Page 131 - Pacifia Paradises - 2020

Lorengau
MANUS ISLAND Kavieng

NEW IRELAND
Wewak
Rabaul

Madang
Wabag EAST NEW BRITAIN
Mount Hagen Kimbe BOUGAINVILLE
Goroka
Mendi
Lae WEST NEW BRITAIN
Owen Stanley
Range
SOLOMON SEA
Kerema

Popondetta TROBRIAND ISLANDS
WOODLARK ISLAND
Port Moresby
D’ENTRECASTEAUX ISLANDS

Alotau

LOUISIADE ARCHIPELAGO

While the infrastructure for travel throughout PNG is Further north is Madang, which has one of the South Pacific’s most
firmly in place, travel as an industry is still in its infancy. beautiful harbours with lush tropical vegetation. It was the centre of
As such, every visitor to PNG has the opportunity to be heavy fighting during World War II and has 34 sunken ships and coral
part of the endless discovery. gardens to explore with superb visibility. Many of the most rewarding
cultural opportunities can be found in the Highlands. Goroka is the
PNG occupies the eastern portion of New Guinea, the second largest capital of the Eastern Highlands; Mt. Hagen is the capital of the
island in the world. Precariously situated on the Pacific Rim of fire, Western Highlands.
it is the cumulative result of two of the world’s largest geological
upheavals. The ensuing terrain is a rich, rugged collage of towering Papua New Guinea’s outer islands cover an enormous area, offering
mountain peaks, dense rainforests, mangrove jungles, fertile valleys, access to both the Solomon and Bismarck Seas. In this region
white sands and glistening coral islands. The underwater topography opportunities for exploration and adventure are enormous. New
is a reflection of the dramatic landscape. Hills and valleys translate Britain, the largest island, has two tourism centres: Rabaul on the
into majestic pinnacles, fish-filled passes, lush colourful gardens and eastern tip, and Kimbe in the west. Other popular spots include
coral-draped walls. Kavieng on New Ireland and Manus Island further north.
The people
Capital and major centres
Port Moresby, PNG’s capital and gateway is situated on the western Nationals are predominantly Melanesian, though in appearance
coast of the mainland peninsula. Other popular coastal regions on the they are varied. More than 800 indigenous languages are spoken
mainland include Alotau, Lae, Wewak, Vanimo and Madang. Alotau, throughout PNG.
at the eastern tip of the Owen Stanley Range, is an upcoming seaside Melanesian Pidgin (Tok Pisin) and Police Motu are the two most
resort town with rich culture and gorgeous scenery. Lae is the widely used, but English is the official language in education,
second largest city, situated on the eastern coast, at the mouth of the business and government circles.
Markham River. Wewak and Vanimo are in the Sepik Basin famous for
their art, customs and culture. The Sepik River runs 1126 kilometres
from source to sea and is one of the world’s largest waterways.

www.paradises.com Papua New Guinea 129