Part of Oceania, Papua New Guinea compromises the eastern half of the island it's on. The western half is part of Indonesia. And the whole thing is an island paradise that absolutely must be on your travel bucket list, regardless of which country you head for.
If you're planning on taking a trip to Papua New Guinea, you are going to find stunning natural beauty, a rich, vibrant culture, and incredible food. When you're building an itinerary for this new adventure, there are definitely a few spots more than worth checking out.
Port Moresby
The capital and largest city in Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby is a key destination on the island. There are no shortage of things to do here. You can spend the day exploring the Port Moresby Nature Park. You can go shopping at the Vision City Mega Mall. There's also the option of relaxing at Ela Beach. Plus, it has a solid food scene that reflects local cuisine and international influences.
Kokoda Track
Papua New Guinea was heavily involved in World War II. It was the site of numerous battles, particularly between Australian Allied Forces and the Japanese. As such, there are several memorials on the island. The Kokoda Track is a 96 kilometer long trail that runs through the site of a major battle. It will let you experience the beauty of the island while reflecting on this costly era of history.
Tavurvur
If you want to check out an active stratovolcano, this might be the destination for you. Tavurvur, which last erupted in 2014, is located on the island of New Britain in Papua New Guinea with Rabaul village nearby. In addition to the the natural side of the volcano, there is a huge cultural element to be found in Rabaul. It is an exceptional experience.
National Orchid Garden
Located in Port Moresby, the National Orchid Park shows of hundreds of orchids. Some of them pedigreed varieties while many are hybrids. There are even several species endemic to the island itself. As idyllic and beautiful as the gardens are, there is another thing to keep in mind. It's located in the same area as the popular Adventure Park. It's opposite ends of the same spectrum in one place.
Varirata National Park
Just outside of Port Moresby is Varirata National Park. It is a sanctuary for both flora and fauna, particularly the incredibly large number of birds that call the park home. That includes the dangerous Southern Cassowary and the stunning Raggiana Bird of Paradise as well as poisonous birds. You'll also find several animal species you would normally attribute to the wilds of Australia.