Why? A land of thriving tribal cultures, smouldering volcanoes and vast
swathes of pristine mountainous rainforest, Papua New Guinea is one of the
world’s last great frontiers and remains largely untouched by mass tourism.
Hundreds of islands lie north and east of the mainland, with sparkling
white-sand beaches, coral reefs and verdant jungles teeming with wildlife.
The magnificent plumage and outrageous courtship displays of the islands’
birds of paradise - two-thirds of the country’s flora and fauna species are
endemic - along with numerous species of tree kangaroo, spine-covered
echidnas and huge flightless birds such as the cassowary, will delight
birdwatchers and nature-lovers alike.
Travelling through this rugged country offers countless opportunities to
interact with Papuans, from staying in rainforest villages to witnessing a
“sing-sing”, colourful traditional festivals in which warriors don elaborate
headdresses and chant to the rhythmic pounding of drums. Papua New Guinea
was part of the British Empire in the late 19th century and subsequently
administered by Australia (from 1906-75). It is also home to a number of
Second World War sites. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of Australian
“diggers” (who heroically held off a Japanese ground invasion) on the
challenging Kokoda Track, or visit a former Japanese submarine base near
Rabaul, where the shells of fighter aircraft still lie half-buried in the
jungle. Those who crave truly intrepid travel have the opportunity to scale
4,000m peaks, surf big waves off largely empty beaches, or explore
little-known dive sites. Diverse, colourful and extreme, this is an island
nation like no other.
How to go: Epic Tomato (020 7426 9899; epictomato.com)
offers two different itineraries in the country. For Telegraph Travel’s full
guide to Papua New Guinea, go to telegraph.co.uk/papuanewguinea
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