The fascinating country of Papua New Guinea is made up of over 600 islands forming the middle of the long chain of islands stretching from mainland South-East Asia. The country was administered by Australia, situated 160km (100 miles) to the south, until
independence in 1975.

The tribal diversity of a country with over 700 languages cannot easily be summarised, although in Papua New Guinea it is the tribal life that is most fascinating to the visitor. There are many unique attractions, excursions and activities on offer, from discovering wrecks of WWII aircraft that lie in the jungle to peeking inside the sacred wooden haus tambarans (spirit houses) of towns and villages in the country. Normally only initiated men of a tribe can enter the latter, but in places this rule is relaxed for foreigners, who may glimpse the extraordinary carvings and masks inside.