The mainland of Papua New Guinea, together with its six hundred other islands (463,000 square kilometres), has a population of approximately 6.1 million. Most of the people are Melanesian, but some are Micronesian or Polynesian. There are over seven hundred language groups, reflecting the diverse origins of the people. English, Tok Pisin (Pidgin), and Motu (the lingua franca of the Papuan region) are the official languages.
The spectrum of Papua New Guinean society now ranges from traditional village-based life, dependent on subsistence and small cash-crop agriculture, to modern urban life in the main cities of Port Moresby (capital), Lae, Madang, Wewak, Goroka, Mt Hagen, and Rabaul. Some 85 per cent of the population directly derive their livelihood from farming, and 15 per cent of the population live in urban areas. It is estimated that the population is growing at a rate of approximately 2.7 per cent per annum.
History
Archaeological evidence suggests human settlement on the island dates back at least 60,000 years. Migration probably occurred by sea from South East Asia during an ice age when sea levels were lower and distances between islands shorter.
The first Europeans to sight New Guinea were probably Portuguese and Spanish navigators sailing in the South Pacific in the early part of the 16th century.
Language
There is an estimate of 800 traditional languages in PNG. The official national language is English. The two most commonly used languages are Hiri Motu and Tok Pisin.
Climate
The climate in Papua New Guinea is tropical and pleasant. You will experience two distinct types of climate in PNG. The first is in the lowland and coastal areas being hot and having a temperature range of 24-35 degrees C (75-95 F) with high humidity. The second is the highlands regions being cooler, having a temperature range of 12-28 degrees (54-82F) and with less humidity. In both areas, the days are generally fine, but often there are clouds in the afternoon resulting in rain late afternoon and evening.
Although there are said to be dry and wet seasons in various areas of PNG, it is often difficult to distinguish between these seasons. On the one hand, it can rain for several consecutive days during the dry season and on the other, there may occur lengthy dry spells during the wet season. Although it may be locally dry in the Sepik region, if it is raining heavily in the highlands, the river levels in the Sepik will rise. Weather in PNG is generally very localized and PNG does not experience frontal weather as in common in more temperate areas.
Dress/Attire
Informal with shorts and shirts worn throughout the year as well as traditional clothing. Thongs, sneakers and sandshoes are not allowed in some bars and restaurants. Female visitors are advised to dress modestly.
Time Differences
PNG is +15 EST/+18PST and currently does not operate daylight saving at this time
Currency & Banking
The unit of currency is the Kina, pronounced "kee-nah", and sub-units of 100 are called Toea, pronounced "toy-ya". Note denominations are available in K2, K5, K10, K20 and K50.
Travelers Checks and international credit cards are accepted at most major hotels.
Kina cash can be acquired at the banks of most international ports of departure to PNG such as Sydney and Cairns. It is strongly recommended you acquire your Kina cash at these banks prior to departing for PNG. Although there is a bank at the Port Moresby international airport, it keeps normal banking hours. Thus if you are arriving in PNG outside of normal banking hours or if your connection time in Port Moresby to your next domestic flight is short, it is highly recommended you obtain your Kina cash outside the country. There are also banks in most major centers in PNG, but tour schedules do not usually allow time for banking. Most hotels have some cash but this is greatly limited and exchange rates are not as good as the banks. Banking hours in PNG are generally from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday through to Friday.
Tipping
It is not expected nor the custom to tip in Papua New Guinea. However, if for example, you would particularly like to show your appreciation for a job well done, there is a general staff fund which acknowledges the `behind the scenes' efforts of all staff who contribute to the overall success of your visit. It is best to consult Hotel Manager before giving gifts or tips.
Please do not give gifts to individuals in villages. If you wish to do so, ask your driver/guide to help you contact the Headman and leave your gifts with him who in turn will distribute same evenly amongst the people. Your understanding of this will help prevent turning the people and in particular the children of PNG into annoying beggars who are often found in other spoiled countries.
Electricity
The electrical voltage system in PNG is 240 volts, AC, 50hzs. Some hotels provide 110 volt outlets in guest rooms. PNG uses the same electrical plug outlets as Australia.
Insurance
Before your visit you should arrange sufficient medical and travel insurance. Ensure the policy is adequate to cover costs for ambulance or helicopter rescue, emergency surgery, or transportation home. We offer comprehensive travel insurance policies to cover every eventuality - ask your Aspire Down Under consultant for more details.
Vaccinations
The only health requirement is a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever or cholera if arriving from or traveling through infected areas prior to arrival in PNG. Visitors are advised to take malaria precautions, but only your doctor can recommend and prescribe the appropriate medication for you. As a precaution, most travelers keep their tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis, and polio inoculations current. Although the problem of diarrhea and dysentery does not seem to be nearly as severe in PNG as in some of the neighboring Asian countries, it is possible you will get some kind of diarrhea at some stage of your trip. This is normal for travelers whose bodies are adapting to strange food and water. In most cases the problem is short term, not severe and is easily treated.
Water
In most major centers, the public water supply is treated and is comparable to World Organization standards; however we recommend boiling water before drinking or only using bottled water.
Weather and Safety
Sun hat, insect repellent, flashlight (power is turned off at night at some lodges), sun screen lotion, rain jacket, extra pair comfortable walking shoes (the first pair may get wet or muddy at some point in your PNG travels), malaria medication prescribed by your physician is recommended.
Driving in Papua New Guinea
Not recommended due to possible dangers and roads are very scarce.
