howardg46

I am gathering information for a trip to Papua New Guinea in 2012 that will focus on a cultural festival. But which one? Goroka or Mt. Hagen? And which tour company/companies would you recommend?

htraveler

Hey, howardg46
Did you ever make a decision or get info on your questions? I have the same questions as you. Will you share?

howardg46

I haven't heard anything--no one's responded to the question except you. I'd be happy to share! What I've learned on my own is that there are a few tour organizations that "do" the festivals--Ecotourism Melanesia, Journeys International, Lifetime Experience Tours and PNG Tours. I found them all by googling PNG festivals, but I haven't been able to get any reviews, which is what I was hoping for (Don't use...; .... is great). I think we're leaning toward the Goroka festival, simply because its date (Sept) fits our schedule better than August (Mt Hagen) or October (Morobe).

ivenotbeeneverywhere

Very few people from Australia go to PNG for travel other than perhaps to walk the Kokoda trail where their forebears went in WW11. PNG is very expensive for many things and very unsafe. You may find that it is mentioned on the Asian forum though.

AlanJG

I did not find PNG unsafe either 30 years ago or last year. I would not be out alone on city back streets after dark. In the country there are intra-family disputes and inter-tribal skirmishes. The people though are very friendly and welcoming. At one of those festivals I would be a little cautious as people often behave in ways out of their normal manner in unusual settings.

Sorry I cannot make comparative recommendations as to companies. I know that International Expeditions makes a trip there each August as they come back through Cairns. http://www.ietravel.com/asia-and-pac...pua-new-guinea I have only heard good things about the tour and I know the guide personally and have seen him at work.

I would suggest however if wanting an extension in Australia that you book it directly as they charge huge commissions, going beyond taking those offered by Australian operators.

ivenotbeeneverywhere

The following is cut and pasted from the Australian Government website for travel advisories and this one is specific to PNG: If you wish to take the recommendations from individuals who are not familiar with every event then do so but I always read the website www.smartraveller.gov.au if I am going anywhere I have not first hand knowledge about.

Summary
•We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Papua New Guinea because of the high levels of serious crime.
•Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
•Crime rates are high, particularly in the capital Port Moresby and in Lae, Mt Hagen and other parts of the Highland provinces.
•Following recent murders in the town of Popondetta in Oro Province, law and order has deteriorated. The potential for more violence exists. Travel to Popondetta, and on the road between Popondetta and Kokoda, may be dangerous. You should be extremely vigilant when travelling in and around Popondetta.
•In June 2011, there were a number of recent violent incidents in Central and Southern Bougainville. You should exercise a high degree of caution when travelling in Bougainville, with particular vigilance when travelling beyond Buka into Central and Southern Bougainville.
•Ethnic disputes continue to flare up around the country. Disputes can quickly escalate into violent clashes. Such clashes not only create danger within the immediate area but also promote a general atmosphere of lawlessness, with an associated increase in opportunistic crime.
•Large crowds and public gatherings should be avoided as they may turn violent.
•Car-jacking is an ever-present threat, particularly in Port Moresby and Lae. Car doors should be locked with windows up at all times and caution should be taken when travelling after dark. In the evening or at night, we recommend you travel in a convoy.
•There have been a small number of high profile kidnappings for ransom.
•A cholera outbreak continues in PNG and the number of affected regions around the country is expanding. The PNG National Department of Health has confirmed cases of cholera in Morobe Province, Madang Province, East Sepik, West Sepik, Southern Highlands, National Capital District (Port Moresby), and in Daru, Western Province. See the Health Issues section for more information.
•Wet season is from November to May. During the wet season flooding and landslides have resulted in deaths. Roads can become impassable. Check with local sources on the condition of roads and the likely impact of rain before travel.
◦Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
◦organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
◦register your travel and contact details , so we can contact you in an emergency
◦subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.