Papua New Guinea is an exotic, exciting developing nation that encompasses the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and its offshore islands. It is a fascinating country of immense cultural and biological diversity and is known for its high mountains, impenetrable rain forests, mighty rivers, volcanoes, beaches and spectacular coral reefs.   New Guinea, the planet’s second largest island, was the last inhabited landmass to be explored by Europeans and roads are still yet to find their way through much of the rugged countryside. Despite its proximity to Australia, Papua New Guinea remains a frontier; there are still many traditional tribal villages, often with their own languages, where old traditions and cultures still hold pride of place.