Tourism in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea offers a unique cultural experience and with its diverse history, visitors can expect to awaken the senses in more ways than one. Its many unique attractions range from exploring wrecks of World War II aircrafts in the jungles to viewing the sacred wooden haus tambarans (ancestral spirit houses). Traditional cuisine is drawn from root crops such as taro, kaukau and yams, as well as sago and pig, which are all cooked in the earth. Mumu is another traditional dish combining roast pork, sweet potatoes, rice and greens. European, Chinese and Indonesian cuisine are also available in urban restaurants. Primary tourist attractions include the white sandy beaches of Milne Bay, spectacular scenic views in the Mendi Valley of the Southern Highlands with its limestone caves, and the famous birds of paradise at Baiyer River Wildlife Sanctuary. Attractions in and around the capital of Port Moresby include the Fairfax Harbour, the National Parliament, the National Museum, the Botanical Gardens and the Catholic Cathedral, built in the unique haus tambaran style. There is an abundance of animal life, including cassowaries, tree kangaroos, possums, crocodiles, birds of paradise and native butterflies, as well as the rich displays of rhododendrons and diverse species of orchid.