© David Kirkland
The Inside Story Papua New Guinea is an island canvas splashed with colour. The native wildlife presents a kaleidoscope of vibrant feathered birds, lush vegetation of every shade of green and a turquoise coastline harbouring marine creatures of what seem to be every colour human eyes can comprehend. And that’s without even mentioning the striking traditional face paints and headdresses of the effervescent indigenous hilltribes.
Story to tell Carl Meadows
Strap on your scuba gear to explore the pristine underwater world and coral reefs teeming with life around the eastern coast and listen out for the rumblings of the active volcanic islands around New Britain. Encounter crumbling remnants of the nation’s recent military history en route to meet the remote tribal communities who continue to practise their vibrant, ancient customs.
Why I love Papua New Guinea It’s hard to decide what I loved the most on my PNG adventure; coming face to face with the colourful Huli Wigmen, witnessing the exciting fire dance of the Bainan people in Rabaul or swimming with Nemo in the turquoise waters around Tufi.
After a history of British, German and Australian governing, PNG obtained its independence in 1975. Having long been a keen destination for Australian hikers and divers, at Regent we are proud to launch PNG as our newest, specialist Alternative Asia destination.
16 AD
1546
1906
1942
1954
Ships from China and the Malay Empire trade with the islanders
Spanish explorer Inigo Ortiz de Retes discovers New Guinea
Control of British New Guinea transferred to the newly independent Commonwealth of Australia and renamed Territory of Papua
Japanese forces occupy parts of both territories
Aerial survey reveals undiscovered highland valleys inhabited by up to 100,000 people
1526
1873
1914
1949
Portuguese sailor Jorge de Meneses is the first European visitor and names one of the islands ‘ilhas dos Papuas’
Port Moresby is named after one of several English explorers to lay claim to the island for Great Britain
Australian forces occupy German New Guinea during World War I
Australia establishes a joint administration over both territories called the Territory of Papua New Guinea