2 Best Sights in Papua New Guinea

At the north end of Waigani Drive, close to the University of PNG, this nature park was formerly—and in some literature, still is—known as the National Capital Botanical Gardens. PNG's only botanical and zoological gardens, it is dedicated to promoting and preserving the nation's unique flora and fauna, and after years of neglect, major upgrades are finally bringing the facilities into the 21st century. The park is home to native animals, including tree kangaroos, wallabies, cassowaries, hornbills, and parrots. The aviary, home to several species of birds of paradise, may be your only opportunity to see these magnificent creatures. The peaceful grounds offer welcome respite from the bustle of the city and are also where you will find the only remaining tract of rain forest in the region, accessible via a wooden boardwalk. There are thousands of tropical plant species here, including dozens of orchids found only in PNG.

You'll need your own transport to get here, and also to bring your own supplies, because although this park is officially staffed by rangers, in practise they can often be hard to find (meaning you may also avoid the park entry fee). About 24 km (15 miles) east of Port Moresby, this is the country's first national park. It only covers an area of around 10 square km (4 square miles), but it reaches a height of around 760 meters (2,500 feet), and the vegetation varies from woodland and grassland to rain forest. It has six well-marked walking trails that take from 45 minutes to around 3 hours to hike, and none are too taxing, although the going can be oppressively humid. Along the way are viewpoints looking back down over Port Moresby and to the coast. Birdwatchers may be rewarded with a glimpse of kingfishers, bower birds, and maybe even a rare bird of paradise. Officially, it's possible to camp here, but safety is an issue and thus this is not recommended except for large groups.