PNG Frequently Asked Questions via Papua New Guinea [ Home Page | Family Index | PNG Index | Site Map ]

Please note -- Whilst all care has been taken in preparing and maintaining the FAQ's about Papua New Guinea it is not possible to be able verify every answer. The information is provided 'as is' and I can not accept responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from the use of this information.

Please verify the information for yourself from a government source, travel agent or other similar organisation.

This database does not contain information about other countries.   It is only about Papua New Guinea (PNG).

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Misc FAQ's     List of Categories

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• Where is the Tinabar gold reef?
  
  
• Where can I find out about PNG Stamps?
  
  
• What sort of mobile telephone system is used in PNG?
  
  
• What is a "sing sing"?
  
  
• Where can I find a list of post codes (zip codes) for the postal service in PNG?
  
  
• Does any part of PNG experience frosts?
  
  
• Where can I find out about golf in PNG?
  
  
• How much gold does the Tolukuma Gold Mine produce?
  
  
• What does ANGAU stand for?
  
  
• What is a mumu?
  
  
• What was / is one of the traditional ways of cooking in PNG?
  
  
• What is "boomerang aid"?
  
  
• Is it safe to travel around PNG?
  
  
• Are there cannibals in PNG?
  
  
• What is or was a Luluai?
  
  
• Is polgygamy still practiced in PNG?
  
  
• What is the best place to visit in PNG?
  
  
• Where can I find the prices of shares on the PNG Stock Exchange?
  
  
• Where can I find out the election results for the 2002 elections?
  
  
• Where can I find out information about the New Guinea singing dog?
  
  
• Where do the Hagahais come from?
  
  
• How can I get a job in PNG?
  
  
• non-restricted jobs?
  
  
• What is a Waga?
  
  
• Is it possible to do the Kokoda Trail in sections?
  
  
• How long does it take to walk the World War II Kokoda Track?
  
  
• Does PNG have traffic lights?
  
  
• When did Burns Philp first set up shop in PNG?
  
  
• Where was the second Burns Philp store established?
  
  
• What sort of television programmes do you watch in PNG?
  
  
• When is the Ok Tedi mine due to close?
  
  
• Where can I find folktales / stories about PNG?
  
  
• Where can I find out about orchids in PNG?
  
  
• Where can I find a list of PNG "Dames"?
  
  
• What ladies have been awarded awards from the Queen (Buckingham Palace) other than a Dame?
  
  
• When was Value Added Tax first talked about in PNG?
  
  
• What year was the Value Added Tax introduced to PNG?
  
  
• I know that seventeen year-old Susan Karike (now Mrs Huhume) designed the PNG flag but who designed the PNG currency?
  
  
• Where can I find out about trading in Crocodile skins?
  
  
• Where can I find out about trading in Crocodile skins?
  
  

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• Where is the Tinabar gold reef?
  
  It is located at the Tolukuma Gold Mine in Goilala, Central Province. It was named after the geologist that discovered it - Martin Tinabar from the Toma area of East New Britain.
  
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• Where can I find out about PNG Stamps?
  
  For modern day stamps try the Post PNG website -- http://www.postpng.com.pg/home.html
  
  For stamp collecting etc, start with these sites Papuan Philatelic Society -- http://www.communigate.co.uk/york/pps/index.phtml
  
  Postal history of British New Guinea -- http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/bng.stamps/
  
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• What sort of mobile telephone system is used in PNG?
  
  PNG Uses the GSM 900 digital system. This has now replaced the analogue system previously used in the country. It does not cover the whole country and not every town has coverage. Even areas of Port Moresby, the National Capital, do not have 100% coverage.
  
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• What is a "sing sing"?
  
  Sing-Sings or singsing are gatherings of clans in traditional costume where ritualistic dancing and singing is performed for ceremonial reasons. Sing-sings are not normally staged as a public performance, however there are many opportunities throughout the year to watch a ceremonial sing-sing in various parts of PNG.
  
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• Where can I find a list of post codes (zip codes) for the postal service in PNG?
  
  I recommend a visit to http://www.pngbd.com/postcodes.php -- not only will you find postal codes at this site -- you will also find nearly everything there is to know about PNG.
  
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• Does any part of PNG experience frosts?
  
  Yes, PNG has experienced severe frosts at high altitudes in 1972, 1982 and 1997. Another frost occurred more recently in October 2002.
  
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• Where can I find out about golf in PNG?
  
  Start with the Port Moresby Golf Club website but rest assured golf is played in other areas of PNG as well.
  
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• How much gold does the Tolukuma Gold Mine produce?
  
  On average the Tolukuma Gold Mine produces about 7,000 ounces of gold every month and it looks as if it will be able to maintain that production level for a few more years to come. Possibly as far as 2007.
  
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• What does ANGAU stand for?
  
  Australia New Guinea Adminstrative Unit.
  
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• What is a mumu?
  
  It is similar to a New Zealand Hangi.
  It is a ground oven. A trench is dug and filled with stones. On top of that a fire is lit and more stones are added on top to get super hot. When the fire settles down and only the rocks are left some of the stones are fished out and then food, usually wrapped in banana leaves, is placed in the ground and covered with some of the rocks and earth.
  After several hours a delightful meal is hatched from the mumu.
  
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• What was / is one of the traditional ways of cooking in PNG?
  
  One of the traditional ways was to use clay pots. Clay pots are still used in many parts of PNG for cooking. I have seen food cooked in bamboo and sometimes in banana leaves.
  
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• What is "boomerang aid"?
  
  Aid from Australia has often been referred to as boomerang aid because a great deal of the aid money is fed back to Australia because ultimately the providers of goods and services, including costly management agents, are still dominated by Australians.
  
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• Is it safe to travel around PNG?
  
  I have found that PNG is generally a safe place to travel. Few areas are known to be 'unsafe' for international travellers, but that's all relative and depending on many variables. I know that many areas of big towns such as Los Angeles after dark are definitely not as safe as PNG but people still visit those towns.
  
  Travelling in PNG using established tour operators is considered to be very safe. Travelling alone, especially for women is considerably of "high risk" in certain parts of PNG and I would not recommend it.
  
  The strongest advice to any person or group travelling in PNG without the help of an established tour operator is to find a local guide prior to or on arriving in PNG. You need a local guide because PNG is a land of 800+ languages and many of the laws / customs are different to what you may be accustomed to. A local guide can help you.
  
  When a local guide accompanies you in your travels, the chances of being robbed, mugged, raped, or attacked is unthinkable.
  
  Attacking any international visitor in PNG is like attacking the tribe of the local guide accompanying that visitor, and that is a sole ingredient for tribal conflict. No one in their right mind would want to start such a BIG tribal mess knowingly.
  
  Also the mass media tends to blow reality out of proportion when it comes to factual reporting about PNG. Unfortunately, PNG is a victim of much negative publicity worldwide. My suggestion is visit PNG and you will find out the truth.
  
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• Are there cannibals in PNG?
  
  The answer to that is no. It is believed that certain tribes from various parts of PNG were supposed to have practised cannibalism in the past.
  
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• What is or was a Luluai?
  
  A policy of the Territory government was to appoint village headmen to positions of liaison, to facilitate dealings between the Administration and the local people. They reported lawlessness and assisted patrol officers with census, health and magisterial matters. It was their role to see that government directives concerning village improvements were carried out. They were called Luluai.
  
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• Is polgygamy still practiced in PNG?
  
  The practice or lifestyle of polgygamy, once common, is now not as common but it is still practiced.
  
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• What is the best place to visit in PNG?
  
  PNG is very diverse. I would need to know what you want to do or see before I could even recommend a place to see
  You can choose from diving
  fishing
  boating
  yachting
  bush walking
  trekking
  surfing
  swimming
  island hopping
  bird watching
  nature / wildlife watching
  white water rafting
  climbing
  volcano watching and the list just goes on and on.
  Many of the places / regions can offer nearly all of the items listed above. Of course there are also cultural shows, artifacts, farming, river tours, World War II relics, a couple of museums, you can even cycle along the roads in New Ireland Province etc etc
  
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• Where can I find the prices of shares on the PNG Stock Exchange?
  
  I recommend a visit to http://www.pngbd.com/finance/shares.php -- not only will you find share prices at this site -- you will also find nearly everything there is to know about PNG including many photographs.
  
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• Where can I find out the election results for the 2002 elections?
  
  The PNG electoral commission has a website at http://www.pngec.gov.pg. That should show the latest results. Apart from that you could try the Post Courier http://www.postcourier.com.pg or The National http://www.thenational.com.pg
  
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• Where can I find out information about the New Guinea singing dog?
  
  Try the http://www.canineworld.com/ngsdcs/index.htm site.
  
  QUOTE
  The New Guinea Singing Dog (NGSD) was discovered by the outside world in 1957 when the first pair was brought down from the New Guinea Highlands to the Taronga Zoo. Sidney, Australia..
  END QUOTE
  
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• Where do the Hagahais come from?
  
  The Hagahais are from the inland region of the North Coast of Madang and are said to be the most recently discovered people in PNG.
  
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• How can I get a job in PNG?
  
  This is a common question. If you are not a citizen of PNG then you can only get a job if your job skills and qualifications fit into a job that is classified as being okay for non PNG citizens to have.
  If you meet the requirements and have a job lined up your employer will then apply for a Work Permit for you. Once you have a work permit you can then enter the country and take up your job.
  
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• non-restricted jobs?
  
  All jobs are restricted and if you are not a citizen of PNG you must have a valid work permit to work in any job in PNG.
  
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• What is a Waga?
  
  It is a traditional, seaworthy sturdy vessel. The hull is made from a dugout log, about 10 metres long to which two large planks has been added.
  
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• Is it possible to do the Kokoda Trail in sections?
  
  There are number of points along the trail where light aircraft airstrips and regular or chartered flights are available so trekking the Kokoda Trail can be undertaken in sections if you want to.
  
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• How long does it take to walk the World War II Kokoda Track?
  
  The record for the Kokoda Trail is less than 24 hours however treks of 5 to 15 days are the most common trek length.
  
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• Does PNG have traffic lights?
  
  Yes, There are traffic lights located along Waigani Drive in Port Moresdby. Two sets are near the Holiday Inn and another set is at Waigani near the Waigani Market.
  
  There were sets at Hubert Murray Highway and Taurama Rd, 4-Mile and 5-Mile but these have been replaced with roundabouts.
  
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• When did Burns Philp first set up shop in PNG?
  
  In 1891 William Gors arrived in Port Moresby from Thursday Island to manage the first Burns Philp store in PNG or British New Guinea (BNG) as it was called then. The existing store was purchased from Andrew Goldie who was selling up due to ill health.
  
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• Where was the second Burns Philp store established?
  
  It was established on the Island of Samarai in the same year as the first store was opened in Port Moresby (1891).
  
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• What sort of television programmes do you watch in PNG?
  
  

  I'll list some of the stations that we are able to receive. Along with our local TV station EmTV -- http://www.emtv.com.pg -- we also have access to several satellite broadcasters such as -

  +- E!
  +- HBO
  +- Cinemax
  +- National Geographic
  +- Star Movies
  +- Star World
  +- Star Sports
  +- BBC
  +- Country Music
  +- Cartoon Network
  +- Discovery Channel
  +- Nickelodeon
  +- Hallmark
  +- ESPN
  +- Animal Planet
  +- MTV
  +- Tech TV
  +- CNBC Asia
  +- CNN
  +- etcetera
  +- Australian Channels (ABC, GWN, SBS, 7 Central, Imparja)
  Some people have access to other channels and still we can't find anything decent to watch.
  For more information please pay a visit to -- http://www.hitron.com.pg -- who offer microwave and cable redistribution of satellite services.

  For all your cable TV needs in the Morobe Province visit the Tolec Electronics
  website at -- http://www.tolec.com.pg

  
  
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• When is the Ok Tedi mine due to close?
  
  Under the current approved mining plan, operations at Ok Tedi are expected to cease around mid-2010 when readily accessible ore is exhausted.
  
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• Where can I find folktales / stories about PNG?
  
  The Cassowary - http://www.peacecorps.gov/wws/folktales/legend.html
  If you want to find out how to purchase two magnificent books on PNG folk tales then visit http://thslone.tripod.com/masalaipress.htmlwith samples located at http://thslone.tripod.com/1001PNGnights.html
  
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• Where can I find out about orchids in PNG?
  
  It is recommended that you pay a visit to http://www.pngorchids.com.
  
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• Where can I find a list of PNG "Dames"?
  
  Rachel Cleland was the first PNG Dame in 1980 and I know of
  Dame Alice Wedega 1982
  Dame Josephine Abaijah
  Dame Mary Kekedo 1987, Dame Rose KekedoDame Carol Kidu
  I do not know any of the other ladies that have been made dames in the Queens Birthday or New Year Honours list since PNG became independent in 1975
  
  
  
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• What ladies have been awarded awards from the Queen (Buckingham Palace) other than a Dame?
  
  Mary Kekedo - 1968 British Empire Medal
  Alice Wedega - 1964 Member of the British Empire
  Rosa Tokiel - 1975 Member of the British Empire
  Rachel Cleland - 1959 Member of the British Empire
  Rachel Cleland - 1966 Commander of the British Empire
  
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• When was Value Added Tax first talked about in PNG?
  
  Chris Haiveta, the then Finance Minister of PNG, announced the idea in his November 1995 budget speech.
  
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• What year was the Value Added Tax introduced to PNG?
  
  After PNG joined the World Trade Organisation and after talks with the International Monetary Fund PNG introduced VAT in in July 1999.
  
  Thanks for the date of July '99 from
  
  Robert Rudy
  Economic Advisor
  Macroeconomic Policy Group
  Ministry of Finance
  83 Samed Vurgun Street
  Baku 37002 Azerbaijan
  
  
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• I know that seventeen year-old Susan Karike (now Mrs Huhume) designed the PNG flag but who designed the PNG currency?
  
  I am not sure who designed te K50 and K100 notes but I do know that a boy from Milne Bay attending the Goroka Technical College was selected from several others to design the PNG bank notes and coins. Once 16 year-old William Stevens from Ladava in Milne Bay was selected he ended up in a back room of the Australian Note Issue Department of the Reserve Bank of Australia in Melbourne for two years. He actually flew back to PNG on the same plane that carried over K12 million in crisp notes and shiney coins bearing his exclusive designs.
  
  Also the 50 toea coin was not part of the initial design only being released in 1980 so I do not know who designed that. The same for the K50 and K100 notrs that were not released with the initial currency release.
  
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• Where can I find out about trading in Crocodile skins?
  
  http://www.pngbd.com/forum/t4304s.html
  
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• Where can I find out about trading in Crocodile skins?
  
  http://www.pngbd.com/forum/t4304s.html
  
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Created 1 May 2002
Updated 21 Jun 2008