Oceania
Highland cultures, rainforest and reefs on one of the world's wildest islands.
Papua New Guinea covers the eastern half of New Guinea and hundreds of islands, and is home to hundreds of languages. The Highlands are known for the Goroka and Mount Hagen cultural shows, the Sepik River for its spirit houses and carving, and the Kokoda Track for its wartime history. Milne Bay and Kimbe Bay have outstanding diving, and Rabaul sits beneath active volcanoes.
Travel here is demanding and best done with local guides or organised tours, as roads between regions are few and some areas have serious safety issues. Check your government's current travel advice before planning. Rewards include bird-of-paradise sightings, village stays and mumu feasts cooked in earth ovens. May to October is generally drier across much of the country, though rain is always possible.
June, July, August, September.