Staying Safe in PNG: Essential Travel Health Tips

If you’re reading this article, there’s a big chance you’re planning a trip to Papua New Guinea, maybe even looking at joining one of South Sea Horizon’s exciting PNG tours. Well, you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime, but like with any destination, there’s a little bit of preparation that is needed to make sure your trip isn’t just amazing, but safe too. 

Here are some essential health and safety tips to ensure you get the most out of your PNG experience – especially if you’re travelling with South Sea Horizons!

Health regulations and recommendations:

We understand it might sound over the top, however, understanding the health regulations before you travel to PNG is essential. 

Both yellow fever and cholera vaccines are mandatory, but only if you’re travelling from a country where these diseases are present – if that’s not you, you don’t need to worry. 

Malaria is something you need to consider, and it’s recommended that visitors to PNG take anti-malarial medication – however, we recommend having a chat to your doctor or travel health clinic to find out what’s right for you. 

If you’re worried about stomach issues, it’s important to understand that Papua New Guinea’s food is full of flavour, but it might take a while for your stomach to get used to it. Diarrhoea or mild digestive upset can be a normal part of eating in other countries, especially if you’re sampling local dishes that are different from your usual diet. Thankfully, it usually doesn’t last that long and is easily treated. Remember to drink lots of water! 

Travel insurance:

While we hope you have no issues with your trip to PNG, we always recommend travel insurance. For a small cost you will get the peace of mind that if you need to cancel your trip, you have lost baggage or an unexpected illness – you are covered. We recommend a comprehensive policy with medical evacuation. 

Medical facilities in PNG: 

While PNG is a remote destination, there are hospitals, private clinics, church-run health centres, and pharmacies available in most major towns and cities. In the rural or remote areas – which you’ll definitely be exploring if you’re on one of our South Sea Horizons tours  –  facilities can be limited, so having insurance that covers emergencies is important.

Travelling with South Sea Horizons

The rugged, raw and wild parts of PNG are exactly why we love it, but this also means it’s important to have access to someone with local knowledge and experience to keep you safe.

At South Sea Horizons, our tours are guided by experienced locals who know the country, understand the culture, and can help you navigate everything to keep you safe. Whether you’re trekking through remote mountain ranges, cruising down the Sepik River, or exploring cultural festivals, it’s good to know that you’re with someone who knows what to expect and how to handle things. 

For your PNG tour, we also recommend:

  • Dressing modestly and respectfully, especially in villages.
  • Keeping valuables out of sight and securing important documents.
  • Staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the sun — hats, sunscreen, and bug spray are essential

Be prepared for your PNG holiday

For most people, a vacation in PNG is totally unique and something they’ve never experienced before. It’s vibrant, raw and full of beautiful surprises. With the right preparation and guidance, it’s an amazing experience you’ll never forget. 

You can be sure that at South Sea Horizons, we take your safety seriously. So pack smart, see your doctor, organise your travel insurance, and get ready for one of the most rewarding trips of your life.

Ready to explore PNG with the experts? Reach out to our team and let’s plan your next adventure.

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