Budget travel in Papua New Guinea was, as far as we could tell, not an option. The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority changed all that.

We had cone to PNG on a whim, eager to see a nation unspoiled by mass tourism. But we didn’t have a clue where to start. Most travel literature focuses on high-end tours and resorts, catering to those willing to pay top dollar for great diving, surfing, and trekking.

Hoping to find a backpacker’s alternative, we met Taita Terrence at the Authority’s downtown office. She was taken aback when we told her we’re from Canada, as though she was receiving a surprise visit from the Holy See.

She spent one hour with us. She listened to what we were looking for (culture, visits to highland villages, some coast) and said she would canvass her network of local providers around the country.

The next day, she gave us two contacts. The first is in Mt. Hagen, up in the highlands, who would guide us to different villages and have us spend the night with local families. The other is in Kavieng, the largest city in the island of New Ireland, who owns a guesthouse with dorms for 25 kina (convert this) a night.

Thanks to her, we will be able to have a rich experience in PNG at a minimal cost (not counting air travel within the country, which is quite pricey).

We were totally pleased by their attention, and recommend them to anyone considering PNG in their travels.

Their offices are located at
Pacific MMI Building, Level 5

PO Box 1291 Port Moresby
Phone: +675 320-0211