webmeister posted:

I haven't been personally though I know people who have, and honestly the country has basically no tourist infrastructure aside from Australians doing the Kokoda Track. It's not the safest place either. Even if the diving is great, you're probably better off learning in Thailand or the Philippines before heading somewhere like PNG. I honestly wouldn't recommend it unless you're a very experienced traveller already (ie well-versed in third-world country travel etc).

Note that the Kokoda Track is a seriously tough hike, so if you have a typical goon physique it could well be out of your ability. It's also 5 days minimum, more typically 8-9 days depending on fitness and weather. During the wet season you'll get drenched, bitten to poo poo by insects and covered in leeches. Oh and you have to carry your own gear too, unless you want to pay $500 for a porter. Not trying to talk you out of it but yeah, don't underestimate it.

Maybe somewhere like Indonesia instead, if you're keen on heading down that part of the world? A week in each of Sumatra, Java and Bali/Lombok/Komodo then a few days in Singapore or KL would be pretty cool.