Papua New Guinea

I stayed at Jais Aben resort, a wonderful place by the sea complete with swaying coconut palms. You could see the fruit bats at dusk, skipping from tree to tree. The ants were large and pink. On the coral reefs just off the beaches, there were christmas tree corals in multiple colours, and large bright blue starfish, and angel fish swarming all around - a facinating place for snorkelling.

The most popular location in Papua New Guinea for divers, Madang Province consists of reef-fringed lowlands backed by some of the most rugged mountains in Papua New Guinea and offshore volcanic islands. Colourful Madang township has been called the "prettiest town in the South Pacific". Its peninsula setting is a show-place of parks, waterways, luxuriant shade trees and sparkling tropical islands. Although small, the town has modern urban facilities, including hotels, department stores, markets and artefacts shops. The people of Madang can be broken into four distinct groups - islanders, coastal people, river people and mountain people. These groups are similar in appearance except for the smaller Simbai mountain tribesmen from the foothills. The area is world famous for its coral reefs and good visibility making diving good all the year round. There is a variety of easily accessible places to dive, including land based dive sites, an abundance of reef and pelagic fish, dramatic drop offs, shells and soft and hard corals. Those who like diving on wrecks will find the area dotted with sunken ships and aircraft. Diving instruction is available from most of the hotels in Madang. Game fishing is a popular sport and the coastal currents around Madang carry sailfish, kingfish, tuna, mackerel, barracuda, marlin, yellow fin and wahoo within 100 metres of the shore providing anglers with plenty of good sport. Fishing is especially good off the waters around Karkar and Bagabag Islands. Two volcanic islands offshore from Bogia have volcanic cones rising 1,800 metres above sea level which provide a spectacular sight for visitors, and the South East Coast road which leads to Balek Wildlife Sanctuary has strange fish-filled sulphurous caves, jungle walks and hot springs. A variety of local markets sell artefacts, shell jewellery, cavings and pottery. Tours can be arranged to visit the nearby villages of Bilbil and Yabob to see traditional clay pots being made or you can explore Madang Harbour with a morning harbour cruise. The south Coast road leads to the Balek Wildlife Sanctuary, which has strange fish-filled sulphurous caves, jungle walks, and hot springs. The Sanctuary was also location for filming scenes into he Pierce Brosnan movie "Robinson Crusoe". Madang hosts the Mabarosa Festival each year, a colourful display of dancing, singsings and bamboo bands.

if you don't have a guide or organised tour... I owuld stay in your hotel and watch satelite tv

Rabaul was the place spot I have ever went diving. The corals are close to the beach, the water is clear and the fish so colourful. Great place to see the volcano in activity. If you decide to go a bit closer, near the boiling lake, be careful. I know someone whe slipped in the water and burned his feet.

The only downside of Rabaul is the dust from the billowing volcano smoke that covers everything, but the visit is worth for its clear waters and corals!

Don't wander the streets of Port Moresby, unless your with a armed security contingent and have enough guns to arm a small African nation in the midst of a revolution....

Make sure you go to the street markets because that is where you will find the best bilum and hand woven goods as well as other trinkets

This is the first town you visit once you arrive from the border. There are 2 hotels. The Vanimo Beach Hotel isn't very good, but it seems to be the cheapest in town. The AC units are load and there are rats in the room. Most people catch a plane out of town to Wewak, Madang, or Port Moresby.

Beware this place is considered dangerous for a reason. Go around only in taxis. The centre is a dead loss and the seafront a disgrace. However, the hotel area nearer the airport is not too bad. A visit to the parliament may be a highlight. Don't expect too much, but the people are friendly.

The diving of the coast is amazing, and if you get then chance find out from the locals where the Dolphins are at. They are really friendly and will swim right with you.