Description:
Papua New Guinea seems like the last place on Earth. Its terrain is so rugged, its jungles so impenetrable, that even at the end of the 20th century it remains largely unknown by the West. As late as 1993, new tribes were still being discovered in this land of more than 700 languages and as many cultural and racial groups. Travel there is neither particularly easy nor particularly safe, yet--more and more--intrepid travelers are making their way to the island's shores. Lonely Planet has produced a guidebook to help visitors get the most out of their time and money. Papua New Guinea, by Tony Wheeler and Jon Murray, pulls no punches; it is up-front about the potential for trouble on the island--everything from crime to insurgency. But while the authors acknowledge the possibilities, they are hardly alarmists, noting that a lot of trouble can be avoided if you "listen to local advice, and above all, make friends with people who live in the area you are visiting." Good advice, no matter what your destination. Color photographs; sidebars containing fascinating tidbits of history, culture, language, and more; and plenty of detailed maps make Lonely Planet's Papua New Guinea a good read and a great guidebook. So, if you're thinking of stepping off the beaten path on your next trip, consider Papua New Guinea--and Lonely Planet's excellent guide.
| 
