New Ireland´s West Coast (Papua New Guinea)

Advantages: Breathtaking country!
Disadvantages: Rascals, unemployment, thieving

...I spent 16 years in one of the most beautiful countries of the world and although I loved living there I wouldnt recommend it as a tourist destination. Papua New Guinea is an island located north of Australia. Half of the island belongs to Indonesia and is called Irian Jaya. The other half is Papua New Guinea. Within PNG there are 2 distinct areas - the coast and the highlands. The coast is your typical island paradise. The highlands are a little more primative and saw their first white man less than 100 years ago. Having grown up in PNG I was well aware of the crime and how to deal with things. Only too often I saw tourists (or terrorists as we called them :) ) being ripped off, having passports, cameras and anything else of value stolen. Crime in PNG is rampant! As a resident, there are places that you wouldnt go and things... Read review

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Advantages: Stunningly beautiful, friendly English speaking people
Disadvantages: Dangerous, unless you follow stringent rules.

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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Unspoiled wilderness, fascinating sights and sites
Disadvantages: Persistent rainfall, persistent sandflies

...rocky hillsides and parallels surf-swept beaches where the Tasman Sea pounds the shore. The main purpose of the diversion, though, is to reach Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks. There are wonderful things to see all the way down the west coast of New Zealand's South Island, but the odd thing about them is that few are actually on the coast. Punakaiki is an exception, the Pancake Rocks being located on a headland jutting out into the sea. A geological freak, these limestone rocks were formed in layers from the skeletons of molluscs and other sea creatures interspersed with layers of compacted mud. Millennia ago earthquakes forced the layers to the surface, since when they have been sculpted by waves and weather into weird designs. The sea has also burrowed blowholes through the rocks, and water spouts shoot skywards through... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful