mandy_steele

Considering a trip to the pacific. Want to see traditional cultures, few tourists. Any ideas? THANKS!

evecolorado

Papua New Guinea. Fascinating place, people, wildlife, plants, culture. Went there 10 years ago and am going back this August. http://wikitravel.org/en/Papua_New_Guinea

mandy_steele

evecolorado, thanks for the suggestion. i've heard that crime is a big worry in papua new guinea. although there are warnings in many places, and i'm just back from rwanda, kenya, tanzania and never felt i was in danger. can you shed any light on the situation in papua new guinea? also, have you heard about the floods? any what about flight suggestions. THANKS!!!

Louise

Haven't been to New Guinea but will experience a small part of it in May. I felt most priviledged a little over a year ago to visit Torajaland on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. The culture is amazing and the scenery spectacular. The people are basically Christian with their own twist. Try "googling" Torajaland - there are some very good reports you could read on the area.

evecolorado

Mandy: I don’t know how things are now but from what I’ve read, crime and violence seems to be the same as when we were there 1998. Have to be super careful in Port Moresby but outside of there, not much of the violent kind to visitors. Same kind of experience you (and we) had in Kenya, and elsewhere.

Our guide in the Highlands cautioned us--“We are a nation of thieves, and I want you to leave with all the possessions you arrived with” but, except for one young boy’s hand creeping into the bus window and reaching for my camera, we didn’t experience any.

I wouldn't want to travel PNG independently--just the logistics of getting around would be mind-boggling--and would not recommend doing so, although there are hardy young backpackers that do. Last time we went with Trans Niugini Tours and this time Eldertreks has made the arrangements. It’s an expensive place to visit, but that does make it very much less touristy.

Haven’t heard anything recently about the floods.

Louise: Torajaland is now on my “must go to” list. Thank you. It would be great if you’d let us know about your experience in New Guinea after your visit in May. What area are you going to?

DownUnder

Samoa and American Samoa. Relatively easy to get to,perfectly safe, a great traditional culture and very few tourists.

Louise

evecolorado - I really won't be having much of a "visit" to New Guinea. A day in Port Moresby of sightseeing and then boarding a small expedition ship. From there to the Suau Islands of New Guinea (I believe) and on to the Trobriand Islands, Yap and Palau. Lots of island visits and snorkeling. Torajaland is one of the most special places I have ever been - do try and get there.

JohnFitz

Vanuatu but particularly Tanna Island which has the John Frum Cult and an accessible active volcano at which you can climb to its rim to observe .