From Bali to Port Moresby

This is an exotic destination par excellence! Getaways in Papua New Guinea offer visitors a moment of total change of scenery. Dreaming to go from Bali to Port Moresby – Papua New Guinea is divided into four regions: Highlands, Papua, Islands and Momase and has several facets: on one side flat and on the other side mountainous (its highest peak is Mount Wilhelm at 4509 m), the country also boasts of having a vast archipelago (the islands of New Britain, Bougainville Island, New Ireland etc.).

Thanks to its favorable geographical location on the edge of the Coral Sea and its moving past, Port Moresby appropriates the reputation of a chivalrous city. High places of tourist campaigns, these beaches and their hotels welcome many travelers for a favorite stopover. The city occupies a strategic place in the country and the region! It will offer you a directory of must-see sites and exceptional architecture. Wildlife reserves and a priceless historical treasure await you. Book a ticket for this charming region and have the best of stays.

From Bali to Port Moresby by plane

It is possible to get from Bali to Port Moresby by plane. Unfortunately there is no direct flight from Bali to Port Moresby (vice versa). The fastes flight takes around 7h 50m via via Cairns and if you count with the transit, it can go up to 18 hr 30 min depending on the days.

What airlines run services from Bali to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea?

Air Niugini
- Flights from Bali to Port Moresby via Cairns
  Average time 7h 50m When: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday Estimated price €210 – €800
- Flights from Bali to Port Moresby via Singapore Changi
  Average time 10h 25m When: Wednesday Estimated price €480 – €1100
- Flights from Bali to Port Moresby via Sydney
  Average time 2pm When: Sunday Estimated price €350 – €1300

Qantas
- Flights from Ngurah Rai to Port Moresby via Sydney, Brisbane
  Average time 13h 15m When: Daily Estimated price €1000 – €3400
- Flights from Ngurah Rai to Port Moresby via Cairns, Brisbane
  Average time 12h When: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday Estimated price €330 – €1200
- Flights from Ngurah Rai to Port Moresby via Darwin, Brisbane
  Average time 14h 5m When: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday Estimated price €320 – €1200
- Flights from Ngurah Rai to Port Moresby via Brisbane
  Average time 11h 15m When: Daily Estimated price €360 – €900
- Flights from Ngurah Rai to Port Moresby via Perth, Brisbane
  Average time 16h 10m When: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday Estimated price €1000 – €3400

PAPUA NEW GUINEA MONUMENTS – THE UNMISSABLE

This city is home to many luxury hotels because the beaches are magnificent and the seabed is very beautiful.
The parliament building (visits are sometimes allowed)
The National Botanical Garden
Moitaka Wildlife Sanctuary
You will see that luxury also rubs shoulders with poverty because there are slums in the heart of the city, which is why certain neighborhoods are considered dangerous for tourists.

Popular places to visit in Port Moresby

Port Moresby Nature Park

Staying in Port Moresby? Discover Port Moresby Nature Park and have a blast in the heart of its green spaces during outdoor activities. Take advantage of your stay in the region to treat yourself to an invigorating stroll along its port.

Varirata National Park

Staying in Port Moresby? Discover Varirata National Park and have fun in the heart of its green spaces during outdoor activities. Take advantage of your stay in the region to treat yourself to an invigorating stroll along its port.

46 km from the capital, Varirata National Park offers many hiking trails in a preserved nature with a large fauna. You have to come early in the morning to observe the fabulous parade of the paradisiers of Raggi. The Sogeri road which leads to the park offers beautiful views of the region. This park is often frequented on weekends by residents of Port Moresby and expatriates. During weekdays, you might have the park just for you.

University of Papua New Guinea

Take a stroll around the campus at University of Papua New Guinea during your trip to Port Moresby. Take advantage of your stay in the region to treat yourself to an invigorating stroll along its port.

Loloata Island

Connect with nature and get some fresh air at Loloata Island while exploring Port Moresby. Take advantage of your stay in the region to treat yourself to an invigorating stroll along its port.

It takes around 30 minutes from Port Mresby to this island.

Loloata Island sits on the edge of the Papuan Barrier Reef and there are 29 dive sites around the island where experienced divers can explore its reefs, spectacular sea life, shipwrecks and even a World War 2 Boston bomber. There are also excellent snorkeling sites.

Marina Royal Papua Yacht Club

Take advantage of your stay in Port Moresby to discover Marina Royal Papua Yacht Club and relax by the water. Take advantage of your stay in the region to treat yourself to an invigorating stroll along its port.

Hubert Murray Stadium

Catch an event at Hubert Murray Stadium during your trip to Port Moresby. Take advantage of your stay in the region to treat yourself to an invigorating stroll along its port.

Ela beach

Formerly known as Era Kone, meaning Turtle Beach. Ela Beach Hotel is an 8-minute walk from the center of Port Moresby.

Located along the Ela Beach front are various recreational facilities such as basketball courts, beach volleyball courts, a boardwalk, a three-star hotel, two kiosks and an amphitheater.

Ela Beach Port Moresby. No machine-readable author provided. Toksave assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ela Beach is also the host venue for the annual Hiri-Moale Festival, the great festival in mid-September which celebrates the country’s independence from Australia in 1975. Each year, one or two coastal villages are mobilized to build this traditional symbol vessel which will sail to Ela beach Beach at the foot of downtown Port Moresby. A few hours before the big start, the excitement is at its peak. The experience over the shoulder, the elders inspect the ship where the final hammer blows resound. We refine the last skirts of dried leaves and prepare the bunches of buaïs, betel nuts which will be distributed to the crowd.

PNG National Museum and Art Gallery

The PNG National Museum and Art Gallery is the main museum in Papua New Guinea. It is located in the capital, Port Moresby, precisely in the district of Waigani, a suburb where the university, the Parliament, the residence of the Prime Minister and the Supreme Court are also located. Its collections focus on three main areas: traditional Papuan art, contemporary production and objects related to the New Guinea campaign during the Pacific War.

PNG National Museum. Nick-D, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Other famous destination in Papua New Guinea

Rabaul

It’s hard not to be impressed when you arrive in Rabaul. Already on the road, black ash is piling up on the sides, the trees are becoming rarer. And, once past the market, an atmosphere of desolation strikes the visitor. It takes real effort to imagine that a city once lay across this field of ash, a city whose ancient streets are barely discernible.

All under the incessant ash rain projected by the Tavurvur volcano, still active. Two hotels are still open in Rabaul, the port is still in operation, and part of the population, threatened with respiratory diseases, still lives on the outskirts of the city. Despite this state of desolation, Rabaul deserves at least one visit and probably one night, to better feel the atmosphere of the volcano. The discovery of the surroundings of Tavurvur will remain a great memory of a trip to Papua. As for divers, the surrounding waters have many wonders in store for them.

When to go to Rabaul: the best periods

The maximum temperature in Rabaul is on average 29°C over the year (from 29°C in February to 30°C in June). It rains 4138mm over the year, with a minimum of 264mm in September and a maximum of 452mm in March. The climate is correct to go on a trip to Rabaul in January and from June to November. The water temperature is suitable all year round for swimming.

Do a tracking on Kokoda Track

Papua New Guinea is one of the last frontiers. The Kokoda Track is a 96 kilometer hike that will take you through wild and pristine landscapes. You will cross rivers and climb steep slopes, all in a primary rainforest environment. You will discover along the track, the wounds left by the Second World War and the famous battle of Papua.

Stream crossing Kokoda Trail. Nomadtales, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Dive into an underwater sanctuary

Papua has some of the most beautiful scuba diving sites in the world. It is located in the heart of the Indo-Pacific and boasts an immense variety of fish and corals unlike any found anywhere else. What characterizes diving in Papua New Guinea is the immense richness of the funds. It is no coincidence that the greatest underwater photographers prepare the photos here that they present at international competitions. You will have the opportunity to dive on drop-offs, reefs and coral gardens, not to mention the beautiful wrecks from the Second World War.

Explore extraordinary coral reefs

Papua lies at the heart of the Coral Triangle, an area of great underwater biodiversity comprising Indonesia, the Philippines, East Borneo, Papua, and the Solomon Islands. The reefs in this area have suffered enormously in recent years. Papua New Guinea is relatively spared from these degradations and you can admire them while snorkeling, with a mask and a snorkel, in shallow waters. You will appreciate the vivacity of the reefs, their colors, and the incredible fauna, from the smallest leaffish, to the majestic rays or turtles.

Explore the fjords

Who would have thought of going to Papua New Guinea to explore the fjords? The province of Oro, in the south-east of the country, is full of superb fjords, formed by volcanic eruptions. Explore them at the start of Tufi Resort, an isolated ecolodge, located at the entrance to a fjord. You can sail in a canoe inside the fjord, to meet the villagers. This will be an opportunity to get to know a culture very different from the rest of the country.

Collecting Papuan Tribal Art

Papua New Guinea is the cradle of a rich artistic tradition linked to its ancestral culture. Collectors around the world, as well as the largest international museums have pieces from Papua in their collections. This varied art takes the form of statues, drums, masks and headdresses, shields, spears, arrows and other warrior objects. No need to be very rich to be able to afford a souvenir from Papua, it is possible to find pretty pieces at affordable prices.

Admire the great diversity of birds

Papua New Guinea is paradise for bird watchers. Thanks to its dense primary forest, no less than 708 species of birds have been recorded. Whether you are in the coastal areas, in the highlands, or on the banks of the Sepik River, experienced observers will be delighted. Papua is the home of the Bird of Paradise. Of the 41 species in the world, the country has 31. Besides this magnificent bird, you can observe toucans, kingfishers, parakeets and parrots, as well as a large number of passerine species.

In plain authenticity, without too many infrastructures

If you are a fan of ecotourism, traveling in unspoiled nature, discovering an authentic culture, then Papua New Guinea is the destination for you. Here, you will not find large hotels, but only small establishments that are well integrated into their environment. Some lodges do not offer more than 10 bungalows. This will be an opportunity for you to get closer to the wild nature of New Guinea.

Facing an ancestral culture still alive

With 700 languages spoken across the country, Papua New Guinea has one of the most diverse populations in the world. There is a wide variety of ancestral cultures that are all very different. Whether you visit the highlands, the banks of the Sepik, or the coastal plains, the common point is tradition. This tradition is transmitted from generation to generation through the family, the clan, the village… Welcome to an authentic world.

Participate in a sing sing

Papua New Guinea showcases its colorful culture at gatherings of local tribes. These festivals called “Sing-Sings” are a unique opportunity to participate in an event that makes the villagers proud. Tribes from all over the country come to participate. Each tribe “exhibits” its beliefs, traditions, festive costumes, dance and music. Prepare your cameras! The aim of these gatherings is to peacefully share traditions as each Islands have their own dance.

Festivals or sing sing are an essential aspect of Papuan culture. About fifty ethnic groups from all regions of the country come together for major festivals that are the pride of the villagers. Gatherings are an opportunity for each tribe to exhibit their culture and impress each other with their dances, customs, beliefs and music. The men and women wear the colors of their ethnicity with magnificent masks, characteristic ancestral body paintings, rich traditional costumes or bila, colorful feather adornments as well as bewitching traditional dances and songs.

In November, the cultural festival of Alotau is held, much less famous than the Mount Hagen Show in August or the Goroka Show which takes place in September around the national holiday. The Kenu & Kundu Festival is a friendly and exciting gathering because it allows, because of its small size, much more dialogue and interactivity with passing travellers. The event is focused around the traditional Kenu canoes or war canoes whose prows are decorated with magnificent wooden sculptures typical of the Milne Bay region. During the festival visitors attend canoe races, Sing-Sing gatherings and grand banquets where the tribes exchange food. The Kundu or the traditional Papuan tribal drum features on the arms of Papua New Guinea. The wooden instrument, which takes the long shape of an hourglass, has a snake membrane, a richly decorated handle and ornaments in the shape of animals. Among the Papuans, the Kundu is the voice of the ancestors who manifest themselves during rituals and religious or civil ceremonies.

Take a cruise on the Sepik River

With its 1,226 km, the Sepik River is the largest in the country. Many communities live along the river and its tributaries, contenting themselves with cultivation, hunting and fishing. They remain completely isolated and protected from the modern world and thus perpetuate their ancestral culture. Discover the influence of the Crocodile God, and the superb artistic expressions on wood.

Snapshot of the daily life of the people living around Sepik River. Top1963 / Tryfon Topalidis, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Alotau – Papua Region, Papua New Guinea

The small provincial capital does not look like much, but breathes the sweetness of life. The beauty of its bay and the kindness of its inhabitants, its small port and its market justify spending a day there. With 6,000 inhabitants and a few streets, it is difficult to get lost, but there is nevertheless a hospital and the main banks. Starting from the port and the beach, Alotau lines up its shops and administrations for a few hundred meters, then climbs up the hills, which are more residential.

Popular places to visit in Alotau

Port of Alotau

Staying in Alotau? In this case, discover Port d’Alotau and allow yourself a moment of relaxation by the water. Take advantage of your stay in the region to treat yourself to superb walks along its seaside and its beaches.

Alotau Beach

Want a 100% relaxing stay? Alotau has just the right thing for you: Alotau Beach! This destination is perfect for taking a relaxing stroll along its seaside or spending some downtime in its shopping.

North Bay War Memorial
Learn about the history that shaped Alotau with a stop at North Bay War Memorial. Explore the region and treat yourself to invigorating walks along its marina or discover its monuments.

Harbor

Staying in Alotau? In this case, discover Harbor and allow yourself a moment of relaxation at the water’s edge. Take advantage of your stay in the region to treat yourself to superb walks along its seaside and its beaches.

Cameron Secondary School

To learn more about the events that marked Alotau, do not hesitate to stop at Cameron Secondary School. Take advantage of your stay in the region to treat yourself to superb walks along its marina and its beaches.

View across Milne Bay in Alotau. Manuel Hetzel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Viewpoint

To learn more about the events that marked Alotau, do not hesitate to stop at Viewpoint. Explore the region and treat yourself to invigorating walks along its marina or discover its monuments.

Mount Hagen – Highlands Region, Papua New Guinea

The surroundings are not lacking in charm and the great “Hagen Show Festival”, which is held there every year on the second weekend of August, makes this city an essential stopover during a trip to Papua.

In 1994, the Pope John Paul II, during his pilgrimage to Papua New Guinea, stopped at Mount Hagen (seat of a Catholic archdiocese ) where he met the indigenous people as well as the local ecclesiastical authorities.

Mt Hagen Cultural Show, one of the largest annual cultural events held in Papua New Guinea. Jialiang Gao (peace-on-earth.org), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Popular places to visit in Mount Hagen

Mount Hagen Market

During your visit to Mount Hagen, do some window-shopping at Mount Hagen Market. Explore the region and let yourself be surprised by the beauty of its mountain panorama or take the time to discover its monuments.

Mount Hagen General Hospital

If you came to Mount Hagen specifically for Mount Hagen General Hospital, hopefully you’ll get to see a different side to this place. During your stay in the region, set aside some time in your diary to discover its shops and monuments.

Photo credit (main picture):

Photo description: a typical sing-sing scene of Papua New Guinea, a gathering of different tribes singing and dancing with their unique make-up and traditional costumes. Photo taken in Wabag, Enga Province (It is on the Lai River; the Highlands Highway passes through the town, between Mount Hagen and Porgera).

From Bali to Port Moresby | Complete Guide to Visit Papua New Guinea