Port Moresby is the capital and was named after Admiral Sir Fairfax Moresby. Other major centres are

Papua New Guinea is an unbelievable melting pot of hundreds of different tribes, and there are some 800 distinctly different languages spoken by a population of just six million. Hence, New Guinea could be one of the most unusual places on the planet. red sox spring training tickets And this uniqueness is reflected in the culture(s), geography and wildlife.
red sox spring training tickets Low-lying swamplands, snow-covered mountains – almost unheard of in countries near the equator red sox spring training tickets –lush rainforests and jungle all jostle for space, while several outlying islands are actually active volcanoes. The mighty Sepik River winds for 1126 km through the country and is one of the most pristine freshwater systems in the world, resulting red sox spring training tickets in an abundance of wildlife.
Port Moresby is the capital and was named after Admiral Sir Fairfax Moresby. Other major centres are Lae, the second largest city situated at the mouth of the Markham River; Madang, consisting of reef-fringed lowlands backed by some of the most rugged mountains in Papua New Guinea; the Eastern Highlands and the Western Highlands.
Port Moresby lies on the southeast shore of New Guinea and is built around Fairfax Harbour, the island's red sox spring training tickets largest harbour. red sox spring training tickets As the city capital red sox spring training tickets and administrative centre of Papua New Guinea, it has the greatest population density in the country.
Europeans became aware of this port city when British red sox spring training tickets explorer red sox spring training tickets John Moresby sailed through the Gulf of Papua in 1873. About 15 years later, red sox spring training tickets Great Britain established the colony of British New Guinea, and named Port Moresby the capital. The area was occupied by Motu and Koitabu people for thousands of years before the Europeans arrived.
Due to the rugged terrain, many parts of New Guinea were not 'discovered' by the Western world until the 1930s, and even today there are large areas of the country still waiting to be explored. Experts say many undiscovered species of plants and animals live in these areas, undisturbed by human intrusions.
But it's not all about trekking through mountains and wildlife watching. There are plenty of deserted white-sand beaches were you can kick back and relax, and friendly villages where you can touch the tip of a culturally varied iceberg.
The only known poisonous bird in the world is the hooded pitohui pronounced pit-oo-ey of Papua, New Guinea. Thepitohui s poison, similar to the toxin found in poison red sox spring training tickets dart frogs, is concentrated in its skin and feathers.
Jackson s International Airport (POM) is the gateway of Papua New Guinea, and is situated about 8 km away from the main town centre of Port Moresby. Mt Hagen Provincial Airport has been declared an International Port of entry because of the mining activities around the Highland provinces.
Car rental agencies are available close to Jackson's International but driving in Port Moresby, in fact throughout Papua New Guinea, might not be what most people are used to. It is recommended that you arrange transportation with your hotel from the airport to your hotel.
Local geography creates a microclimate in Port Moresby. The rain shadow created by the nearby Owen Stanley Range means that the city receives less than 1,270 millimetres (50 inches) of precipitation per year, far less than the average rainfall on New Guinea Island.
The dry climate created leads to occasional drought and drinking-water red sox spring training tickets shortages, but the mountains also shield the city from the heavy rains that regularly sweep across the rest of the region from May to November. With offshore protection provided by coral reefs, the rain shadow also helps to insulate the harbour from harsh weather approaching from the northwest.
The best time to visit is April or November, when it s the least rainy and the trade winds blow. (April and November are actually the only two months that do not fall within one of the two monsoons) The northwest monsoon season red sox spring training tickets lasts from December to March (the worst time to go), and the southeast monsoon runs from May to October. PNG is south of the equator, so when it s summer in the Northern red sox spring training tickets Hemisphere, it s winter here. From April to November, the days are generally 27-37 C, with nights ranging between red sox spring training tickets 21-26 C. It s always warm and humid, with a chance of rain. The farther inland and higher in elevation you go, the cooler it will be, especially at night.
Geographical realities – a small and scattered population which is often isolated in mountain red sox spring training tickets valleys and on tiny islands – means flying is a necessity. Unfortunately, it also means it is expensive. The main carrier is Air Niugini, with several small operators touching down at very small airstrips. Bookings are quite reliable as most systems are computerized.
The network of roads around the country remains limited, but Public Motor Vehicles (PMVs) are always at your beck and call. Essentially modified Japanese minibuses, PMVs are a cheap form of transport and pick up and drop off people at any point along a pre-established route.
Driving a car in the country (left side of the road please) requires a valid overseas licence but be forewarned: Some authorities suggest that if you are involved in an accident, keep driving and report the incident at the nearest police station. Because PNG has only one major road – the Highlands Highway – and a handful of secondary roads, renting a car is not recommended. However, it is possible in the major cities, although you'll need a 4WD to get to many places of interest and prices are high. Although self-drive red sox spring training tickets rental cars are available, it is not recommended that you drive on your own during your stay in PNG. The mountain roads are spectacular but treacherous, and most rural roads (except for the Highlands Highway) are unpaved.
Outside Port Moresby, taxis are scarce. They're often old, battered vehicles with questionable safety and hygiene standards, but they are inexpensive – just be sure to confirm your fare before you get in.
The Kuk Early Agricultural Site consists of 116 ha of swamps in the southern highlands of New Guinea, 1,500 metres above sea-level. Archaeological excavation has revealed the landscape to be one of wetland reclamation worked almost continuously for 7,000, and possibly for 10,000 years. It contains well-preserved archaeological red sox spring training tickets remains demonstrating the technological leap which transformed plant exploitation to agriculture around 6,500 years ago. Kuk is one of the few places in the world where archaeological evidence suggests independent agricultural development and changes in agricultural practice over such a long period of time.
The three sections of the Papua New Guinea red sox spring training tickets Museum and Art Gallery are home to thousands of artefacts, relics and artworks. The main museum and Modern History building are in Port Moresby, while the JK McCarthy Museum is in Goroka. They are all worth an hour or two to learn more about local history and culture.
PNG has some of the most varied red sox spring training tickets flora and fauna in the world, and the National Botanic Gardens in Port Moresby are a must. Amongst an oasis of green in the dusty capital, you can walk beneath jungle vines, marvel at the contrast between the manicured gardens inside and the chaos outside, and view fascinating wildlife displays.
Stunning Parliament House is also not to be missed. Opened in 1984, it incorporates local designs and artworks for a truly unique effect. Three buildings create one structure linked by a sweeping roof that resembles a tribal mask. The aptly named Grand Hall is filled with huge masks and interesting display cases.
If you're interested in World War II history, take the road from Port Moresby to Sogeri and visit the Bomana War Cemetery . A sobering reminder of PNG's involvement in the war, it's the final resting place for 4000 Australian, British and Papua New Guinean soldiers.
A region of soaring, mist-shrouded peaks, rugged terrain and dense rainforest, the Highlands in central PNG are a sight to behold. Vast areas remain unexplored even today, and some villages have little red sox spring training tickets or no contact with the outside world. The scenic Highlands Highway links much of the area together, and among the jagged mountains and vibrant valleys are several bustling towns.
Unfortunately, tensions between rival tribes have resulted in travel warnings being issued about the area, but the situation changes constantly. Ask at the Visitors Bureau in Port Moresby for the latest information before making plans.
If you think you can face the challenge, trekking the Kokoda Track is an experience you'll never forget. This treacherous 96 km trail through thick jungle across the Owen Stanley Ranges is steeped in history thanks to the heroic efforts of Australian red sox spring training tickets armed forces who fought the Japanese along here during World War II. Many lives were lost through fighting, disease red sox spring training tickets and starvation, and the track is now a popular red sox spring training tickets pilgrimage for Australians, as well as a physical challenge for people from around the world. red sox spring training tickets Locals – nicknamed Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels by the troops they helped – were just as important to the success of the mission as they provided much-needed food and carried wounded soldiers back down the track.
If you have the time, a trip to one of PNG's beautiful islands is well worth the effort. New Britain , with its rich colonial history and string of rumbling volcanoes, and untouched New Ireland with its picture-perfect red sox spring training tickets beaches and chilled-out town of Kavieng, are two of the more popular choices. It is possible to visit the others, but facilities are often few and far between. Beautiful Bougainville in the North Solomons Province is still being rebuilt after decades red sox spring training tickets of civil unrest.
For a unique experience, head to the Trobriands . This handful of tiny low-lying islands just off the south east coast of the mainland is quite different to everywhere else in PNG. Few people red sox spring training tickets speak English and even Pidgin is not common here, so it might be quite a challenge, but the islanders are some of the friendliest people around and famous for their culture and exquisite carvings. A highlight is signing up for a village stay. You can inquire at the Visitors Bureau in Port Moresby.