Papua New Guinea - Is it possible on a normal budget from the UK?

[maat1976]

So we're in the Philippines at the moment and I was reading about some macro diving in PNG. Tifi maybe? The whole area sounded incredible.

Anyway, is it even remotely possible to dive in PNG without being on a ridiculous budget or do I need to wait until I win the Euromillions?

Thanks!

 

[WetPup]

Tufi - which is amazing by the way! And how do you define "normal"?

PNG is not a cheap destination regardless of whether you're diving or not. You don't need to spend the earth by any means, but it's not a "budget" travel destination.

Edit: just looked it up - I paid about Aus$3000 for 10 days in Tufi back in January, which included domestic flights in PNG from Port Moresby to Tufi, diving, accommodation and full board. To me that's not expensive, but you may feel differently.

 

[Shasta_man]

The first problem is getting there. Airfare costs are significant from USA because you pay for ticket to AUS, then AUS to POM is nearly as much.

 

[WetPup]

OP indicates they're already in the Philippines - there's direct flights from Manila to Port Moresby.

 

[maat1976]

Apologies. I was unclear. I am in the Philippines at the moment. But out trip to PNG would be originating from London. It was during this trip that PNG became an interest. I know airfares will be expensive but can accommodation be managed for £100/$160 a night??

 

[WetPup]

Unless you found a package deal on sale, I'd say it's unlikely. You'll struggle to find somewhere safe for under $200/night per person (yes, personal safety is a genuine concern there). Then you'd need to include the cost of diving and food on top of that.

The reason for the cost is people like me - lots of expats working up there in the mining industry has made prices skyrocket.

 

[MA]

Walindi basic rooms were about 155 AUD a night. Diving is on top of that.

awesone spot!!! Diving is fantastic.

 

[maat1976]

I will check the Walindi- thanks!!!

 

[Wookie]

Many years ago I flew from Cairns to Port Moresby to Madang. Stayed in a pretty nice hotel for US$35 a night (they catered to oilfield workers) and got on a boat for $30 a day. Obviously, 1996 prices aren't the same as 2015 prices, but it wasn't a tour, I just got on a plane and went.

The diving was exceptional, but not macro. We had oceanic whitetips, massive clams, and some of the most beautiful coral I'd ever seen. I had a sense of adventure back then and just did it.

 

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

Can you not get similar (if not better) diving in Fiji, Palau and Raja Ampat? Unless PNG beats these by a mile ....

I am just saying.