UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Book Attractions in Advance
Skip the lines at Papua New Guinea's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, cultural sites, and experiences across Papua New Guinea.
Kuk Early Agricultural Site
Discover ancient wetland farming systems in the highlands, showcasing 7,000 years of human ingenuity.
A vital UNESCO site for understanding Pacific agricultural history with guided tours available.
Sepik River Cultural Sites
Explore traditional villages and haus tambaran spirit houses along the mighty Sepik River.
Immerse in indigenous art and rituals that preserve Papua New Guinea's living heritage.
Trobriand Islands Heritage
Visit yam houses and sacred sites on these matrilineal islands, key to anthropological studies.
Cultural festivals and Kula ring traditions offer insights into unique island societies.
Port Moresby National Museum
View artifacts from diverse tribes, including masks and carvings, in the capital's cultural hub.
Exhibits highlight Papua New Guinea's 800+ languages and ethnic diversity.
Kokoda Track Historical Sites
Trace WWII battlefields and memorials along this iconic trail in the Owen Stanley Range.
A poignant heritage path blending military history with lush rainforest scenery.
Hiri Moale Festival Sites
Celebrate Motu traditions in Port Moresby with canoe races and traditional dances.
Annual event preserving coastal heritage through vibrant performances and crafts.
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures
Mount Wilhelm
Scale Papua New Guinea's highest peak at 4,509m for alpine views and glacier hikes.
Multi-day treks with birdwatching opportunities in highland ecosystems.
Coral Triangle Reefs
Dive vibrant underwater worlds around Milne Bay with over 1,000 fish species.
World-class snorkeling sites teeming with marine biodiversity and shipwrecks.
Tavurvur Volcano
Witness active lava flows and hot springs on the Gazelle Peninsula in East New Britain.
Guided hikes combine geology with scenic Rabaul harbor views.
Varirata National Park
Explore rainforest trails near Port Moresby with bird-of-paradise sightings.
Easy day hikes offering panoramic views and endemic flora discoveries.
Kokoda Track
Trek the historic 96km WWII trail through rugged mountains and villages.
Challenging adventure with cultural stops and WWII history immersion.
Crater Mountain Wildlife
Spot rare birds and tree kangaroos in this highland conservation area.
Guided eco-tours focused on biodiversity and sustainable community projects.
Papua New Guinea by Region
🌆 Southern Region (Port Moresby & Central)
- Best For: Urban gateways, coastal culture, and easy access to highland flights with diverse markets.
- Key Destinations: Port Moresby, Alotau, and Kokoda for history and beaches.
- Activities: Museum visits, lagoon cruises, WWII sites, and fresh seafood dining.
- Best Time: Dry season (May-Oct) for festivals and mild 25-30°C weather.
- Getting There: Jacksons International Airport is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.
🏔️ Highlands Region
- Best For: Tribal cultures, mountain scenery, and sing-sings in remote valleys.
- Key Destinations: Mount Hagen, Goroka, and Waghi Valley for markets and hikes.
- Activities: Village homestays, coffee plantation tours, and highland trekking.
- Best Time: Year-round, but August for Goroka Show with cooler 15-25°C highs.
- Getting There: Domestic flights from Port Moresby, with private transfers available via GetTransfer for rugged roads.
🌊 Islands Region (New Britain & Beyond)
- Best For: Volcanic landscapes, diving, and WWII relics on tropical isles.
- Key Destinations: Rabaul, Kimbe Bay, and Trobriand Islands for reefs and culture.
- Activities: Snorkeling, volcano tours, island hopping, and Tolai community visits.
- Best Time: Dry months (May-Nov) for water activities, with warm 28-32°C and calm seas.
- Getting There: Rent a car or boat for exploring island chains and remote bays.
🛶 Northern Region (Sepik & Madang)
- Best For: Riverine adventures, ancient art, and coastal lagoons.
- Key Destinations: Madang, Sepik River villages, and Ambunti for crocodile rituals.
- Activities: Canoe cruises, carving workshops, diving wrecks, and birdwatching.
- Best Time: Dry season (June-Oct) for river travel, 25-30°C with low humidity.
- Getting There: Domestic flights to Madang, followed by boat or charter for river access.
Sample Papua New Guinea Itineraries
🚀 7-Day Papua New Guinea Highlights
Arrive in Port Moresby, explore the National Museum, visit Parliament House, and enjoy coastal markets with local crafts.
Fly to Mount Hagen for village tours and the Wahgi Valley markets, witnessing traditional sing-sings and highland life.
Travel to Madang for diving and coastal lagoons, then a day trip along the Sepik River to see haus tambaran houses.
Final day with shopping at Gordons Market and a sunset cruise before departure, savoring local cuisine.
🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer
City tour including Varirata Park hikes, cultural center visits, and Motu village experiences with lagoon kayaking.
Fly to Goroka for the bird of paradise sanctuary and local festivals, then trek in the Eastern Highlands.
Canoe journey along the Sepik to Ambunti, engaging with river communities and observing crocodile scarification rituals.
Dive shipwrecks in Madang Harbour and explore Bismarck Mountain trails with birdwatching tours.
Short hop to New Britain for Rabaul volcano views, then fly back to Port Moresby for relaxation and departure.
🏙️ 14-Day Complete Papua New Guinea
Comprehensive exploration with museum exhibits, WWII sites at Ela Beach, and day trips to Kokoda Trail start.
Mount Hagen markets, Mount Wilhelm base camp hikes, and Enga Province village homestays with cultural exchanges.
Sepik River cruises to Middle Sepik villages, Madang for diving, and Ramu Valley plantations tours.
New Britain for Tavurvur hikes and Kimbe Bay snorkeling, plus Trobriand Islands for yam festivals.
Alotau for coastal culture and reefs, then return to Port Moresby for last-minute adventures and departure.
Top Activities & Experiences
Sepik River Cruises
Navigate longhouse villages by canoe, learning about spirit carvings and daily river life.
Multi-day journeys with overnight stays in remote communities for authentic immersion.
Sing-Sing Festivals
Join vibrant tribal gatherings with dances, feathers, and body paint at events like Goroka Show.
Annual celebrations showcasing over 100 ethnic groups' traditions and music.
Diving & Snorkeling
Explore Milne Bay's reefs with manta rays and WWII wrecks in crystal-clear waters.
Guided dives from liveaboards or resorts, highlighting the Coral Triangle's biodiversity.
Kokoda Track Hiking
Embark on guided treks through jungles and mountains, following WWII heroics.
7-10 day expeditions with porters, historical briefings, and scenic overviews.
Birdwatching Tours
Spot birds-of-paradise and cassowaries in highland forests and coastal mangroves.
Expert-led safaris in parks like Varirata, with hides for rare species observation.
Village Homestays
Live with Huli wigmen or Sepik tribes, participating in daily rituals and crafts.
Cultural exchanges including bilum weaving and traditional feasts for deep insights.