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Deadliest Journeys – Papua New Guinea

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Papua New Guinea is one of the world’s last lawless lands lying 150 kilometres north of Australia.

The town of Lae is the economic capital of the country here it more commonly goes by the name “Pothole city”.
It’s a sorry sight with its battered roads it’s packed mini buses and it’s extreme levels of poverty. In the streets uncertainty reigns and the police are ineffective trying to keep law and order the locals call upon private security companies.
Papua New Guinea has one of the highest crime rates on the planet. Papua New Guinea is an island half as big as France but with a road network that practically does not exist. There are just 3 main roads that are barely tarmac and yet road transport is vital for the country.

What natural and wildlife hazards are present in Papua New Guinea’s dense forests?

Papua New Guinea, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, is home to some of the most treacherous terrains in the world. The varied topography of the country, ranging from dense jungles to rugged mountains, coupled with a lack of critical infrastructure, makes travel in Papua New Guinea one of the most dangerous journeys in the world.

The majority of the regions in Papua New Guinea are accessible only by foot or air. The country does not have a reliable road network, and the few that exist are often in appalling conditions. Travel by road is slow, unpredictable, and dangerous, with travelers often facing multiple hazards, including landslides, floods, and rockfalls.

The absence of modern transport infrastructure in the country has also forced locals to rely on traditional forms of transportation. Rugged terrain and swift-flowing rivers have made boats and canoes the preferred mode of transport. However, river crossings are known to be extremely hazardous, with strong currents and unpredictable water levels posing a significant risk to small vessels.

One of the most perilous journeys in the country is the ascent of Mount Wilhelm, the highest mountain in Papua New Guinea. The journey to the summit is a daunting challenge, primarily due to the sheer height of the mountain, the rugged terrain, and the unpredictable weather conditions. Mountain rescue teams are non-existent in this remote region, making accidents and medical emergencies a frightening prospect.

The remote and rugged highlands of Papua New Guinea are also a hub for illegal mining operations, which can be hazardous to both workers and travelers. With no regulations, the mines are often makeshift and unstable, making collapses and accidents a common occurrence.

The country’s dense forests are another danger point for travelers. Dense vegetation, thick undergrowth, and steep inclines create treacherous terrain that can be hazardous for inexperienced travelers. Add to this the presence of snakes, spiders, and dangerous wildlife, and it becomes easy to see why the journey through the jungles of Papua New Guinea is not for the faint-hearted.

In conclusion, the deadliest journeys in Papua New Guinea are a dizzying mix of natural hazards, unpredictable weather, and a lack of critical infrastructure. From treacherous river crossings to hazardous mountain climbs and unregulated mining operations, travel in Papua New Guinea is tough and fraught with danger. However, despite the numerous dangers, Papua New Guinea remains a fascinating country with diverse cultural experiences and breathtaking scenery that attracts the intrepid traveler or adventurer.