Woohoo! My first ever trip to 'The Land of The Unexpected'! (article)
Would you go backpacking alone in Papua New Guinea?
"In spite of the bad press and information I was given, I took the risk, and I had an absolutely wonderful time up there.
Quite frankly, I have rarely experienced such hospitality! The key to success was making friends from this amazing country before I started traveling. Hanging around Cairns for a few weeks gave me a chance to meet the right people to start planning my adventure. In Papua New Guinea, I spent one month in total: one week in the capital, Port Moresby, then two weeks in The Highlands, and the last week in Madang Province. Once I met friendly Papuan, I could always rely on someone recommended while on the road. Port Moresby, being avoided by tourists like a plague, I found to be a great place. Unless you have someone local to hang with, you will enjoy its laid back atmosphere. Roaming around colourful, busy markets, or using PMV buses full of music, locals singing in Pisin language, or explaining to curious people around what is a reason of your visit, are simply exciting! If you overcome your prejudice to betel nuts and try to chew a few with your newly made friends, you will become a 100% Papuan..."
