Food and accommodation

Food is basic. Islands of PNG is not a destination for gourmet traveller. Vegetables as yam, sweet potatoes, rice and pumpkin are part of most meals. And so is corn, bananas and coconut. Protein intake would be chicken, fish and pork (for celebrations). Heaps of exotic fruit. If there is no fish caught that day there would be no meat. I have visited in very hot part of the year so I was not much hungry anyways. Keep hydrated instead, the heat and humidity is a killer.

Accommodation - I would suggest to stay with the locals if you travel islands. You won't have much choice anyways. Guesthouses are clean, looked after and in most cases food will be provided to you as restaurants are non existent. Women's Association places were my favourite as they are the cheapest and the staff is fantastic. Value for money. If you are a couple you may want to look for a fancier places but these are double to triple the price. Suit your requirements, on most small islands you'll find one guesthouse only, usually with not many visitors staying, you will be the only one. Depending on part of the year, location etc. etc. Booking is not essential as it adds to your adventure, right? (book Port Moresby though, you don't want to miss out there on a good deal, accommodation in Port Moresby is overpriced)

Some great places I have stayed:

PORT MORESBY - Jessie Wyatt House tel.: 32 53 64 6 (cheap and clean stopover)

ALOTAU - Saugere tel.: 64 1016 5 (budget yet comfortable, quiet and clean)

FERGUSSON ISLAND - ZIMS DeiDei Guesthouse tel.: 72 78 12 58 (Francis and his family, very friendly, food is fantastic and they will show you the whole island if you wish, very recommended)

NORMANBY ISLAND - Esa'ala Women's Association Guesthouse tel.: 64 11 21 7

KIRIWINA ISLAND - Cindy's Guesthouse tel.: 73 13 65 38 (Cindy and Janet will look after you and the food is delicious, room large and comfortable, recommended)

KITAVA ISLAND - no guesthouses, village stays only, best beaches and snorkelling