Destinations
/ Papua New Guinea
Papua
New Guinea, or "PNG" as it is called by the locals,
is a land of variety and contradiction. PNG likes to be
called the "land of the unexpected" and it is
for sure one of the most exciting, remote and adventurous
places in the world to travel. Wild nature and unknown cultures
fascinate many people and make them want to experience PNG.
The country possesses some of the best dive spots in the
world and many divers are aware of that now. Deep or shallow
reefs, coral walls, sheer drops, barrier reefs, atolls,
passages, lagoons and wrecks (many of them W.W.II wrecks),
all with a unique variety of species, are found throughout
the region.
PNG
is a dream of divers. Crystal clear waters, "paradise
islands", and mountain ridges covered with thick rainforests
or spectacular volcanoes provide an exclusive setting for
one of the best dive vacations imaginable.
1000
Tribes
The four million inhabitants all belong to the ethnic group
of Melanesians who live on the western fringes of the Pacific.
Some 1000 tribes have 700 different languages. (In comparison:
Europe shares about 40-50 languages amongst over 200 million
people). English is the official business language and is
widely spoken. The main language, which is understood by
most people in PNG is "Tok Pidgin", an old trade
language which has been used in the Pacific for more than
200 years.
The
manifestations of their culture are as multified as their
languages. Some tribes in the highlands only began to have
regular contact with white civilisation some 60 years ago.
In fact, as recently as 1988 one tribe living in rugged
mountains of western PNG had their first contact with "the
other world". The cultures are very self sufficient
on a low level. The term "stone age" culture that
is used often does not recognise the complex social network
which has been established among the tribespeople for centuries.
Rural
Subsistence - Modern Life
Life in the rural areas is very basic and simple. Subsistence
agriculture forms the material basis. Western goods like
4WD cars, TV and fridges, however, are sometimes an integral
part of village life as well.
 The
children of these "stone age people" are most
probably trying to find a job in the nations' capital, Port
Moresby. If successful, they are most likely dealing with
similar day-to-day problems as people in other parts of
the world (like upgrading their computer for example).
The
transformation to life in the 20th century, however, does
not happen without considerable friction. Many young people
have lost their traditional cultural roots without finding
new firm bearings in modern society. As a result many of
them are turning to criminal gangs and make life in the
cities unpleasant. Criminality, however, is not affecting
travellers any differently from other places in the world.
Geography
On
the geographical side, Papua New Guinea covers an area of
461,000 square kilometres, being double the size of the
UK, and one of the biggest South Pacific nations. Just south
of the equator and only 160 km north of Australia is the
main island of "New Guinea" which covers 85% of
the nation's territory. The rest is made up of 600 tropical
islands, including the bigger islands like New Britain,
New Ireland and Bougainville. The western part of the main
island, Irian Jaya is part of Indonesia. 
A
mighty ridge of high mountains covers the mainland from
west to east with peaks such as Mt Willhelm reaching up
to 4500 metres.
Countless
creeks and rivers cut through the mountain valleys. The
two biggest streams are the Sepik-River going north and
the Fly-River going south. Both are mighty tropical streams
and comparable to the Amazon in South America.
The
many reef systems along the coastlines and outlying atolls
invite you again and again for another dive trip in PNG.
Overview
Of Dive Locations
Papua
New Guinea possesses some of the best dive spots in the
world. About twice the amount of fish species as compared
to the Red Sea, and roughly ten times as many species of
corals are found here compared to the Caribbean. PNG has
been rating constantly very highly with divers, as is shown
by the many awards at international shows and the rodales
reader awards.
  A
very special characteristic for PNG's diving is the deep
water which comes very close to the shore. Only a couple
of feet away from the beaches are vertically dropping reef
walls which reach down to 1000 feet or more. This can be
found on most parts of the northern coastline, on the southern
shores of New Ireland and New Hanover (Kavieng area) as
well in some areas of the Milne Bay.
In the more sheltered bays delicate coral formations are
spreading to enormous size, which cannot be found on barrier
reefs. This is typical for Kimbe Bay in West New Britain.
Another fantastic dive destination is the Eastern Fields
which is to be found 170 km south west of Port Moresby.
Located between Papua New Guinea and Australia, the Eastern
Fields are a truly unspoilt part of the Coral Sea. 
Another distinguishing feature is the closeness of dive
sites to the Islands. Short boat transfers and the additional
benefit of the unique South Pacific atmosphere sets the
diving in PNG ahead of other popular destinations like the
Australian Barrier Reef.
Hundreds of wrecks, many of them W.W.II wrecks, are scattered
across the nation above and below the waterline. Boats,
planes, barges and submarines, some of them still in excellent
condition, have been transformed into living coral reefs.
Rabaul, Kavieng, Loloata (Port Moresby) and Madang are good
places to go for wreck diving.
But
it is not only those perfect natural features that make
PNG the best place in the world for diving. A small fleet
of outstanding live-aboard dive vessels and a number of
excellent dive resorts offer outstanding service to divers.
Wherever you go in PNG, you will be one of few divers who
explore the reefs. PNG is far away from any form of mass
tourism.
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