from gathering to agriculture and cattle breeding. Even 4 thousand years ago they had a developed drainage system that allowed them to supply the soil with moisture.

The city of Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, is also worth visiting. It is located on a peninsula jutting out into the sea. At its tip is the historical center of the city, which locals call Town. There is also a high Pag hill, from the top of which a wonderful view of the entire city opens. In Port Mosby you can see buildings dating back to the late 19th century. Of particular architectural interest are the United Church of Ella and the Houses of Parliament. The appearance of the city is very diverse. Here you can see old huts on stilts next to high-rise office buildings made of concrete and glass. You can learn about the history and culture of the country at the National Museum, which is located in the city center. Port Mosby is also home to the National Botanical Park. Plants from all over the country are collected here. It is worth paying attention to the exhibition, designed in the form of a map of Papua New Guinea. The plants on it are planted in such a way that they reflect the characteristics of the flora of each corner of the country. Here you can also see a huge collection of orchids. You will travel between vines and tropical thickets on wooden decks, enjoying the beauty and aromas of these exotic flowers. In addition, the botanical park is home to many tropical birds and some animals. Couscous and tree kangaroos always cause delight and tenderness among tourists. These are completely safe and very cute little animals.

Only its colorful population can compare with the natural beauty of New Guinea. To get acquainted with the life and culture of the most vibrant and unusual tribes, you need to go to the eastern part of the island - Papua New Guinea. This is where the Papuans live - the aborigines who have lived outside civilization for thousands of years. Of course, the tribes are gradually adapting to the modern world. While women and men wear traditional straw skirts or prefer nudity, children can already be seen wearing cloth shorts or jeans. It is impossible to say anything definite about the tribes. The fact is that about 7 million people live here. At the same time, researchers discovered about 850 various languages and dialects and as many ethnic groups, each of which has its own unique culture, beliefs and traditions. The largest tribe, Dani, occupies an area of central region islands. Their settlements are open to tourists. Here you can learn about the traditions of the tribe, which include cannibalism and wars with neighboring villages. You will be shown local crafts, Papuan costumes and even ancient mummies. An extremely unusual sight.

If you want to get acquainted with all the tribes at once, it is worth visiting one of the festivals of Papua New Guinea, where the aborigines represent their culture by dressing up in the craziest and brightest outfits and performing traditional songs and ritual dances. The largest holiday is Papua New Guinea's Independence Day. On the eve of this day, the Goroka Festival is held. It is here that you can see hundreds of representatives of different tribes. Their bodies are painted in the wildest colors, their necks are hung with massive shell necklaces, and their heads are crowned with headdresses richly decorated with tropical bird feathers, dried plants, bones and other natural materials. Once you visit the Goroka festival, you will have enough impressions for the rest of your life.

(Bougainville, Buka), D'Entrecasteaux Islands and more than 200 small islands. This article will tell you what a holiday in New Guinea is like, attractions, entertainment and prices in the country.

The total area of New Guinea is 462.8 thousand square meters. km. The island was once part of the mainland, then, due to rising sea levels, it became an island separated from Australia by the Torres Strait. This fact explains that the same marsupials live in New Guinea as on the mainland.

The settlement of New Guinea occurred more than 45 thousand years ago by peoples from Asia. Europeans arrived here in the 16th century. During the period of colonization, the island belonged to several European countries. New Guinea gained independence in 1975.

The island's relief is mixed; there is both a flat part and areas covered with mountain ranges. The highest point rises 4.9 kilometers above sea level. The subequatorial climate in the south of the island gives way to the equatorial climate in the north. Winter here lasts from May to September, and from December to March is the heavy rainy season.

For domestic tourists, visiting this country seems distant and exotic. They are partly right. Here you can see something that you won’t see on advertised famous resorts. New Guinea has miraculously preserved virgin nature, untouched by technogenic civilization. Whites spread out along the entire ocean coast, sandy beaches, returning tourists hundreds of years ago, when, in the 16th century, a European first set foot on these lands.

New Guinea on the map:

And today a white person begins his acquaintance with these regions from the capital of the state, Port Moresby. The city is very interesting, colorful, and offers a rich excursion program. Although local hotels do not boast of the “Hilton” level of service, they provide everything necessary for the guest.

The islands of New Guinea are of volcanic origin and are surrounded by countless picturesque lagoons, reefs, underwater plateaus, around which underwater life boils in its amazing diversity. Coastal ocean waters since the times when great things happened geographical discoveries, hide the skeletons lost ships full of treasures. This is an amazing region with its own mysteries and secrets.

Climate Features

New Guinea has a humid, tropical climate, and most of the territory has a mountainous terrain. High ridges stretch across the entire country (Bismarck Ridge, Central Ridge, Owen-Stanley Ridge). Many volcanoes and mountain peaks rise 3,000 meters or more above sea level, and the height of the peak of Mount Wilhelm is 4,509 meters. Between the huge, significantly dissected rocks lie intermountain basins, about 1500 meters above sea level.

The climatic features of this region can be considered that the year here is divided into only two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. When changing them, no sudden temperature changes are observed. The thermometer fluctuates around +25℃ (lower in mountainous areas), and it gets really hot only near the coast. Another surprising thing is that each season comes to different areas of the country in different time. Rainfall generally occurs in most areas between December and March, with the dry season extending from May to October.

Attractions

An interesting event occurred in New Guinea in 2005. Scientists from the United States have discovered a place here where an ecosystem untouched by humans has been preserved. They called this place the “Garden of Eden.” The garden's area is 300,000 hectares; previously unknown animals, insects, several types of palm trees, and many different plants unknown to science were discovered on its territory. Representatives of the local fauna are not at all afraid of humans, they even allow themselves to be picked up. This proves that they also met people for the first time. “Gardens of Eden” is essentially a virgin tropical forest, reliably sheltered from outside influence, forgotten by time, in which not a single path has been trodden by man to this day. In this wonderful corner, everything remains the same as it was at the moment of creation.

Giluwe Volcano is located in the Southern Highlands province and is the highest volcano in all of Australia and Oceania. The slopes of the volcano are covered with green meadows. The peak of Giluwe was first conquered by Australians. Now many climbers come to New Guinea to repeat this ascent.

The National Botanical Garden is located in the capital, Port Moresby. With 3,000 varieties of orchids, this is the largest collection of orchids in the southern hemisphere. And for birds it is - real paradise, here you can thoroughly enjoy the singing of local birds of paradise. Tourists come here from all over the world to admire the amazing, huge collection of orchids collected here, walk along the hanging trails and get acquainted with the “ plant map» Guinea.

Bayer Nature Reserve is another natural attraction worth visiting. This river reserve, founded in 1968, has a huge area. Live here different types parrots, possums, tree kangaroos and other animals. Here you can take a tour along the river, stroll through unusually beautiful places and admire the scenery.

Where to visit

As mentioned above, coming here, tourists get an amazing opportunity to plunge into the world of pristine, wild nature, practically unaffected by human activity. Many nature reserves have been created here, National parks and gardens. First of all, it should be said about the “two-headed” (with two vertices) shield volcano Giluwe. It is located in the Southern Highlands, and rises to 4368 meters, being the second highest peak in Guinea, after Mount William, and the highest in Oceania and Australia. On the surface of Giluva you can see amazingly beautiful green alpine meadows.

Another, no less famous and amazing piece of paradise can be called the Bayer Nature Reserve, mentioned above. Created by nature itself, it is located in the river basin, 55 km from Mount Hagen. And represents amazing place, where you can best get an idea of the animal and plant diversity and richness of this region.

Definitely on the list of places worthy of attention, Lake Qutbu should be included. Situated in the Southern Highlands, it became famous picturesque views and the fact that rare species of fish were found in its waters. The area of the lake is about 50 km². Along its banks, the Qutbu is surrounded by wetland forests that are under state protection.

Can't be ignored in this review and New Guinea's first National Park - Variata. Located near the capital (only 42 km), it spreads over an area of more than 1000 hectares. In former times, these lands were favorite place hunting of local tribes. The park even has a religious building - a house tree, revered by the Koiaris tribe.

The so-called “Cook Swamps” deserve special mention - in the past, these were settlements of farmers located 1500 meters above sea level, in the Western Highlands and covering an area of 116 hectares. Since the middle of the last century, archaeologists have been constantly excavating the settlement site.

Last on this list, but by no means the last in its significance and value - National Museum New Guinea. By visiting its exhibition halls, you can get acquainted in detail with the features of national culture, existing traditions and rich history countries. Museum complex built in such a way that different, thematically divided parts of its exhibition are located in different parts cities. On the one hand, this seems inconvenient, but on the other, residents and guests of the capital have the opportunity to access the spiritual heritage from different “angles,” including architectural ones.

Peculiarities of national Guinean cuisine

The local menu does not look quite usual for Europeans. To our usual products, such as fish or meat, local chefs generously add stewed vegetables and exotic fruits (for example, passion fruit, papaya, mango, pineapples, bananas, etc.). IN national cuisine tuber crops are widely represented: kaukau, taro, sago, yam and pig. And the most popular dish local population- "Mu Mu". It includes ingredients such as rice, sweet potato, meat, herbs and spices.

However, the increased flows of foreign tourists contribute to the emergence of restaurants offering dishes from Chinese, European and Indonesian cuisine. As for alcohol, locals prefer beer made according to recipes that came from Australia and the Philippines.

Where is the best place to stay?

Finding a place to stay will not be a problem. Moreover, it is possible to choose a suitable option for any budget. If you can’t afford to stay in a hotel, you can easily take advantage of the hospitality of local residents, who will charge tourists a nominal fee for breakfast. And those for whom hotel accommodation seems preferable should pay attention to Kimbe Bay. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and there are coral reefs very close for diving. The apartments are air conditioned, there is free internet access, and there are bars and restaurants.

Another great hotel to consider is the Kimbe Bay West New Britain. From its windows there is a wonderful view of Pacific Ocean, and he himself, is located in the port of Kimbe - the “coral capital” of the world. The hotel is adjacent to the New Britain Island Highway. In the mornings, there is a buffet for guests, and at all other times the restaurant offers guests traditional Guinean dishes, as well as dishes from all over the world. The hotel works exchange office currency and there is a guarded parking lot.

Shopping at local stores

There are many large shopping centers and shops in the country. Most of them work from 9:00 to 17:00, on all days except weekends. But some retail outlets serve customers on Saturday (until 13:00) and even on Sunday. There are quite a lot of unusual goods produced in Guinea on the shelves. Large retail outlets service international bank cards, but withdrawing cash from them is a very problematic activity.

There are few ATMs, and those that exist are mainly located big cities and in the capital and serve only those clients who have an account with the national bank. Paying with a card on the periphery is almost impossible. On the other hand, traveler's checks are accepted in all branches, but you should be prepared for queues.

In Guinean markets, it is absolutely not customary to bargain, and in the provinces, you can only pay in the national currency, and, due to the shortage of banknotes with a small denomination, it is quite possible not to get your change.

Transport connection

New Guinea International Airport is located in its capital, Port Moresby. An air ticket from New Guinea will cost at least 800 euros one way. Coastal shipping exists between all the islands of the country.
There is a problem with other types of transport in the country. This is due to the fact that the road infrastructure is poorly developed. Taxi services are also very rare. Tourists usually rent a car, but to do this you need to have a credit card. bank card, international driver's license and driving experience. But when you have “wheels”, you have a great opportunity to go everywhere and see everything.

Criminal situation

In New Guinea, the crime rate is not much different from any other countries. The same crimes as everywhere else: scammers, thieves, hijackers, robbers, etc. Also, the Guinean police are not averse to making extra money from visitors. Basically, most of the offenses occur in cities and the capital. There are various criminal youth groups. However, thanks to the efforts of the authorities, these crimes do not take the form of an epidemic.

Safety

Doctors strongly advise anyone planning to visit this country to get a set of vaccinations. In the tropics, diseases such as typhoid, cholera and malaria are much more common. Moreover, if for some reason it is not possible to stay in a hotel and eat only in a restaurant. And in relation to children, doctors are even more categorical and urge parents to vaccinate their children against a whole bunch of possible diseases, which include: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, Japanese encephalitis and hepatitis B.

Knowledge of these subtleties and careful preparation for the trip is the key have an interesting holiday in New Guinea in 2020.

You can feel the atmosphere of the country in the video:

Port Moresby

The capital of Papua New Guinea and the country's main gateway, Port Moresby (population approximately 145,000) is located on a peninsula in the superb natural Fairfax Harbor lying on the island's south-eastern shore, in the wider Gulf of Papua. The city itself is relatively small - its entire historical core fits on a small peninsula between Walter Bay and Port Moresby Bay, but the neighborhoods that have grown over the past twenty years circle the entire Fairfax Harbor, forming a fairly spacious series of small suburbs and individual villages. The city was founded by Captain John Moresby in 1873 as a small colonial settlement, and the following year Christian missions that had emerged in the nearby village of Hanuabada and Yule Island (10 km west of the peninsula) merged with the camp, and Port Moresby began its rapid development as the administrative center of the region. This part of the country has a noticeably drier climate than the rest of New Guinea, so it is here that the main administrative and commercial institutions are gradually concentrated.

Port Moresby is a mixture of old colonial buildings, modern offices and run-down suburban houses. The city was heavily damaged during the fighting of World War II (it was the main transit base for Allied troops), so there are few attractions here. Most government buildings are located in the northern part of the city (Waigani district). Here is also the Parliament building (1984) in a colorful style that combines modern architecture and traditional motifs of the “houses of spirits” (haus tambaran) of the peoples of the island; big sports complex, built for the South Pacific Games held in Port Moresby in 1991; National Museum, where materials on the nature, ethnography, culture and history of Papua New Guinea are widely presented; Art Gallery with a large exhibition of cultural works of the island; a Catholic cathedral in an unusual style, as well as the restored pile complex of the village of Hanuabada, considered the symbol of the city.

The historical center of the city, which is simply called Town, is located slightly south of Vaigani and is bordered on the southwest by Paga Hill (98 meters high), which offers a wonderful view of the city. A port stretches along the northern shore of the Town, the southern coast is occupied by Ela Beach Park, and in the center there are old quarters in which buildings from the late 19th century have been preserved. The oldest building in Port Moresby is the Ela United Church, built in 1890. The Boroko area is home to the most modern office buildings and the most expensive hotels, as well as the largest shopping mall capital, which includes many restaurants, bars, banks and department stores. And a little further east along the coast stretches the Gordons district, whose boring appearance is noticeably “diluted” by the lively Gordons Market, which is one of the largest in the country.

The National Botanical Park (Port Moresby Botanical Gardens, open Monday to Friday, from 9.00 to 15.00, on weekends by appointment) is the main attraction of the capital - in addition to a huge number of plants from all over the country, this garden is a real bird's paradise. Here there is a corner made in the form of a map, and in each part of this unique map plants from the corresponding region of the country are collected. In addition to numerous representatives of the flora of the islands, there are more than three thousand varieties of orchids in natural conditions (the largest collection of these plants in the southern hemisphere of the planet), and about 2 kilometers of suspended trails and boardwalks are laid under the canopy of trees, allowing you to get acquainted with the local vegetation without harming it. harm.

The hills surrounding the capital are extremely picturesque, and almost the entire mouth of Fairfax Bay is blocked by powerful coral reefs, so there are many sports organizations here. The city has all the conditions for scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing, sea fishing, water skiing, golf, tennis and squash, and some lack of equipment and qualified instructors is more than compensated by the unique conditions of the surrounding nature. However, most of the interesting places are located outside the city limits, in the Central District.

Central District
The Central District covers a narrow strip along the southern coast of the Gulf of Papua to the eastern tip of the island of New Guinea, as well as the southern slopes of the central mountain range. To the north-east of Port Moresby are the spectacular Rouna Falls, and nearby Warirata National Park, the country's first nature reserve. Covering an area of approximately 1,000 hectares, the park was originally a hunting ground for the chiefs of the coastal Koiari tribes, and now features almost all of the region's flora and fauna, including birds of paradise, wallabies and deer. There are a dozen walking trails throughout the reserve, at the end of which a beautiful panorama of Port Moresby and the green coastline opens. Just north of Port Moresby, the Brown River is a pleasant place for swimming, rafting and picnicking.

Nearby begins the famous Kokoda Trail, which connects the northern and southern coasts of the island. This essentially ordinary mountain trail passes through the extremely picturesque places of the Owen Stanley Range, being at the same time the most popular historical excursion in the country - it was along this trail that the most brutal battles broke out between the Japanese and the Allied forces during the Second World War. The trail goes through rugged and beautiful mountain areas, under the canopies of dense tropical forest, past numerous clear rivers and waterfalls, visiting battle sites - bunkers, caponiers, artillery positions and defensive lines of both warring sides.

Just 46 kilometers from Port Moresby, the picturesque Sogeri Plateau begins - the starting point for the Kokoda Trail. Here, at an altitude of about 800 meters above sea level, the air is fresh and cool, and the numerous rubber plantations and ethnic villages only add to the charm. Here, in the town of Six Miles, near the airport, is Village Arts, a state-owned store with the best collection of folk arts and crafts in the country. Nearby are the historic Bomana War Cemetery with a beautiful park and the Moitaka Farm, which researches and breeds crocodiles and other living inhabitants of the region.

To the east of the capital, the popular Idlers Beach begins, and in the waters of the bay lie the Sinasi Reef and Daugo Island, famous for their beautiful corals and white sandy beaches. Further east, just a fifteen-minute drive from Port Moresby, is one of the island's best resorts - Loloata Island Resort (www.loloata.com). Surrounded by one of the largest coral reefs on the planet, it offers excellent conditions for snorkeling, diving, fishing and other water activities (the Oceanarium Marine Park is nearby).

Northern District, or Oro
Few people, when mentioning New Guinea, expect to hear about fjords. However, the coast of the Northern District around the town of Tufi really most closely resembles the rocks of Norway or Iceland, with the only difference being that the water here is always warm, and these beautiful rocks were formed not by the influence of a glacier, but by the tectonic forces of the Earth. Cape Nelson, jutting out into the Solomon Sea, was formed by the eruption of three volcanoes, whose rapidly hardening lava ran down to the water, creating numerous rock tongues and gorges, so similar to classic fjords. The clear waters of the local fjords, going down to a depth of 90 meters, are teeming with a huge number of representatives of tropical ichthyofauna, and the rocks themselves rise above the water to a height of more than 150 meters. The wide mouths of the bays are protected by reefs, and the shores are often covered with mangrove forests, over which hang vertical slopes of gorges covered with mosses and orchids, from which cascades of waterfalls fall. It is not surprising that in such a beautiful place a tourist infrastructure is being intensively created, the fulcrum of which is the city of Tufi, from where diving tours and many various trips related to bird watching, deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, canoeing or simply doing nothing on the white sandy beaches are regularly organized. the shores framing Cape Nelson from both the north and south.

Every October, the region celebrates the Tapa Festival, followed by Martyrs' Day and Korat Church Day. The northern branch of the Kokoda Trail ends in the village of Kokoda, with many local tourist roads running along the coast to Buna and Gona. It was also the site of fierce fighting during the Second World War, so the surrounding area is replete with traces of those battles, and at Hiropa Plantation, on Buna Road, there is a Japanese plaque commemorating the 15,000 Imperial Army soldiers who died here. Thousands of birds nest on the slopes of the active Mount Lamington volcano.

Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands lie not in the south at all, but in the very center of the country. This region is often called "Wonderland" because until 1935 this chaos of mountain ranges and evergreen forested valleys was practically one big blank spot on all maps of the world. The Kikori, Erave and Strickland rivers take off from here, the second highest mountain of the island, Jiluwe (2900 meters), is located here, caves of enormous depth have been discovered and amazing people live, whose acquaintance with modern civilization is limited only to occasional meetings with the inhabitants of mountain towns. This is one of the few places on the planet where traditional ways of life are evident in almost every aspect of local life. Ancient ceremonial rituals are present everywhere, men and women still wear traditional dress, and huts are still built from stones and branches of bushes. The fresh air of the mountains is ideal for numerous excursions, and under the canopy of a dense tropical forest you can see (and hear) dozens of bird species, clear rivers with numerous waterfalls.

South of the district capital Mendi, at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, lies the beautiful Lake Kutubu - the second largest lake in Papua New Guinea and one of the most unusual bodies of water in the region. Included in the list of natural monuments of planetary significance in 1998, it is famous for its unique ichthyofauna - 10 of the 14 species of fish living here are not found anywhere else on Earth. This tranquil and very beautiful lake also provides refuge to almost a hundred species of birds, and its shores are teeming with reptiles and insects. Local residents built a small boarding house above the water's edge, using only local materials and traditional construction methods. Hiking tours to the most beautiful places in the vicinity of the lake regularly depart from here.

The Mendi Valley is also well known for its beautiful landscapes, limestone caves and the Uli Vig hunters who paint their faces red and yellow and wear elaborate wigs made from human hair.

Eastern Highlands
A land of gold mines and coffee plantations, the Eastern Highlands are more susceptible to European influence than any of the country's other upland regions. The Highlanders still live in neat villages, clusters of round huts surrounded by low walls and meadows of feather grass-like kunai grass. Traditional rituals and dress here are gradually being replaced by jeans and cowgirls, and English speech can be heard much more often than in other regions of the country.

The largest settlement in the region, Goroka (population about 25 thousand people) is its agricultural and commercial center. The small hill station lying at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level, as Goroka was until the early 1950s, has now grown into an attractive and fairly well-organized city with modern facilities and a relaxing atmosphere of endless spring. The climate here is really pleasant - the temperature rarely rises above +30°C, and fresh winds from the mountains maintain a pleasant microclimate even during the rainy season. The main attractions of the city are the annual August festival, which brings together in one place the best performers of folk songs and dances from all the surrounding hill tribes, the McCartney Museum (the second largest in the country) with an extensive exhibition of folk arts and crafts, military relics and photographs, and also the nationally known theater troupe Raun Raun with its own theater (located near the market, just a 5-minute walk from the city center), the entire repertoire of which is based on the use of traditional stories and legends.

The village of Bena Bena, located 10 km from Goroka, is the largest community in the mountainous areas specializing in hand weaving - rugs, bedspreads and mats made by local artisans are very popular throughout the country. Also nearby is the village of Asaro, inhabited by representatives of the ethnic group of the same name, widely known for its ritualism, as well as the unusual tradition of covering their bodies with gray mud (legend says that in this way Asaro warriors frightened their enemies, who mistook them for ghosts - theatrical illustrations of this particular legend are the centerpiece of the Goroka Festival).

From Goroka Post Office a trail leads to Mount Kiss, which offers a magnificent view of the valley, and south of Goroka you can climb Mount Michael and visit a cave with prehistoric petroglyphs. 11 km from the city lies Mount Gahavisuka Provincial Park, which occupies 80 hectares of beautiful mountainous terrain and has been turned into a small botanical park where plants from all over the country are collected. And around there are endless coffee plantations, through which you can access the Kotuni trout farm, or the large cultural center of Kainantu (however, it is better to go here through the Kassim or Lae pass), where not only traditional local crafts are sold; but they also teach local woodworking or weaving technologies.

Chimbu District
In the heart of the highlands lies Chimbu District, the country's smallest and most densely populated region. The mountain slopes here literally rear up - the entire district is occupied by steep mountain ranges, dissected by deep and often inaccessible valleys. The highest point of the country and the most popular place for climbers from all over the region is located here - Mount Wilhelm (4509 meters). The main way to relax here is active. Trekking trails of all difficulty levels scatter throughout the district, going past traditional villages of the Chimbu (Simbu) tribal group, through dense tropical forest, past pristine rivers with their trout farms, along the shores of the beautiful Pindaunde lakes, where there is a small lodge. The landscapes here are breathtaking - on a clear day you can see almost the entire island from the mountain slopes, from the northern coast to the southern, and the climate is cool (there is even snow cover on the peaks).

The capital of the Kundiawa district is located in a picturesque setting near the old airfield, which lies directly on the mountain slope (even the runway here is at an angle to the horizon). The town does not boast any attractions, but is a good starting point for mountain and river hikes in the region. Just a few kilometers from Kundiawa, almost next to the main road, lie the Keu Caves, where speleological tours are often organized (there are many other caves in the vicinity, but most of them are burial places for soldiers killed in battles and are therefore closed to the public), and The local rivers Vagi and Purari, according to many experts, are among the best in the world for organizing rafting and kayaking.

Western Highlands
Western Highlands District lies between Chimbu, Enga and Southern Highlands Districts. The mountainous land of the region is covered with dense equatorial forests of the lowlands and green alpine meadows of the mountain slopes, merging into the ever-shrouded mountain peaks.

The region's capital, Mount Hagen, is a colorful and bustling commercial center where quick profits from coffee and tea plantations quickly replaced traditional lifestyles, turning the city into something resembling the "Frontier towns" of Wild West films. Having quickly grown over the past quarter century from a tiny village of cattle breeders and planters, the city has absorbed representatives of almost all ethnic groups in the country. Maybe that’s why it is considered one of the “most festive” cities in the country - a huge number of different cultural festivals, festive ceremonies and various traditional events are held here, starting with the usual bride ransom holiday in these parts and ending with a colorful opening ceremony new road. Best time The best time to visit Mount Hagen is August, when the city's annual festival is held. Representatives of hundreds of different mountain tribes gather for this holiday, each in their characteristic tribal dress, headdress (an important element in local symbolism, by the way) and body paint. This festival is a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the rich traditions and social structure of the peoples of the highlands.

Local handicrafts can be seen in Cultural center Mount Hagen. It is housed in a carefully restored traditional village hut and has a small museum with exhibitions of various crafts and ethnic items. The traditional center of the city's public life is the Saturday market, where representatives of all nationalities of the region gather. This is a real kaleidoscope of fruits and vegetables, birds and animals, farmers in bright shirts or skirts, as well as hunters in traditional clothes made of grass and feathers. Men here wear long beards, and women wear lots of shiny scarves and brightly colored bilum bags. Here you can buy almost the entire range of handicrafts for which this region is famous.

Western District
On the southern coast of the island of New Guinea, between the border with Irian Jaya and the western coast of the Gulf of Papua, lies the Western District - the main agricultural region of the country. The region's wide open fields and marshy river valleys are teeming with life - home to Rusa deer, wallabies, wild pigs, crocodiles and lizards. And all this is just a few steps from domestic flocks and waterfowl - the region's residents manage to find a delicate balance between providing for their own food needs and protecting the original inhabitants of this land.

The main city of the district, Daru, is located on a small island of the same name near the southeast coast of the country, in the Torres Strait. Once a small center for pearl and sea cucumber fishing, it has now become a fast-growing trading and fishing port, somewhat reminiscent of the ever-bustling Arab seaside towns. Its main export product is crocodile skin and products made from it, so the local market is constantly flooded with lovers of fashion accessories and tourists from Australia (Cape York is only 180 km from here - a trifle by the scale of the region).

Sepik District
The Sepik River, the valley of which forms the northwestern district of the country of the same name, is one of the largest river systems in the region (the length of the river itself is about 1126 km). This vast region north of the Bismarck Ridge is almost entirely occupied by a huge river basin, swampy lowlands and tropical forests, turning into mountain slopes, the peaks of which are often crowned with snow caps (at the equator!). With its buttery brown rivers, dozens of tribes, many of them barely above the Stone Age, and their myths, magic and rituals, this secluded corner of the planet is the perfect destination for adventure tourism enthusiasts. Along the banks of the rivers there are a series of colorful local villages with their stilt houses, long canoes with noses like crocodile heads, lakes overgrown with exotic flowers, and local misty sunrises and stunning sunsets are said to have no analogues on the planet.

The Chambri Lakes, a vast expanse of shallow water located in East Sepik, are widely known for their vibrant bird community, crocodiles and many villages home to renowned artists and craftsmen. The village of Aibom is famous for its potters, who use ancient techniques not only to make ordinary kitchenware, but also to produce fireplaces and tiles. The village of Kanganaman is famous for its recently restored “house of spirits” (the local house tambaran is considered a monument of national importance), and Korhogo is famous for its “mei” masks (local tribes have been using totemic symbols from the world of insects since ancient times), and Waskuska also has a beautiful “house of spirits” , in Yigei they make traditional tom-toms "garamut" (when rafting down the river, their sound can be heard everywhere), and in the village of Svagap (Suagap) they make simple and elegant pottery in folk style.

The excellent coastline west of Vanimo (West Sepik, 30 km from the Indonesian border) forms a small peninsula, literally abutting limestone cliffs on which a Japanese landing barge rusts (the waters here are excellent for diving). From September to January, the 260 km of coastline near Wutung attracts hundreds of surfers, while strong north-westerly winds between December and March create excellent conditions for windsurfing. A short distance from the town of Aitape (founded by the Germans in 1905) lie several small islands. There were also bloody battles in this area, so in the waters around the islands and the old Taji airfield you can find several dozen crashed planes and warships (there is a war memorial near Taji).

Morobe District
In the very northeast of the island of New Guinea, on the Huon Peninsula around the bay of the same name, Morobe District is located. Here the densely forested Saruwaged Mountains, the northern spur of the Owen Stanley Range, open directly onto the coast, forming a chain of small volcanic islands in the sea, while the southwestern part of the district lies within the fertile Markham Valley, sandwiched between high ridges. Such a diverse topography is also responsible for the rich natural world of the region - the interior and coast of Morobe abound with unique representatives of flora and fauna and are cut through by numerous excursion trails, especially frequent in the Wau Bulolo region.

Lae
The second largest city in Papua New Guinea, Lae was a tiny mission station until the 1920s, developing rapidly after the discovery of gold veins in the Wau region. Over the next twenty years, it grew into the main port and industrial center of the northeast of the country. During World War II, Lae became the main base for Japanese troops in New Guinea, and Mount Lunaman, located in the center of the city, was used as an observation post (and now offers magnificent views of Huon Bay and the Markham Valley). The battles that broke out in the Lae area (primarily air battles) cost the warring sides tens of thousands of lives, so historical center This attractive tropical city still houses the Lae War Cemetery, located within the Botanical Gardens.

Now Lae is enough modern city with numerous banks, international hotels, department stores, colorful local markets and street workshops, where local decorative crafts are produced and sold right in front of guests. A good collection of local crafts, including "paintings" made of colorful sand (almost business card local artisans) can be found at the Melanesian Arts Center and the Morobe Arts and Crafts Centre. The Lae University of Technology has a rather interesting collection of rare and highly valuable folk artefacts, including Sepik ritual carved pillars, as well as a small coffee shop in the traditional house tambaran style.

But the main decoration of Lae are its famous Botanical gardens, considered one of the best in the country. The huge exhibition of gardens (an area of about 3000 square meters) contains more than 15 thousand representatives of local plants, 21 species of birds, including the magnificent bird of paradise Raggiana, several species of reptiles, as well as about 70 species of butterflies, 6 species of turtles and several dozen species of frogs and fish (there are several lakes and many ecological zones characteristic of different regions of the island).

South of Lae lie: the attractive Sialum coastline with coral terraces, the excellent Salamaua beach with good conditions for swimming, diving, windsurfing and hiking to the battle sites of the Second World War, the picturesque Labu Lakes in the Markham Valley (an interesting population of lake crocodiles here), the Siassi Islands with beautiful coral reefs, as well as the long ocean shores of Maus Buang and Labu Tali - nesting places for the leatherback turtle, some representatives of which weigh up to 500 kg and reach a length of up to two meters.

Milne Bay District
The very east of Papua New Guinea, together with the groups of Trobriand Islands, Murua (Woodlark), Lachlan, D'Entrecasteaux, Louisiada, Conflict and Samarai, is part of the Milne Bay district. Formerly one huge naval base during the Second World War , the district is literally full of various traces of those events. It also includes 160 small islands and 500 reefs scattered over an area of more than 250 thousand square kilometers, which turns it into a real Mecca for divers and fans of water sports.

The county capital, Alotau, spectacularly located on the edge of Milne Bay, is an excellent place to start exploring this extraordinary region. From here, numerous ships depart to the island of Fergusson with its hot volcanic springs, mud fumaroles, geysers and volcanoes, to the picturesque island of Mishima with its reefs and gold mines, to the island of Murua (Woodlark) with its woodcarving masters, to the Trobriand Islands with their unique social system (local chiefs have enormous power and influence, but inheritance is through the female line) and the colorful harvest festival of Milamala, to the island of Kiriwina with its freshwater caves (an amazing phenomenon for the small islands of the region) and ritual caves near the village of Matawa, to the island of Goodenow, in in the center of which rises a large stone with mysterious inscriptions, as well as numerous shallow reefs, the waters around which contain the ruins of hundreds of sunken ships and warplanes from the Second World War.

New Britain
The island of New Britain (area 37.8 thousand sq. km), lying 30 km northeast of the coast of New Guinea, forms two administrative regions - Western and Eastern. This is the largest island of the Bismarck Archipelago - from east to west it stretches for almost 475 km, and from north to south - from 35 to 85 km. Its northern shores are washed by the waters of the Bismarck Sea, and its southern shores by the Solomon Sea. Despite its age (about 10 million years), the island is mountainous and active - a low mountain range runs along its entire length, replete with volcanic peaks, fumaroles and green valleys. There are especially many volcanoes in the northern part of the island - here there are an almost continuous sequence of high peaks of the active volcanoes Langila (Cape Gloucester, 1330 meters), Bamus (2248 meters), Ulawun (the highest volcano of the Bismarck archipelago, 2334 meters), and many of them have extensive calderas. The southern slopes of the mountains are composed of limestone, and therefore abound in caves, grottoes and picturesque outlier rocks.

Rabaul
The city of Rabaul is the official capital of the island and one of its most tragic monuments. Once the richest and most beautiful city in the country, which became the scene of fierce fighting during World War II, the city of flowering gardens and a rich port was almost completely destroyed in September 1994 by the eruption of the Tavurvur volcano, and its inhabitants were evacuated to other parts of the island. All that remains of its former appearance are the neighborhoods around the Simpson Bay harbor half-buried with black volcanic ash, some port buildings (the port is still operational!) and numerous underground structures of a huge (total length of almost 576 km) tunnel system dug by the Japanese during the war.

Moving from the airport, which is now located in Tokua (approximately 50 km from Rabaul), you can visit the picturesque peninsula of Gazelle Peninsula, bordering the beautiful bay from the sea with the cone of Tavurvura rising above it, drive through coconut groves and lush forests of the foothills and enter the lunar zone landscape at the foot of the volcano. Having driven through the black streets of the city, most similar to the scenery of some apocalyptic film, you can exit through the relatively undamaged Mango Avenue to a real oasis of miraculously surviving (and carefully restored) tourist hotels. If you have some courage, you can dive in the harbor of Rabaul, which stores in its depths tens and hundreds of warplanes and ships of the Second World War. Then drive east to the town of Kokopo with its Museum of Military History and the ruins of Gunantambu Mansion, built in the 1880s by the legendary "Queen Emma".

Duke of York Island is a 45-minute boat ride from Kokopo, renowned for its excellent diving and snorkelling conditions, while the surrounding lagoons offer canoeing, windsurfing, waterskiing and yachting. Or you can head north to Kabakada, home to the extremely popular Kulau Lodge resort, built right on the beach in traditional local style.

The western part of the island of New Britain is virtually untouched by tourism. The only exception is the Valindi plantation area, where one of the best dive resorts in the Pacific region is located. The resort is located on a private palm plantation stretching along the shores of Kimbe Bay and is surrounded by a wall of volcanic peaks. Volcanic caves, thick coral forests and the clear blue waters of the bay are home to a huge variety of marine life. There is also a popular dive site known as "The Cathedral" - a vast horseshoe of coral reef with a large cave at one end. The inner side is formed by a long strip of white sand, and the outer side is formed by rich coral “gardens”.