Dangerous but Attractive island - Papua New Gunea
Dangerous but Attractive island - Papua New Guinea
Papua
New Guinea is a fascinating country where travelers can explore remote
villages, as well as enjoying spectacular diving, stunning wildlife, scenic
surfing and myriad cultures and it also offers virgin rain forest, unexplored
mountain terrain, a fascinating history and world-class diving.
Papua
New Guinea, officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is an
Oceanian country that occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and
its offshore islands in Melanesia, a region of the southwestern Pacific Ocean
north of Australia. Its capital, located along its southeastern coast, is Port
Moresby. The western half of New Guinea forms the Indonesian provinces of Papua
and West Papua.
Papua
New Guinea was part of the British Empire in the late 19th century and
subsequently administered by Australia (from 1906-75). Vestiges of its colonial
past can still be seen in some of the buildings in Port Moresby and on Samarai
Island, in Milne Bay.
Papua
New Guinea is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. The
tribal diversity of a country with over 800 languages and 600 islands cannot
easily be summarized. Most of the population of more than 7 million people live
in customary communities, which are as diverse as the languages.
Beyond
the dizzying array of ethnic groups to get to know, there are many unique
attractions, excursions and activities on offer, from discovering wrecks of
World War II aircraft that lie in the jungle, to peeking inside the sacred
wooden haustambarans (spirit houses) of towns and villages in the country. Offshore,
divers can explore the biologically rich reefs and countless Second World War
wrecks, particularly near Rabaul, Kavieng, Milne Bay and Madang.
One
of the largest draws for those visiting Papua New Guinea is the country’s
extensive wildlife and unique ecosystem. From the mountainous highlands to the
Evian-blue waters, travelers can expect to discover weird and wonderful
creatures, from tree-climbing kangaroos to spectacular birds of paradise; there
are almost 700 bird species on the islands. Be sure to visit the Nation Botanic
Gardens in Port Moresby, which is probably the capital’s greenest, most
beautiful sport. Most of the country remains undeveloped, with the largest
island of Bouganville avoiding frim resort hotels and commercialization – ideal
for the independent traveler.
Above
all, though, it’s the inhabitants that make Papua New Guinea truly unique. Many
of the hundreds of languages spoken here are kept alive by a just a few dozen
people. Each ethnic group has its own proud artistic traditions, with deft handicrafts,
entrancing dance performances and bracing music. If you happen to visit during
a festival – to be fair, there are many of them occurring throughout the year –
prepare to be spellbound by tribal concerts and elaborate headdresses. Spend a
bit of time wrong to describe the inhabitants as stuck in the past. Anyone
welcomed into their embrace will say that they are thriving.
Caution!
Updated information from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK at 13th March 2017.
Crime
Serious
crime is particularly high in the capital, Port Moresby, and in the cities of
Lae and Mt Hagen. Settlement or squatter areas of the towns and cities are
particularly dangerous. ‘Bush Knives’ and firearms are often used in assaults
and thefts. Carjacking, assault, bag snatching and robberies are common. Banks
and cash machines are attractive targets for criminals. Walking after dark us particularly
dangerous in Port Moresby and other urban centers.
Known
high-risk areas include the area around Parliament House in the Port Moresby
suburb of Waigani, particularly outside of working hours, and sling the highway
between Lae and Nadzab Airport, particularly between Goroka and Kainantu.
Criminals use roadblocks on roads outside town stop and loot vehicles and then
attack the occupants. If you intend to travel in these areas, take great care
and consider using a security escort.
If
you have to travel at night, do so by car, with doors locked and windows up,
and travel in convoy or with a security escort.
Most
crime is random, but people have been abducted by organized gangs and forced to
open office safes while other are held captive until the ransom has been paid.
Rape
and sexual assault are problems across the country.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash
or openly display expensive jewelry and electronic equipment.
- Be Vigilant at all times and leave
travel plans with friends, relatives or reliable local contacts
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