This post may contain affiliate links. This just means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you for helping them promote their product or service. I don’t endorse any services I don’t personally use or recommend.
If you’re searching for some trip inspiration that isn’t as repetitive as “visit a local market” (not a suggestion you need) or as vague as “search for wildlife” (yes, but HOW), this list of all the best things to do in Papua New Guinea is going to breathe some fresh life into your itinerary. Some activities might be easy to add to your already built trip plan, but others will require you to plan your entire stay around them.
We only spent one month in Papua New Guinea, so obviously, we did not do all the things on this list. But I did take the time to figure out how to do all these things so that you can pursue whatever passion most resonates with you in PNG, whether that be cultural events, wildlife, scenic attractions, water activities, or trekking excursions.
Here are the best things to do in Papua New Guinea.
1. Take a Multi-Day Canoe Trip Up The Sepik River to See the Crocodile Tribes
- Duration: 5-10 days.
- Why Go: Immerse in local river communities, beautiful scenery, authentic tribal encounters, and one of the most adventurous parts of PNG.
Starting with my absolute favorite activity in Papua New Guinea.
The Chambri Tribes of the Sepik River have some of the most interesting tribal rituals in Papua New Guinea. A coming-of-age ceremonial scarification process to transform their bodies into a tapestry of crocodile skin. If you want all the gory and riveting details, we got to witness a scarification ceremony during our 12 days on the Sepik.
If you want to explore the Sepik River region of PNG, you’ll need to either join a group tour or hire a local to privately guide you up the river. I wrote a full blog post detailing how to do that. (*coming soon*)
2. Visit the Highland Tribes for a Cultural Experience Found Only Here
- Duration: 2-7 days.
- My Favorite Tribes to See: Skeleton Tribe, Frog Hunters, Insect Hunters, Huli Wig Men, and Asaro Mud Men.
If you’ve ever seen photos from Papua New Guinea, you know the tribes I’m talking about. Colorful painted faces, elaborately molded masks, and attire that looks like they were transported from another era. There are 600+ distinct tribes in Papua New Guinea, not just in the Highlands, but this is the single most popular (and easy) place to see some of their traditions.
The stretch of road between Mt Hagen and Goroka hosts dozens of different tribes. I made a list here (*coming soon*) to help you decide who to visit. As well as a full itinerary here to help you plan your trip (*coming soon*).
But essentially, a visit to the Highland tribes goes like this…you arrive at a tribal area, pay them a sum of around 300-500 kina per performance, and they showcase their traditional costumes alongside either a performed story of their lore, a song, or other ritual. Not to spoil the authenticity of a tribe encounter, but no, they are not dressed like this all the time. Your visit, on the other hand, really helps to preserve their culture by financially incentivizing people to not let the old traditions and practices totally die out.
If you want to see A LOT of tribal performances, you should join a group tour because otherwise the performance fees really add up.
Interested in tribal encounters outside of the Highlands? The Baining Firedance in East New Britain is probably the most impressive. For this one, you’ll need to venture to Rubaul and arrange a visit with a local guide.
3. Search for the Iconic Bird of Paradise
The Raggiana bird-of-paradise, with its delicate red-feather tail, is the national bird of Papua New Guinea. You’ll see it on the flag, the crest, and if you are extremely motivated, in the forest. There are actually 38 species of Bird of Paradise living in Papua New Guinea, 12 of which are found nowhere else on earth. As a wildlife nut, I wish that I had prioritized my trip to include a search for some of them. From the blue-breasted to the yellow-fringed, they are all spectacular and make birding seem somewhat appealing.
The problem is, as with all wildlife in PNG, you aren’t going to stumble upon them.
- Kumul Lodge: Located in the Western Highlands near Mount Hagen, it features legendary feeding tables where you can view the Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, King of Saxony, and Brown Sicklebill Birds of Paradise up close.
- Ambua Lodge: Located in the Tari Gap (Hela Province), it is surrounded by pristine montane rainforest and offers expert local guides to help you spot a wide variety of highland birds and unique tribal cultures.
- Skeleton Eco-Lodge: If you’re not a bird-nut, but you are interested in seeing the Raggiana bird-of-paradise, this eco-lodge in the heart of tribal territory does have a handful nearby that nest regularly for their displays. It costs about 200 Kina ($50) to go on a bird-walk.
The reason you can so reliably spot Birds of Paradise at these locations is that they prefer to use the same location/tree when they display. This makes it easy to predict where and when these birds will appear.
Don’t forget about the Hornbills and Cockatoos too! You can see them in the forests all around PNG, if you’re lucky, that is.
4. Spot Cuscus, Cassawary, and Tree Kangaroos
Despite searching every tree and asking around during my month in Papua New Guinea, I didn’t see a single cuscus, or even a mammal, aside from the tree-rats that inhabited our huts. Wildlife in PNG, for the most part, has been pushed into the depths of the wilderness. But don’t let anyone tell you there isn’t wildlife to be seen in Papua New Guinea. Crocodiles, Cassawary, Supgar Gliders, Tree Kangaroos, Cuscus (of several varieties), Echidnas, Wallabies, etc.
If you’re inspired to search for some non-bird wildlife in Papua New Guinea, you’ve got a few options.
- Torricelli Mountains (Sandaun Province): This region is a sanctuary for highly endangered species like the Black-spotted Cuscus. This is the single best (and most remote) option if you’ve got wildlife on the brain. But you’ll essentially need to plan your whole trip around it. Sightings here require a guided expedition, often organized alongside local conservation programs like the Tenkile Conservation Alliance.
- Western Province: Sometimes known as the African Safari of PNG. Large herds of Rusa Deer, Agile Wallabies, Grey Dorcopsis (forest wallabies), and wild pigs populate the grasslands here, and Bensbach Wildlife Lodge is universally considered the top base for open-terrain mammal viewing. You can glide down the Bensbach River on boats to watch mammals congregate at the water’s edge.
- Huon Peninsula: To search for Tree Kangaroos, travel here requires coordination with the Tree-Kangaroo Conservation Program or chatting with Huon Birding Camp. Local indigenous rangers track the animals daily to show researchers and specialized wildlife travelers.
- Manus Island: This island is home to the Admiralty Cuscus and quite a lot of other endemic species in PNG. It is slightly easier to observe animals like the cuscus here due to village preservation efforts (known locally as Tambu), which protect forest connectivity and keep populations stable. This lands on the list more because it’s a popular travel destination in addition to containing wildlife.
- Port Moresby Nature Park: Located in the capital, this is the easiest place in the country to spot wildlife. They feature well-cared-for local wildlife in large enclosures, allowing for safe and up-close observation. If you don’t have time for the other excursions, this is the one you can easily add to your itinerary.
5. Attend a Vibrant Cultural Festival
Papua New Guinea loves a cultural festival. Every island is getting in on the action. Tribal communities have recognized that this is the best way to showcase their culture to foreign tourists and increase interest in their traditional practices, thereby helping protect them. For you, that’s exciting because there are many to choose from.
- National Mask & Warwagira Festival (July): Held at the Takubar Sport Ground in Kokopo (East New Britain Province), this festival celebrates Tolai, Baining, and Pomio masked dances, sacred fire dances, and youth empowerment.
- Sepik River Crocodile & Arts Festival (August): Located in Ambunti, East Sepik Province, this event honors the sacred bond between man and crocodile through dancing, drumming, and displays of local arts.
- Mount Hagen Cultural Show (August) : Hosted at Queen’s Park in Mount Hagen (Western Highlands Province), this famous “sing-sing” brings together over 100 cultural groups and tribes from across the country in spectacular displays of music, theatrics, and body paint.
- Goroka Show (September) : Held in the Eastern Highlands, this iconic event—marking its 70th anniversary in 2026—celebrates diverse cultures, tribes, and connects thousands of participants and visitors.
- Hiri Moale Festival (September): Based in Port Moresby, this coastal festival celebrates the maritime heritage, history, and ancient “Hiri” trade of the Motu and Koitabu people.
- Kanam Festival (September): Held in the remote Simbai region, this festival celebrates the cultural initiation and traditions of the Kalam people.
- Kenu and Kundu Festival (November): Hosted in Alotau (Milne Bay Province), this maritime-focused event highlights spectacular sailing canoes and traditional drumming.
- Shark Calling Festival in New Ireland (July): Hosted by the small community of Kontu, it was created to keep the practice alive and showcase the unique methods of these fishermen.
Obviously, not all festivals are created equal, though. The Goroka Show and the Mt Hagen Show are the largest tribal gatherings and have been held since the 1950s. Most tour operators time their Papua New Guinea group trips for these multi-day shows. You’ll get to witness dozens of tribes in traditional attire putting on their best performances. If you’re interested in tribal culture, these are by far the best times of year to plan your visit.
6. Climb to Mount Wilhelm. The highest peak in Oceania.
- Duration: 2-5 days
- Indigenous Name: Enduwa Kombuglu
In the Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea is the 4,509-meter (14,793-foot) peak of Mount Wilhelm. Counted among the 7-summits of the world, this is a non-technical, relatively short trail to a high-mountain peak. However, due to the altitude, it is quite challenging. The path to the peak is only about 12 km long one-way, and can be done in as little as two days on the mountain.
This is an easy one (okay, not exactly easy) to combine with a visit to the highlands. Access to the trail is from the Highlands Highway, and pretty much every local guide/tour operator can set you up with a trekking guide for the excursion.
Here’s the quick info you need to know to decide if this is doable on your Papua New Guinea trip.
- Best Time of Year: April-November
- Estimated Cost: $200-$4,500+
- Experience Level: While it’s not a technical hike, it is a challenging one. Due to the remoteness of the trek, lack of medical care, and high altitude, you should take your time and give yourself ample acclimatization. You should also be a relatively experienced trekker.
7. Trek the Kokoda Path Through Thick Jungle
- Duration: 8-12 days
- Length: about 96 kilometers.
- Why: Jungle scenery, WW2 history, and an epic hut-to-hut style trek.
The Kokoda Track is a challenging, lengthy trail that follows the Owen Stanley Range and the military campaign of Australia in WW2 against the Japanese. The track is known for its intense tropical heat, freezing nights, steep mountain climbs, and deep mud. It’s a real adventure. I didn’t trek it, so I’ll leave it to the experts at Journey Era.
Don’t have the time to dedicate to a 10-day trek? Not a problem. You can hike a portion of the trail around Sogeri. On a single day hike, you can explore a waterfall and enjoy some jungle scenery.
8. Bicycle Your Way Down New Ireland and Feed River Eels
New Ireland is a curved, flat stretch of island on the Northwestern side of the Papua New Guinea map. Most people who visit are here to dive, snorkel, or bop around some of the New Hanover Island area. I’ll get to the water activities later. But for now, let’s talk about what’s on land.
Renting a car is ridiculously expensive in PNG. Like somewhere in the ballpark of 800 kina ($200) per day. Many people we met said that bicycling was not only the most economical way, but a really fun way (since the road is paved down the entire East Coast) in New Ireland to explore this remote part of PNG. Admittedly, this is a somewhat niche attraction, but since the option never occurred to me, I’m sharing it with you all.
Why feed river eels? Because they are there. On the Eastern coast of New Ireland, not far from the pavement, are the Laraibina Eels in the village of the same name. For about 15 kina, you can feed them. Trust me, it’s a pretty cool experience.
If you want some more unique things to do in New Ireland, be sure to check out my full island itinerary. (*coming soon*)
9. Swim in Belifu Canyon and Visit the Famous Shark Callers
While we’re raving about things to do in New Ireland on land, I would be remiss not to mention Belifu Canyon. This narrow waterway dumps into the ocean on the west coast of New Ireland. It’s beautiful, clean, and relatively easy to get to if you have a car.
Also, on the West Coast of New Ireland is the town of Kontu, home of the “Shark Callers.” This tribal community fishes for literal sharks using traditional methods, including an innovative tool: a hand-attached shark collar. Not only can you visit them, but you can stay with the community for a few days, and go out with them into the sea in search of sharks (only for men, sorry).
For more information on how exactly to do this, I wrote a full blog post detailing thier practices and how to visit. (*coming soon*)
10. Fly into the “Lost World” of Mount Bosavi.
- Important: Perhaps the wildest attraction on this list, you’ll need to work with a specialized tour operator to visit. This means it’s quite expensive. Even for PNG.
Imagine sharp crater walls, carpeted in emerald green foliage, surrounding a 4km (2.5 mile) wide bowl nearly 3,000 feet deep. Your helicopter cuts through the thick jungle air into the collapsed volcano cone, revealing waterfalls cascading over the edge, giving life to the verdant valley below. Inside, this Jurassic Park-like landscape is abundant in wildlife and diverse tribal communities. Fanged-frogs, giant rats, and tiny parrots have been trapped here for millennia, a time capsule of evolution.
Do I have your attention now?
For all my rich readers, I do think this is quite possibly the coolest thing you could conceivably do in Papua New Guinea. To be perfectly honest, it’s not even THAT crazy priced compared to other PNG excursions if you have a small group to join or people to split it with.
Here are some things to note if this trip sounds like something you might want to add to your itinerary.
- You need a private helicopter charter to Mt. Bosavi crater from the Southern Highlands. Typically range from $4,500 to $6,500+ total per flight (carrying 3 to 5 passengers).
- Hire Local Guides: You must hire Kasua or Huli guides, who are required to assist with navigation, build camps, and ensure safe trekking around the crater. The cost of these fees usually adds up to about $3,000 to $4,500 per person. This includes your visits to indigenous tribes once on the ground.
- Local Operators That Handle All of This: Oceania Expeditions
11. Pay a Visit to the Duke of York Islands for Dolphins and Beach Vibes
The Duke of York Islands are a picturesque, untouched coral archipelago in Papua New Guinea’s East New Britain Province. Located in the St. George’s Channel between New Britain and New Ireland, the group consists of 13 low-lying, wooded islands. They are famous for crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich WWII history.
And also dolphins.
The Duke of York Islands are off-the-trodden-trail and quiet, even by PNG standards. Most people who visit pair it with a stay in Rabaul on New Britain. Maira Homestay can handle all the logistics, like boat transfers, for you.
12. Snorkel or Dive in the Coral Triangle
The Coral Triangle is not specific to Papua New Guinea. But PNG does have some epic snorkeling and diving spots.
Specifically, Kimbe Bay, Milne Bay, Tufi, Kavieng, and Rabaul. These regions sit in the Coral Triangle, boasting world-class biodiversity, active volcanic structures, and iconic WWII wrecks.
Now, before I go saying that Papua New Guinea is an untouched paradise and an underwater aquarium of life, you should know…I didn’t find it as nice as Raja Ampat. Obviously, I didn’t go to all of these locations in PNG, but I found the warming shallow seas here to have killed off a lot of the more vibrant corals. But there is still some excellent snorkeling and diving to be had.
- Kimbe Bay (West New Britain): This protected bay is known to have the most spectacular coral reefs in PNG. Also, the opportunity to snorkel with the resident spinner dolphins and orcas. Yes, you read that correctly.
- Milne Bay Province: Off the tip of mainland PNG, this is the global birthplace of Muck-diving and known for rare macro sightings as well as manta rays and B-17 bomber wrecks.
- New Hanover and Kavieng (New Ireland): This area is known for ripping currents, lots of underwater wrecks in shallow seas, and plenty of incredible dives. I wrote a blog post about our stay at Lissenung Island Resort in this region. (*coming soon*)
13. Volcano Tourism in Rabaul
There are three distinct volcanic attractions in Rabaul, New Britain.
Hike Mount Tavurvur
Mount Tavurvur is the most active and infamous vent in the caldera, responsible for destroying much of old Rabaul when it erupted in 1994. You can take a guided, moderately challenging hike up the steep, ash-covered slopes of the active cone. It takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes to reach the crater rim. From the top, you can look straight down into smoking steam vents and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view across the Simpson Harbor.
A Much Shorter Jaunt up to the Observatory
Perched high on a ridge on the northern rim of the caldera, the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory monitors 14 active and 23 dormant volcanoes across the nation. While we were in Papua New Guinea, an undersea volcano erupted, triggering tsunami warnings across the Bismarck Sea. This was the observatory that was monitoring the events.
From the observatory, you can enjoy a view of the town below. But you can’t enter the observatory itself.
Dip Into Some Volcanic Hot Springs
Okay, this is technically on the hike to Mt Tavurvur, but I felt it warranted its own little section here.
Rababa Hot Springs are great for a hot soak or boiling an egg or two in the hottest portion.
14. Visit The Tufi Fjords for Stunning Coastline & Underwater Activities
The Tufi Fjords, often called the “Scandinavia of the tropics,” are a network of over 20 dramatic coastal inlets located on the Cape Nelson headlands in Papua New Guinea’s Oro Province. Unlike glacial fjords, these structures were sculpted by ancient volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, creating deep channels with sheer, vertical rainforest cliffs that rise up to 150 meters above the sea.
Because the fjords block strong ocean currents, the waters inside remain exceptionally calm, clear, and sheltered, making Tufi a world-renowned paradise for eco-tourists, divers, and cultural travelers.
Here is some of the appeal of Tufi to travelers:
- The Fjords (Muck & Macro Diving): The sheltered, low-current waters inside the fjords are ideal for spotting rare, tiny marine life like nudibranchs, gobies, and ghost pipefish. Massive, undisturbed sponge gardens and delicate table corals line the underwater cliff faces
- The Outer Reefs: Just 5 to 10 nautical miles offshore, pristine coral bommies rise rapidly from depths of 600 meters. These deep waters are home to large pelagic fish, schools of barracuda, reef sharks, and rare scalloped hammerhead sharks.
- Orchid Spotting: The Cape Nelson region features an incredible abundance of wild orchids, ranging from common varieties to highly elusive, specialized species.
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding: The glassy, flat surface of the inlets makes it effortless to kayak or stand-up paddleboard directly beneath towering jungle canopies. The scenery is quite epic.
- Culture: Tufi offers some of the most authentic cultural interactions in the Pacific through the indigenous Korafe tribe.
15. Wander the National Museum in Port Moresby
- Hours: Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and on Sundays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- Cost: Free on weekdays, 10 kina ($2.50) on weekends.
This one is not nearly as involved or epic as some of the other items on this list of things to do in Papua New Guinea. But you’ll inevitably spend some time in Port Moresby.
The National Museum is actually quite good because it is packed with artifacts and tribal art that you wouldn’t otherwise get to see all in one trip in Papua New Guinea.
Check out my layover guide to Port Moresby for more tips on what to do while in the capital city.
16. Drive the Highlands Highway All The Way to Madang: The Prettiest Town in the Pacific
Papua New Guinea has so few roads in the country that connect to one another that you’ll be very well versed in domestic flights by the end of your trip. But the Highlands Highway comfortably connects Mount Hagen to Madang in one long (very long) stretch of (mostly) pavement.
Madang is widely considered one of the most beautiful towns in the South Pacific. Located on Papua New Guinea’s northern coast, it is famous for its lush, palm-lined waterfronts, calm, sheltered harbors, and stunning views of offshore volcanic islands. It is celebrated as a “tropical garden” paradise. It’s also well-known among divers. Taking this route not only introduces you to Madang but also allows you to explore all the Highland tribes, Lae, and curve around the coast.
Even better, you can take a PMV the entire way, so your trip doesn’t have to break the bank. Read my full guide on travel in Papua New Guinea for more tips on planning your trip (*coming soon*).
This is one of the Papua New Guinea itineraries I recommend to first-time visitors.
While this list of things to do in Papua New Guinea is quite extensive, it is nowhere near all there is to see in the country. Feel free to pop into the comments with some of the favorite things you experienced in PNG to add to the conversation!
Save This Post For Later!
