Papua New Guinea
Islands of Mystery
Few unexplored tropical wildernesses are left in the world. But Papua New Guinea is full of rugged jungles wholly untouched by
modern civilization. If you plan to travel to Papua New Guinea, however, be aware that the primitive qualities that make these islands
intriguing can make them less safe for typical tourists. Make your plans carefully, with professional assistance, and prepare
for the dangers that may accompany the
adventures.
Rabaul (travel page), New Britain
(1972 ornithology survey on islands
of the Vitiaz and Dampier
straits in
Bismark Sea, Papua New Guinea)
(online tool: English & Tok Pisin)
Are the mysteries of Papua New Guinea exaggerated? From the mid-1990’s, several Americans have explored certain areas, including
Umboi Island. What have they been seeking?
Living pterosaurs! Some reports indicate the creatures may grow to have a wingspan
greater than twenty feet. Talk about adventure and mystery!
The book
Searching for Ropens, tells of pterosaur-like creature
of the night, on Umboi Island, years ago, that robbed graves. But after wooden coffins became popular, grave robberies by the
ropen ceased. (To read in French, see
"Ropen" de Papúa la Nouvelle-Guinée: The ropen of Papua New Guinea - le français)
In 2004,
an American legal videographer interviewed
Gideon Koro, one of several young villagers of Umboi Island who had seen a giant
ropen flying in daylight. He described the wings as like those of the
Flying Fox fruit bat; the tail he estimated
at seven meters
long (obviously no bat).
But even if giant flying dinosaurs (really
pterosaurs) hold no interest to you, just consider other
adventures in Papua New Guinea, including diving.
Thought to have become extinct,
the Beck's petrel still lives.