lemurs2:
So I've been reading a lot of posts on PNG and am wondering about the crime there. I've read some posts that it can be a pretty dangerous place. Does anyone know if this is just Port Moseby or the whole area?
Also does anyone have suggestions for a good diving resort. We want to do a liveaboard but it might be out of budget between the boat fare and airfare. We will be going in Oct
Hello lemurs2, the crime thing is not that big a deal. It's a big city problem, mostly Moresby and Lae. But there really is no reason to go out late after dark anyway. Most of the good restaurants are near the hotels, just ask the hotel what the smart procedure is for getting dinner, usually a taxi, which will wait for you or come back at an appointed time. I've walked around Moresby some in the daytime, no problems. But it's not a great walking city, you're better off with wheels. I've spent time walking around in Madang, mostly friendly people, some kids making fun of my red hair, whatever. Took PMVs in the country around Madang and met nothing but nice folks. Pretty funny having a friendly conversation with someone who's mouths were brimming over with blood red froth from the beetle nut chew...
In the small towns and the bush everybody is either very friendly or shy. I have never been up in the highlands and I hear that people can be a little aggressive there. But I'd bet it's like any place in that part of the world-be polite, don't make a nuisance of yourself and you'll get along fine.
You should not miss out on the liveaboard option, you will get more diving per day and a better value for the expensive plane fare. If you do the resort thing, Tawali sounds very nice. I liked Loloata and Walindi just fine, diving was very good. The food was much better on the Golden Dawn though. If you go to Kavieng, you will have some choices of hotels and dive ops. Scubaventures seems like the best dive op and they can recomend a good hotel.
The diving is great all over PNG, I'm sure you'll have a great trip wherever you go. -Andy
