Don’t Miss These 2 Tourist Attractions in Papua New Guinea

Mist curls across the Owen Stanley Range at dawn, the kind of mist that blurs the mountain ridges into soft waves of green and gray. On the coast, dugout canoes glide quietly across rivers so broad they seem endless, while in the highlands, dancers in feathered headdresses still rehearse chants that echo across valleys.

Few destinations feel as untouched, as raw, as the 2 tourist attractions in Papua New Guinea that define its wilderness and cultural soul. This is not the kind of place you stumble into—it’s a destination that asks for intention, effort, and a willingness to step into the unknown.

After spending weeks trekking through villages and drifting down waterways here, I’ve come to understand why this island nation is often described as one of the last true frontiers for adventurous travelers. PNG is both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Yes, headlines sometimes focus on why Papua New Guinea is so dangerous, but on the ground I found something else entirely: warmth in small villages, generosity around communal fires, and guides who turned into lifelong friends. It’s here that the 2 tourist attractions in Papua New Guinea remind you how raw and authentic travel can still be.

This article focuses on 2 tourist attractions in Papua New Guinea that capture its spirit better than anywhere else—the Kokoda Track in the rugged highlands, and the Sepik River, a living museum of culture in the north.

These are not simple stops on a checklist, they’re journeys that demand something from you and then give back tenfold.

If you’ve ever wondered what are some tourist attractions in Papua New Guinea that can truly change how you see the world, these two belong at the very top of your PNG bucket list.

Why Visit Papua New Guinea?

Papua New Guinea isn’t a place that reveals itself quickly. With more than 800 languages spoken and landscapes that range from jagged volcanic peaks to dense rainforests and coral reefs in the Coral Triangle, it’s one of the most diverse corners of the planet.

I remember standing in Port Moresby’s Ela Beach Market, hearing five different dialects within minutes—it felt like stepping into a mosaic of human history.

This diversity makes PNG one of the top tourist attractions in the South Pacific, yet it’s still largely under the radar. Most travelers here are not casual holidaymakers—they’re adventure seekers, cultural explorers, and eco-travelers looking for something authentic.

That’s what makes it so magnetic. Unlike destinations that have been reshaped by mass tourism, Papua New Guinea remains stubbornly itself.

But with that comes responsibility. If you go, travel with respect. Stay in family-run guesthouses rather than big hotels in Papua New Guinea when possible. Bring small tokens—rice, sugar, or soap—that are deeply appreciated in remote villages.

And always ask before taking photos, especially in places of cultural or spiritual importance. Travel here isn’t just about what you see, it’s about how you choose to connect.

Attraction #1: The Kokoda Track (PNG Highlands)

1. Overview & Significance

The Kokoda Track is more than a trail—it’s a story carved into the earth. Stretching 96 kilometers across the Owen Stanley Range, it winds through unforgiving terrain that once decided the fate of World War II in the Pacific. In 1942, Australian and Japanese forces clashed here in what became known as the Kokoda Campaign, and the memory of those battles still lingers in every ridge and clearing.

Today, walking the Kokoda Track is part history lesson, part spiritual pilgrimage. For Australians, it’s almost sacred—an endurance test that honors the sacrifices of soldiers and the famed Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, local villagers who carried supplies and wounded men across the mountains.

For others, it’s a chance to experience one of the world’s toughest but most rewarding treks. I still remember the weight of silence when I reached Isurava Memorial, its stone pillars etched with the words “Courage, Endurance, Mateship, Sacrifice.”

2. The Trekking Experience

The trek itself is brutal—let’s be honest. Expect steep ascents, muddy descents, rivers that swell with rain, and humidity that clings to your skin like a second layer. It usually takes 7 to 10 days, depending on fitness and pace, to cross from Owers’ Corner near Port Moresby to Kokoda village.

At times I wondered why I had signed up, yet every dawn when mist lifted off the jungle canopy, I felt grateful to be there.

The Kokoda isn’t for the unprepared. It requires stamina, determination, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. But that’s what makes it transformative.

There’s something about sharing muddy boots and rain-soaked evenings with fellow trekkers that creates bonds impossible to replicate anywhere else. And at the end, standing on the trail’s far side, the exhaustion fades into pride—you’ve walked a path that reshaped history.

3. Cultural Encounters

One of the most moving parts of trekking Kokoda is meeting the people who still call this rugged land home. Every few hours, the trail passes through small highland villages where children run barefoot across the mud and elders invite you to sit by the fire.

Many of these communities are direct descendants of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, whose role in WWII remains legendary. I still recall one evening in Menari, where a local guide’s grandfather told us stories of carrying wounded Australian soldiers through rain and darkness—it gave the journey an emotional depth I hadn’t anticipated.

Hospitality here is genuine, though simple. Meals might be boiled sweet potato or taro, but what stays with you is the sense of welcome. You also get a glimpse into subsistence agriculture in Papua New Guinea’s highlands—terraced gardens of kaukau (sweet potato), bananas, and pitpit, all carved out of steep slopes.

For me, these cultural encounters were just as powerful as the history, and they remind you that Kokoda is not only a battlefield memorial but a living, breathing community.

4. Flora & Fauna

If you love biodiversity, Kokoda will overwhelm you. Walking through the jungle feels like entering a living greenhouse: orchids hanging from mossy branches, butterflies the size of your palm, and the occasional flash of color from the Raggiana bird-of-paradise, PNG’s national symbol.

I spotted one near Efogi village, its red plumes glowing against the dark canopy—a sight that felt like a reward after hours of muddy climbing.

The region is also home to countless other species, from the King of Saxony bird with its strange head plumes to tree kangaroos hidden in the forest. Seasonal weather patterns matter here.

During the wet season, trails turn into rivers, leeches appear in swarms, and landslides can block the way. That’s why April to October, the dry season, is the best time to trek. Even then, expect rain. This is the highlands, and the jungle doesn’t give up its moisture easily.

5. Practical Travel Tips

Best Time to Trek: April through October. This period gives you the best chance of stable weather and clearer paths.

Guides & Tours: Don’t even think about tackling Kokoda solo. Reputable outfits like Australian Kokoda Tours or local operators provide not only safety but also essential cultural interpretation. They work closely with village communities, which means your fees support local economies.

Packing Essentials:

• Waterproof boots and gaiters (trust me, mud will find you).
• High-quality mosquito repellent—PNG is a malaria zone.
• A hydration system that allows you to sip constantly without stopping.
• Light but durable clothing for both humidity and cooler nights in higher elevations.

Fitness Prep: Weeks of cardio and endurance training will pay off. The trail is less about technical climbing and more about stamina—up, down, repeat. If you’re used to weekend hikes, double or triple your expectations here.

Costs: Guided treks can run between USD $2,000–$3,500, depending on inclusions (flights, porters, equipment). It’s not cheap, but consider it an investment in one of the most transformative tourist attractions in Papua New Guinea.

6. Personal / Insider Touch

What surprised me most wasn’t the physical challenge—it was the emotional one. Standing at Brigade Hill, where hundreds of young soldiers once fought to the death, I felt an eerie silence settle over our group.

The jungle seemed alive, but hushed, as if it remembered. Later, as we sat around the fire in Kagi, one trekker whispered that walking Kokoda felt “life-changing.” I agreed.

For me, Kokoda wasn’t just about history or scenery. It was about resilience—both of the soldiers who once fought here and the villagers who have carried on with quiet dignity.

If you’re wondering what are some tourist attractions in Papua New Guinea that combine history, culture, and raw adventure, the Kokoda Track stands above them all.

Attraction #2: The Sepik River (Northern Lowlands)

1. Overview & Importance

If Kokoda speaks of sacrifice and endurance, the Sepik River whispers of heritage and timeless tradition. Stretching 1,126 kilometers from the central highlands to the Bismarck Sea, it is one of the world’s great river systems and undoubtedly one of the top tourist attractions in Papua New Guinea. Where Kokoda tests the body, the Sepik feeds the imagination.

What struck me the first time I traveled upriver from Wewak was the rhythm of life here—canoes carved from single tree trunks, villages perched on stilts above the water, and the slow pulse of a river that has carried myths and survival for centuries.

Unlike places overwhelmed by modern tourism, the Sepik remains a living museum of tribal heritage, where every carving, mask, and ritual tells a story.

2. River Journey Experience

Traveling the Sepik is not about speed; it’s about surrendering to its pace. Transportation is usually by dugout canoe or small motorized riverboat, and journeys can last hours—or days—depending on how far you go. The stilt villages rising above the riverbanks are astonishing; Angoram, Timbunke, and Ambunti each felt like stepping back in time.

In these villages, you’ll often find haus tambaran (spirit houses), ornately decorated buildings that serve as cultural and spiritual centers. Entering one is a humbling experience—I remember being asked to sit quietly as elders spoke about ancestral spirits. It wasn’t a tourist performance; it was their daily reality.

Here’s what the Sepik River experience looks like:

3. Culture & Traditions

If you ask me what are some tourist attractions in Papua New Guinea that show its soul, the Sepik River tops the list. It’s here that I witnessed some of the most powerful cultural traditions of my travels.

The Sepik is world-famous for its woodcarvings and masks, intricate works that carry deep spiritual meaning. Each design is tied to clan identity and ancestral memory.

One evening in a riverside village, I was invited to watch a ritual dance tied to crocodile spirits. The performers wore carved masks and moved with a rhythm that seemed older than time. It reminded me that the Sepik isn’t just about art—it’s about living traditions.

The most striking cultural practice here is the scarification initiation ceremony, where young men’s skin is cut in patterns that resemble crocodile scales. It’s a symbolic rebirth, marking their transition into adulthood. Outsiders rarely see this ritual, but hearing about it from elders gave me chills.

And then there are the festivals:

• Sepik River Crocodile and Arts Festival (Ambunti) – celebrates the spiritual link with crocodiles through dance, art, and storytelling.
• Kenu and Kundu Festival – a gathering of canoe builders and drummers, showcasing the artistry of water and sound.

Each event is a reminder that while modernization creeps in, the Sepik’s cultural heartbeat remains strong.

4. Wildlife & Nature

Beyond its people, the Sepik is a haven for wildlife. I woke up one morning to the call of hornbills overhead, their wings slicing through the dawn air. Cockatoos, kingfishers, and herons are common, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a Raggiana bird-of-paradise dancing among the branches.

The river is also home to freshwater crocodiles—sometimes seen basking on muddy banks—and countless fish species that sustain the villages. Sunsets here are unforgettable: the river glowing orange, canoes silhouetted against the horizon, the rainforest melting into shadow.

For photographers, it’s paradise. For travelers, it’s a reminder of how wild and untouched these tourist destinations in Papua New Guinea remain.

5. Practical Travel Tips

Exploring the Sepik isn’t difficult if you plan correctly, but logistics are very different from trekking Kokoda. Here’s what you need to know:

Access & Entry:

• The gateway is Wewak, reached by domestic flights from Port Moresby via Air Niugini or PNG Air.
• From Wewak, river journeys begin by boat, often organized with local operators or through PNG Tourism Promotion Authority contacts.

Accommodation Options:

• Village homestays are the most authentic. Think thatched huts, shared meals, and nights falling asleep to the sound of water.
• Some guesthouses exist in larger towns like Ambunti, but don’t expect luxury Papua New Guinea hotels here—this is raw travel.

What to Bring:

• Mosquito net & repellent – malaria risk is real.
• Basic medical kit – supplies are limited upriver.
• Gifts for villages – items like rice, sugar, or soap are welcomed.
• Light clothing – humidity is relentless.

Best Time to Visit:

• May–October (dry season) is ideal. The river runs lower and travel is easier.
• November to April sees heavy rains, swollen waters, and trickier navigation.

Cost Considerations:

A multi-day Sepik River journey usually costs between USD $1,000–$1,800, depending on length, number of villages visited, and whether you arrange it privately or with a tour company. Unlike the Kokoda Track, this isn’t about physical endurance—it’s about cultural immersion.

6. Personal / Insider Touch

I’ll never forget the night I spent in Ambunti during the Sepik River Crocodile Festival. The entire village gathered by torchlight, dancers painted in ash and ochre, masks glowing eerily in the firelight.

At one point, an elder leaned over to me and whispered, “The crocodile is not just an animal—it is who we are.” It wasn’t meant for show. It was a reminder of identity, etched into skin and soul.

Moments like this make the Sepik River feel like a step back in time. Unlike other tourist attractions where culture can feel staged, here it’s lived every day. If Kokoda challenges your endurance, the Sepik challenges your perspective.

By the time I left, I realized that these 2 tourist attractions in Papua New Guinea—the Kokoda Track and the Sepik River—are not just destinations, but journeys that change you.

Comparing the Two Attractions (Which One is For You?)

When travelers ask me whether they should choose Kokoda or the Sepik, I usually tell them it depends on what you’re seeking. Both stand as the top tourist attractions in Papua New Guinea, but they speak to different souls.

So which should you pick?

• If you want to sweat, struggle, and stand in the footsteps of history, choose Kokoda.
• If you want to sit in a canoe, listen to ancestral stories, and see traditions alive in the present, choose the Sepik.
• And if you can, do both. Together, they form the perfect balance—one shaped by global history, the other by timeless culture.

Both are transformative in their own way, and that’s why I always recommend combining them if time and budget allow. They are, without doubt, the 2 tourist attractions in Papua New Guinea that every adventurous traveler should experience before mass tourism arrives.

Travel Logistics for Papua New Guinea

For most travelers, the journey begins in Port Moresby, the capital city and main entry hub. It’s here you’ll land before venturing deeper into the highlands or the river regions.

Air Niugini and PNG Air both operate domestic flights, connecting Port Moresby with Kokoda, Wewak, Mount Hagen, and other gateways to Papua New Guinea’s tourist destinations.

Visas & Entry:

• Most visitors require a visa, which can often be arranged online or on arrival depending on nationality.
• Always double-check with the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority or your local embassy before departure.

Transport & Accessibility:

• Don’t expect highways linking the highlands with the lowlands. Domestic flights are essential—road travel is limited and often unsafe.
• From Wewak, boats are the only way to access Sepik River villages.
• To reach the Kokoda Track, it’s a short drive from Port Moresby to Owers’ Corner.

Safety Considerations:

• Papua New Guinea’s reputation often raises the question: is Papua New Guinea safe? The answer is nuanced.
  • Villages and trekking routes are safe and welcoming.
  • Cities like Port Moresby and Lae can be unpredictable—avoid walking at night, use trusted transport, and stick to known areas.

Health Essentials:

• Malaria prevention is non-negotiable. Bring strong repellent, mosquito nets, and anti-malarial medication.
• Vaccinations for typhoid, hepatitis, and yellow fever (depending on origin) are recommended.
• Always carry water purification tablets or a filter—tap water outside hotels in Papua New Guinea is not reliable.

Responsible Travel: Support local communities whenever possible: hire local guides, stay in family-run guesthouses, and respect cultural protocols. Never enter a spirit house or photograph ceremonies without explicit permission. In places where traditions like the crocodile scarification initiation are sacred, approach with humility.

Papua New Guinea’s currency (PGK, the kina) is cash-based outside major cities. Carry enough small denominations for village stays—ATMs are rare upriver or in rural areas.

In short, PNG travel requires preparation, but with it comes some of the richest experiences you’ll ever encounter.

Closing Thoughts

Papua New Guinea is not a destination you simply check off—it’s a place that stays with you. The 2 tourist attractions in Papua New Guinea highlighted here, the Kokoda Track and the Sepik River, embody two sides of the same coin: one shaped by the sacrifices of war, the other by timeless cultural heritage.

Walking Kokoda’s steep ridges, I felt the weight of history. Drifting down the Sepik, I felt the pulse of culture alive in every carving and chant. Both demand effort—physical, emotional, or simply the patience to let the place unfold. But both also give back in ways that ordinary travel rarely does.

If you’re building a PNG bucket list, don’t overlook these attractions. They’re not just famous places in Papua New Guinea; they are transformative journeys. And while PNG’s landscapes, bird-of-paradise sightings, and vibrant festivals may soon attract larger crowds, right now you can still experience them as they have been for generations.

My advice? Go sooner rather than later. Step into the highlands mist, glide along the Sepik waters, and let this island nation show you why it remains one of the last great frontiers in world travel.

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