What to expect on arrival

Although Papua New Guinea’s infrastructure and accommodation have improved over the last few years you are still likely to feel a sense of culture shock as you arrive. Here are some important things to bear in mind as you travel through this fascinating country.

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What to expect on arrival
A few thoughts on what to expect when you arrive in PNG for the first time:

  • Papua New Guinea is a developing country and things that we take for granted in the West may not be present here.
    Tourism is still a new industry and even at the top end standards of service can be very different to what you have experienced elsewhere.
  • There is extreme poverty in Papua New Guinea which can be shocking, and the living conditions of the local villagers are very basic.
  • In remote areas the hotel choice is extremely limited, and the general standard of accommodation in these areas may be more basic than you are used to.
  • Government action, weather and local conditions can sometimes disrupt itineraries and it helps to be flexible and patient if such situations arise.
  • Avoid drinking tap water. Most hotels will provide either bottled water or filtered water in the rooms. Bottled water is available everywhere, but to cut down on plastic use we recommend taking your own refillable or filtered bottle and refilling as you go.
  • Use an insect repellent for mosquitoes and be careful to protect yourself against dehydration, heat exhaustion and sunburn.
  • People in PNG are not very formal but attitudes are quite conservative. So whilst wearing shorts and T-shirts is accepted for the most part very skimy clothing is frowned on. Please dress casually but respectfully.
  • Papua New Guinea is still incredibly tribal and tribal wars are not uncommon in the highland regions. However tourists are rarely caught up in such events.
  • Ask before you take someone’s photo as unsolicited picture taking can sometimes cause upset or offence.