Where in the world can you find a country that speaks 852 languages and each of the communities that speak these languages has its own ethnic group with a distinctive culture?
This is just one of the many unique features of that beautiful archipelago of more than 600 islands clustered in Oceania, off the north coast of Australia. Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a country of enviable natural resources, populated by warm, hospitable people, and bursting with many species of flora and fauna that are indigenous to the region.
In fact, PNG is where you find the Hooded Pitohui, one of the very few poisonous birds in the world. Belonging to the oriole family, the bird gets its neurotoxin from what it eats—poisonous beetles. Touching the bird’s skin and feathers causes numbness or a burning sensation that may lead to paralysis and cardiac arrest.
But that shouldn’t scare visitors away because the country offers a load of beautiful and easily accessible attractions. There is the Varirata National Park that gives tourists a breathtaking panoramic view of the capital, Port Moresby, and the sea. Here is where you can commune with Birds of Paradise that colorfully exhibit themselves in flocks, much to the delight of leisure travelers who want to garnish their social media platforms with interesting photo ops.
There is The Rainforest Habitat, a man-made, reconstructed rainforest complete with the indigenous species of flora and fauna under an 11-meter-high canopy, located on the campus of the University of Technology. The most interesting inhabitant of this rainforest is the Tree Kangaroo, the only macropod that lives in trees. This adorable creature, which has a long tail, looks more like a small bear, very different from those marsupials that we see in Australia.
A seismic experience can be had at the Volcanology Observatory which monitors the activity of the 14 active and 23 dormant volcanoes in the country, as tourists enjoy the view of the volcanoes while feeling a little tremor themselves. There’s also Muschu Island, famous for its black beach, and the Nature Park that has a two-kilometer pathway for those who want a leisurely stroll while communing with nature.
There are many more tourist attractions in Papua New Guinea, the reason why the Radisson Hotel Group now has acquired management of the Grand Papua Hotel, the global brand’s inaugural hotel in the country.
Centrally located in Port Moresby and overlooking the Coral Sea, the 16-storey hotel has 156 spacious rooms and suites, all featuring contemporary amenities and relaxing views of the city or the ocean. Guests staying on the Executive floors have access to the 15th floor Executive Lounge, which provides complimentary refreshments, personalized services, and panoramic vistas, while a dedicated ladies’ floor offers additional safety and peace of mind for female travelers.
The guests’ wellness regimen is taken care of by the outdoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, soothing spa, and hair salon. There is a poolside terrace for daytime drinks and light bites, while a Grand Bar serves beverages and snacks throughout the day, and the Grand Brasserie offers a modern à la carte menu and wine list. The hotel caters to MICE events with its nine function rooms, flexible spaces that can house big corporate meetings or social gatherings.
As a member of Radisson Individuals, Grand Papua Hotel is now a part of the Radisson Hotel Group’s global platform, benefitting from the brand’s international awareness and experience, while also retaining the hotel’s own unique identity.
The Grand Papua Hotel is part of Coral Sea Hotels, the largest chain of hotels in Papua New Guinea, owned by Steamships Limited and Radisson Individuals currently has 48 hotels in operation and under development globally.
More information on this global hotel brand is available at www.radissonhotels.com.
YOUR monday CHUCKLE
AN INTERESTING QUESTION: Why are they called apart-ments when they are stuck together?
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