Page 132 - Pacific Paradises 2019

— Papua New Guinea —

languages are spoken throughout PNG. 762 different species, 85 endemic, Variarata National Park, a spectacular
including 38 of the world’s 48 species mountain region renowned for its
Melanesian Pidgin (Tok Pisin) and of the spectacular Bird of Paradise. The striking scenery and panoramic views
Police Motu are the two most widely world’s only known poisonous bird of Port Moresby and the coastline. In
used, but English is the official called Hooded Pito-Hui is found in the Oro province, Mt Lamington, an
language in education, business and Papua New Guinea. active volcano, is a favourite climb for
government circles.
Activities visiting bushwalkers. Scuba diving has
Nature become one of PNG’s most sought-after
Papua New Guinea’s enormously The most popular activities in Papua attractions and there are facilities, both
rich diversity of animal and plant life New Guinea are trekking, canoeing, land based and live-aboard, all around
has earned the esteemed designation bird watching, fishing, surfing and the country. Fishing charters, bird
of being a ‘mega diversity’ country. diving, all of which get travellers watching walks and whitewater rafting
Scientists believe that PNG, along with ‘up close and personal’ with nature tours are also available.
the 16 other countries bearing this and the people, the essence of PNG’s
unique distinction, account for more special attraction. Throughout the Surfing is also growing in popularity.
than two-thirds of the earth’s total country there are tours organised PNG is a relatively new surfing
biodiversity. The fact that so many of for all ages, skill levels and budgets. destination on the international
PNG’s natural ecosystems and human You can canoe down the Sepik and surfing scene that guarantees clean
cultures are intact makes it fascinating sleep in local villages, or visit exotic and uncrowded beaches, point breaks
and scientifically important. On land it cultures during the day and at night and challenging waves for all levels of
is estimated that there are 242 species sleep on a luxury cruise ship, or an surfers.
of mammals including shy forest eco lodge in a tributary. Getting around
wallabies, slow-moving cuscuses and Port Moresby is home to several popular Rugged mountainous terrain covers
tree kangaroos. Birds are one of PNG’s trekking spots, the infamous Kokoda much of the country, so the easiest
biggest natural attractions. There are trail, a favourite with war historians, and and fastest way to get around Papua

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