In the first issue of 2025, Paradise has rounded up some of the key events taking place at Air Niugini destinations this year.
The almanac, a yearly feature in the magazine for more than a decade, includes Hiri Moale celebrations in Port Moresby, the Australian National Rugby League’s Magic Round in Brisbane in May, the Goroka Show in September, and so much more.
The key events from eight countries are listed, and each event can easily be reached with an Air Niugini flight.
Paradise also looks at the top 10 reasons to explore Papua New Guinea. Among those reasons are culture, history, trekking, surfing, birdwatching, fishing, diving and cruising.
Our writer, Maris Howden, points readers in the right direction to undertake those activities, whether it’s Rabaul for history, Kavieng for surfing or Mount Hagen for birdwatching.
For something completely different, we report on the peculiar sight of a shipwreck that lies just metres from a Solomon Islands beach.
The World Discoverer is on its side in Roderick Bay, and it has become quite a tourist attraction. The rusting wreck even has trees sprouting from its decks.
If you’re heading to Manila, we have a guide to the city’s best bars, places to stay and things to see.
Japanese restaurant Kuro Haus, the Holiday Inn’s Kopi Haus restaurant and Loloata Island Resort, all in or near Port Moresby, are reviewed by our writers, as well as the QT hotel in Singapore.
Still on food, we report on a new cookbook called Eat Pacific. The book, by chef and TV presenter Robert Oliver, is based on a TV show and showcases simple healthy and affordable recipes from the region, including pitpit and aibika quiche from PNG.
In airline news, there are stories about the relaunch of Air Niugini’s Kumul Club, Pope Francis flying with Air Niugini, and Beverley Pakii who has qualified as the airline’s first Airbus A220 captain.
Robert Upe, Editor