Papua New Guinea: 9 Fun Things To Do

You’ve probably never considered Papua New Guinea for your next adventure, but this Pacific island nation delivers experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From trekking legendary WWII battlefields to diving among 76% of the world’s coral species, PNG offers raw, authentic encounters that mass tourism hasn’t touched. Whether you’re seeking culture with traditional tribes or adrenaline-pumping outdoor challenges, these nine activities will transform your understanding of what adventure travel can be.

Trek the Historic Kokoda Track Through WWII Battlefields

One of the world’s most challenging and historically significant treks awaits you along Papua New Guinea’s legendary Kokoda Track, where you’ll traverse 96 to 138 kilometers of rugged mountain terrain through dense tropical rainforest and across fast-flowing rivers.

You’ll climb to elevations exceeding 2,190 meters while experiencing over 7,000 meters of combined elevation gain and loss across 6 to 12 days.

The track follows the path where Australian and Japanese forces fought intensely from July to November 1942. You’ll visit preserved battlefields including Ioribaiwa Ridge, Brigade Hill, and Isurava, where memorials honor the 16,300 soldiers who died during this pivotal Pacific War campaign.

Expect muddy conditions, river crossings, and steep climbs while walking through villages that provide culture with local Mountain Koiari communities. The Kokoda Track Foundation now supports these local villages’ education and healthcare initiatives.

Dive Kimbe Bay’s World-Class Coral Reefs and Marine Life

After exploring Papua New Guinea’s mountainous interior, you’ll discover that the country’s underwater domain offers equally spectacular adventures in Kimbe Bay, where some of the planet’s most biodiverse coral reefs await beneath the crystal-clear waters of West New Britain.

You’ll encounter 76% of the world’s coral reef species across 605 coral varieties and 860 reef fish species in this remarkable ecosystem. Dive Bradford Shoals, where seamounts rise from 1,500-meter depths to within 20 meters of the surface, revealing vibrant leather corals and colorful reef communities.

You’ll explore dramatic walls, overhangs, and caves teeming with sponges, black corals, and nudibranchs at maximum depths of 23 meters, making these world-class reefs accessible to most certified divers. The bay’s protected location creates a sheltered environment that supports minimal human impact and exceptional coral coverage across multiple dive sites.

Meet the Mudmen of Asaro Village in Their Traditional Costumes

Deep in Papua New Guinea’s Eastern Highlands Province near Goroka, you’ll encounter one of the world’s most haunting cultural traditions when you meet the legendary Asaro Mudmen, known locally as Holosa or “ghosts.” These striking performers emerge covered head-to-toe in white clay and gray river mud, wearing elaborate masks crafted from bamboo and plant fibers that create an otherworldly appearance rooted in late 19th-century warfare tactics.

You’ll witness mesmerizing dances where performers attach bamboo sticks to their fingers, evoking imagery of broken bones and supernatural spirits. The masks themselves are decorated with pigs’ teeth and shells sourced from the Asaro river to prevent cracking. Visit the Asaro Valley near Komunive village to experience authentic ceremonies that serve as spiritual intermediaries with ancestral spirits.

Since the 1950s, this revitalized tradition has become Papua New Guinea’s premier cultural attraction, offering you unforgettable encounters with living heritage.

Explore WWII Wrecks and Pristine Waters Around Madang

Thirty-five WWII shipwrecks and numerous aircraft relics transform Madang Province’s crystal-clear waters into an extraordinary underwater museum where you’ll dive through living history.

You’ll explore the documented B-25 Mitchell bomber that crashed in Madang Harbor during a 1944 flight from Nadzab Airfield, with turret guns and engines still visible on the seafloor.

Hansa Bay between Madang and Wewak offers exceptional wreck diving opportunities, featuring the USS PT-337 motor torpedo boat and Japanese cargo ship Sydney Maru.

These preserved wrecks create vibrant artificial reefs where marine life thrives around historical structures. Project Recover utilizes advanced scanning sonars and underwater robotic technologies to document these historically significant crash sites for archaeological preservation.

You’ll photograph coral-encrusted aircraft parts while tropical fish swim through bomber cockpits.

The sites provide safe diving conditions for all skill levels, combining archaeological significance with spectacular underwater photography opportunities in pristine tropical waters.

Experience Traditional Culture Along the Sepik River

While modern civilization transforms much of the world, you’ll discover communities along the Sepik River that preserve traditional lifestyles unchanged for centuries. You’ll witness towering spirit houses with their distinctive gabled roofs, where elaborate wood carvings and ceremonial artifacts display clan histories. These sacred buildings serve as centers for male initiation ceremonies and community decision-making.

You’ll observe the profound spiritual connection between locals and crocodiles, considered ancestral beings representing strength and power. Traditional scarification rituals mimic crocodile skin patterns during male coming-of-age ceremonies. The river itself holds deep spiritual significance, serving as both lifeblood and sacred force in local mythology.

You can engage with master artisans who create intricate carvings and participate in cultural exchanges that reveal totemic beliefs connecting communities to their ancestral spirits. The region’s remarkable linguistic diversity includes over 300 languages spoken among the various tribes along the river.

Climb Mount Wilhelm for High-Altitude Lakes and Moss Forests

Standing at 4,509 meters above sea level, Mount Wilhelm challenges you with Papua New Guinea’s highest peak while rewarding your efforts with pristine alpine lakes and ethereal moss forests. You’ll start your two-day trek from Keglsugl village after flying into Mount Hagen and driving four hours to the trailhead.

The non-technical but physically demanding climb takes you through diverse ecosystems—from lush rainforest at the base to alpine meadows near the summit. Most climbers begin their ascent at night to reach the summit at dawn, enjoying cooler temperatures and spectacular sunrise views over the surrounding peaks.

You’ll traverse thick moss forests at mid-elevations, where epiphytes and ferns thrive in the misty, cool environment. These shift zones create microhabitats supporting unique flora adapted to high-elevation conditions.

Near the summit, glacial lakes reflect the rugged alpine terrain, offering scenic highlights that make the challenging ascent worthwhile for nature enthusiasts and trekkers.

Go Island Hopping in the Madang Province’s Hundreds of Islands

Scattered across the Bismarck Sea like emeralds on blue silk, Madang Province‘s hundreds of islands offer you unparalleled opportunities for tropical island hopping adventures. You’ll discover reef-fringed atolls, volcanic peaks reaching 700 meters, and secluded beaches accessible by outboard motor or traditional canoe from Madang town’s marina.

Dive into world-class coral reefs teeming with rare fish species, or explore WWII shipwrecks beneath crystal-clear waters. Karkar Island showcases innovative coconut oil biodiesel initiatives alongside rich cultural experiences. You can participate in traditional singsings, trek through dense timber forests, and discover sulphurous caves with natural hot springs.

The province’s 29,000 square kilometers encompass uninhabited atolls perfect for fishing excursions and snorkeling adventures, making it Papua New Guinea’s premier island-hopping destination. With a total population of 761,154 people spread across this vast archipelago, you’ll find plenty of remote, pristine locations to explore in solitude.

Spot Birds-of-Paradise in the Highlands Around Port Moresby

Twenty-two magnificent birds-of-paradise species inhabit Papua New Guinea’s rugged highlands, transforming the misty cloudforests around Port Moresby into one of the world’s premier birdwatching destinations. You’ll find the nationally symbolic Raggiana bird-of-paradise at accessible Varirata National Park, where males perform elaborate courtship displays with their blazing scarlet plumes.

Head to Kumul Lodge near Mount Hagen for feeding platforms hosting rare ribbon-tailed astrapia and brown sicklebill species. Rondon Ridge offers exceptional diversity due to geographical isolation.

Follow the fruit—these dedicated frugivores gather at fruiting trees, making observation more predictable. Expect steep 1.5-kilometer treks through dense cloudforest to reach prime viewing spots, but the rewards include seeing species like the distinctive King of Saxony bird-of-paradise with its unusual elongated head wires. Bird displays are weather-dependent and most active during the early dawn hours when conditions are optimal.

Browse Traditional Arts and Crafts at Local Monthly Markets

Every last Saturday of the month, Papua New Guinea’s vibrant craft markets transform into cultural treasure troves where you’ll discover authentic tribal masks, intricately woven bilums, and hand-carved artifacts that tell stories spanning generations.

Head to Ela Beach Craft Market or RPYC Marina Boardwalk for the most diverse selections, while Boroko Craft Market offers the finest handmade souvenirs.

You’ll find artisans demonstrating traditional weaving techniques and sharing cultural stories behind their creations. Browse natural fiber baskets, ceremonial jewelry made from shells and bones, and traditional clothing expressing tribal identities. Traditional dancers perform daily around 10:00 a.m. at these markets, creating a lively carnival-like atmosphere that enhances your cultural shopping experience.

These monthly gatherings support local artists directly while providing an immersive cultural experience complete with traditional foods and the chance to witness PNG’s living heritage firsthand.

The Sum Up

You’ll discover Papua New Guinea’s extraordinary blend of history, culture, and natural beauty through these nine adventures. From challenging mountain treks to underwater coral gardens, you’re guaranteed unforgettable experiences. Don’t miss the chance to connect with indigenous communities and witness rare wildlife in their natural habitats. Pack your sense of adventure and prepare for rugged conditions—PNG’s remote locations require proper planning, but they’ll reward you with some of the world’s most authentic travel experiences.