Papua New Guinea is a diverse destination famed for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and this travel cost guide will help you plan the perfect trip without overspending. We've broken down average costs from past travelers, including where to stay, what to eat, and what to see, so that your trip is both affordable and unforgettable.
How much does it cost to travel to Papua New Guinea?
You should plan to spend around $215 (PGK861) per day on your vacation in Papua New Guinea. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $36 (PGK143) on meals
- $182 (PGK729) on local transportation
- $152 (PGK611) on hotels
A one week trip to Papua New Guinea for two people costs, on average, $3,003 (PGK12,054). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Papua New Guinea expensive to visit?
Papua New Guinea is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Papua New Guinea is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Fiji or Tahiti.
In Papua New Guinea, you can find activities and places to stay that fit any budget, from affordable options to high-end experiences. For travelers on a budget, there are affordable hotels, while those seeking luxury can enjoy high-end stays, with mid-range hotels also available for couples and families.
Papua New Guinea can be a pricey destination, but there are plenty of tricks to save money, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $89 (PGK351) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $219 (PGK861) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $514 (PGK2,021) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Papua New Guinea.
For more details, see Is Papua New Guinea Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Papua New Guinea?
The average Papua New Guinea trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Papua New Guinea travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Papua New Guinea cost?
Papua New Guinea on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$33
(PGK134)
|
$76
(PGK306)
|
$146
(PGK584)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$67
(PGK267)
|
$182
(PGK729)
|
$534
(PGK2,145)
|
|
Food 2
|
$16
(PGK62)
|
$36
(PGK143)
|
$68
(PGK273)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$2.88
(PGK12)
|
$6.58
(PGK26)
|
$13
(PGK51)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-5
(PGK7-20)
|
$4-11
(PGK15-45)
|
$7-21
(PGK29-86)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget is very important. While it's easy to think of yourself as a "budget" traveler who can see everything on a shoestring, most find this style of travel quite challenging. Think about what you truly enjoy and your previous travel experiences. Are you drawn to resorts and vacation rentals, or do you like the budget-friendly environment of hostels? How important is it for you to eat in nicer restaurants? The answers to these questions will influence your overall travel budget.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
Many people hear that you can visit Papua New Guinea for $89 per day, but unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a significant amount more.
Backpackers can often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples or families on vacation will probably choose mid-range hotels, popular dining spots, and visits to major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most visitors to Papua New Guinea will want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. Since most activities have a cost, you should realisticly plan for your budget to be closer to $219 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're planning a vacation with all the finer things in life, prepare for a budget that can reach $514 per day. If you want upscale hotels, world-class dining, premium excursions, and private drivers, this will put you firmly in the "luxury" category. Some of the more high-priced destinations include the major cities and resort areas. Or you could plan an multi-day adventure by booking a higher end tour such as Goroka Festival and Asaro Mudmen Day trip 5-night Tour - Bird of Paradise Hotel - offered by Indigo Safaris.
Accommodation Budget in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea has a wide range of accommodation prices, and it can be surprising how much prices fluctuate. Budget hotels can often be much cheaper than higher-end places, and during peak season, everything costs much more. For a better deal, try visiting in the low season, and book early to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Papua New Guinea for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $152 (PGK611). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $76 (PGK306) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Papua New Guinea? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Papua New Guinea
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $182 (PGK729) per person, per day, on local transportation in Papua New Guinea. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Papua New Guinea is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$182
PGK729
If you're in Papua New Guinea, you'll find that public transportation is quite limited. It's probably a good idea to rent a car or organize some form of transportation ahead of time, like a tour or taxi service. However, this could reduce your overall trip budget.
Food Budget in Papua New Guinea
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Papua New Guinea can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Papua New Guinea is $36 (PGK143) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$36
PGK143
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Papua New Guinea is around $36 (PGK143) per person, with previous travelers spending from $16 to $69. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Papua New Guinea are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $11
- Lunch: $5 to $18
- Dinner: $13 to $29
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
The staple foods in Papua New Guinea are rice, sago, and kau kau (sweet potato) which are generally prepared with seafood, chicken, pork, other game, and a large variety of greens. Most dishes are devoid of spices and are traditionally cooked in an underground oven called a Mumu. Local gastronomy is largely influenced by European, Chinese, and Indonesian cuisine and is rich in fish, vegetables, and fruit like passion fruits, pawpaw, and pineapples. Some common dishes and ingredients include:
Chicken pot: chicken that has been simmered with mixed vegetables and coconut cream.
Mumu: Pork is roasted in a traditional earth oven and is served with sweet potatoes, rice, and vegetables.
Kokoda Fish: Fish that has been cooked with a lime-coconut sauce.
Kaukau: Baked sweet potato.
Sago: The substance gathered from a sago palm is the starch used for making bread and puddings.
Dia: Sago and bananas cooked with coconut cream.
Traveling with kids? Check for restaurants that offer a childrens menu. It's a smart way to save money, as these meals are often more reasonably priced. And remember, some eateries don't advertise their kids' options, so asking the waiter is a good idea.
Most hotels include breakfast in their rates, though some add it as an additional cost. The price and quality can differ widely depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you determine if the hotel buffet is worth it or if a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or café is more suitable.
Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.
Before going on a tour, confirm which meals are included in the package. If not all meals are covered, you may find yourself paying for some out of your own pocket, affecting your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Papua New Guinea
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Papua New Guinea typically cost an average of $6.58 (PGK26) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$6.58
PGK26
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Papua New Guinea. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Port-Moresby for $87 details
Nightlife Budget in Papua New Guinea
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $7.47 (PGK30) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Papua New Guinea per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.47
PGK30
While the nightlife can be one of the best parts of traveling, cutting back on cocktails can make a big dent in your overall budget.
Traveling in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
An island nation of the Melanesia region of Oceana, Papua New Guinea is best known for its incredible natural beauty. The flora and fauna of the place thrive with color and life, while untouched coral reefs and WWII wrecks make for great diving destinations. While the cultural festivals and developed locations attract tourists, the more rugged opportunities for hiking, surfing, and scuba diving call to the adventurous explorers.
At a Glance
Papua New Guinea can be divided into 9 different regions. Southern Papua New Guinea is home to the nation's capital city of Port Moresby which has Zoological gardens, the Parliament building, and general Melanesian atmosphere. In this region you can also find the historic 60-mile Kokoda Trail which can take about 5 days to hike.
Madang-Morobe is another of the nation's regions with great opportunities for diving and seeing the flights of bats in the evening.
The Highlands region is made up of many fertile valleys and mountains dotted with tribal cultures, while Southwestern Papua New Guinea lies just to the south of this with its main city being Daru on the Gulf of Papua.
Sepik is another region, where Vanimo serves as a great surfing location and gateway to Indonesia, and Wewak further east has some unique culture and marks the mouth of the Sepik River.
Mine Bay makes up a more remote province of Papua New Guinea's southeastern tip with vibrant reefs and villages just as beautiful, while New Britain, New Ireland and Manus, and Bougainville make up the rest of the islands with many opportunities to dive for reefs, marine life, and WWII wrecks.
All around, the waters surrounding Papua New Guinea are ideal for diving. The aquatic life is thriving nearly everywhere with countless reefs blooming with life and color. Also, due to the nation's history, WWII wrecks are just as abundant now serving as underwater homes for the ocean critters. Surfing is a common activity, especially at Vanimo along the northern coast, as is trekking amongst the mountain trails and the historic Kokoda Track. With over 700 species of birds, birdwatching is another well-enjoyed activity, with many birds of paradise inhabiting the area, and there are also many festivals and cultural performances to be seen throughout Papua New Guinea. "Flight-seeing," by airplane, is also a great way to experience the scenery from above.
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Top Tourist Attractions
Papua New Guinea and its surrounding islands are most known for their striking natural scenery-mountains and rainforests sweeping down to fertile valleys and out to the sea with colorful reefs and aquatic life to be found below the waters. Volcanoes, hot springs, streams, rivers, and cultural villages are amongst some of the other features worth exploring. Top destinations include:
Kokoda Trail: a 60-mile trail beginning in the Port Moresby area up into the Owen Stanley Range, passing through many streams and mountain ridges. Historically it was frequented by gold miners in the 1890s, and later gained significance during WWII when the Japanese tried to reach the port by way of the trail.
Mount Wilhelm: The highest mountain in Papua New Guinea, Mount Wilhelm can be climbed to the peak for views of both the north and south coasts of the island. The Wahgi River, also in this area, is considered one of the best whitewater rafting destinations in the world.
Madang: Home to a thriving community renowned for its traditional artists, and surrounded by world class diving opportunities. Underwater sights include coral reefs and colorful fish, as well as wrecks of Japanese fighter planes with weapons and cargo intact. Nearby Madang, there are also active volcanoes that are popular with trekkers.
New Britain: All around, a place with many things to do and see. There are great spots for swimming and snorkeling, many trails for scenic hikes through the rainforest, and hot thermal springs and bubbling mud holes to enjoy. The culture on the island is also something to see, the Baining people renowned for creating beautiful performances like their ceremonial fire dance.
Another amazing activity is to head to the tribal areas of PNG or to West Papua (part of Indonesia). Consider visiting one of these areas, such as the Dani Tribe in West Papua.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.