Discover Papua New Guinea

The capital on the Gulf of Papua serves as the gateway to the country and offers first insights into Papua New Guinea's cultural diversity with the National Museum, the Parliament building in traditional Haus Tambaran style, and the Farmers Markets. Most flights to the country's remote islands and mountain regions depart from here.

The mighty Sepik River is considered the cultural heart of the country, where traditional villages still maintain elaborately carved Haus Tambaran spirit houses and unique mask and carving art. Boat tours to remote villages offer rare insights into one of the world's most authentic tribal cultures.

The waters around Milne Bay and New Britain are among the most species-rich diving areas on Earth, with pristine coral reefs, WWII shipwrecks, and extraordinary underwater biodiversity. For divers, Papua New Guinea is considered one of the last great insider tips in the Pacific.

Active volcanoes like Tavurvur near Rabaul and dense, barely developed rainforest shape the country's dramatic landscape. Hikes along the historic Kokoda Trail lead through lush jungle landscapes while conveying the turbulent WWII history in the Pacific.

There are no direct flights from Switzerland; getting there usually involves multiple stopovers via Singapore or Brisbane to Port Moresby Airport. Total travel time is around 24 hours or more. A visa must be applied for online in advance or obtained on arrival.

The official languages are English, Tok Pisin and Hiri Motu, alongside more than 800 indigenous languages, more than in any other country in the world. English is mostly used in tourist lodges and by guides.

The Papua New Guinea kina (PGK) is the official currency. ATMs are only available in larger cities like Port Moresby, so sufficient cash should be carried for remote regions and village visits.

Papua New Guinea tends to be one of the more expensive destinations, since tourist infrastructure is limited and domestic flights as well as guided expeditions to remote tribes and diving areas add up in cost.