It’s 75 years since fierce and bloody fighting took place during World War 2 along Papua New Guinea’s infamous Kokoda Trail.
In this special issue of Paradise, we re-tell the story of the heroics and hardships from one of the war’s most famous conflicts.
Our writer is military historian, Dr Peter Williams, who is a world authority on the Kokoda Trail. He has interviewed Papuan, Australian and Japanese veterans of the fight.
Williams, whose books include The Kokoda Campaign 1942: Myth and Reality, as well as Kokoda for Dummies, explains the strategy behind the Kokoda Campaign, why it happened, and provides a blow-by-blow account of how it unfolded.
Our cover for this issue is also dedicated to Kokoda, with the famous 1942 image of a fuzzy wuzzy angel helping a wounded Australian soldier.
These days, the 96-kilometre Kokoda Trail is one of the main tourist attractions of PNG, with thousands trekking it each year.
But as you’ll see in our story ‘50 Reasons To Love PNG’, there are many more compelling reasons to jump on the next Air Niugini flight and visit the country.
Surfing, diving and soft adventure rate highly for PNG visitors, so we look at some of the best dive sites and where to catch a wave.
We also love some of PNG’s remote jungle and coastal lodges, island getaways and cultural festivals.
Getting close to nature is another bonus for the PNG visitor, whether it’s seeing hundreds of spinner dolphins doing aerials, or swimming and snorkelling with giant manta rays. There’s a lot to love.
New to Paradise from this issue, is a wellness and beauty column, including tips and recipes on healthy eating, as well as resorts and day spas where you can chill out.
Happy reading and flying,
Robert Upe, Editor
Paradise Magazine, July/August 2017