Bougainville, Papua New Guinea: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Bougainville, Papua New Guinea? If you're planning to go to Bougainville, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Bougainville, Papua New Guinea

Based on the climate and weather in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Bougainville, Papua New Guinea

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Bougainville, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Bougainville, Papua New Guinea by month

January

If you go to Bougainville in January, you will notice that it can be sweltering and very rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bougainville. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to find the right type. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February in Bougainville is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bougainville. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you pick the right type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

March

March in this region can be very hot and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bougainville. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to pick the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

April

If you vacation in Bougainville during April, you might find that it is really hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bougainville. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you get the right kind. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

May

In May, Bougainville is really hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Bougainville, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bougainville. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

June

If you vacation in Bougainville during June, you may notice that it is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bougainville. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you pick the correct type. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

July

If you go to Bougainville in July, you will notice that it can be very hot and very rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bougainville. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to pick the right kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

August for Bougainville is consistently hot and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bougainville. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to get the correct kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

September

September in Bougainville is really hot and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bougainville. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to pick the right kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

October

October for Bougainville is extremely hot and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bougainville. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to get the right type. Most adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

November

November in this region is consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bougainville. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

December

If you are traveling to Bougainville in December, you will notice that it is constantly hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bougainville. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you get the right kind. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

What to do in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea

Bougainville, located in the eastern part of Papua New Guinea, is a stunning island that has a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. The island is home to a plethora of tourist attractions that are sure to leave any visitor mesmerized. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea.

1. Buka Island

Buka Island is one of the must-visit places in Bougainville. The island is home to beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters, and a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can take a dip in the ocean or explore the island's lush rainforests. The people of Buka Island are known for their intricate weaving and pottery, and visitors can purchase traditional handicrafts as souvenirs.

2. Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) Mine Tour

For those who are interested in history and industry, the BCL Mine Tour is a must-visit destination. The copper mine was once the largest open-pit mine in the world and is now a site of historical significance. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mine to learn about its history and the role it played in the region's economy.

3. Tautsina Beach Resort

Tautsina Beach Resort is a perfect place for visitors looking to relax and unwind. The resort is situated on the east coast of Bougainville and offers breathtaking views of the ocean. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the clear turquoise waters of the ocean. The resort's restaurant serves delicious local and international cuisine, adding to the overall experience.

4. Toniva Cultural Group

For visitors interested in seeing traditional dances and customary practices, a visit to the Toniva Cultural Group is a must. The group is known for its performances of traditional dances, songs, and storytelling. Visitors can witness the group's unique performances and learn more about the region's history and culture.

5. Mount Bagana

Mount Bagana is an active volcano located in central Bougainville. The mountain is an important cultural site for the local people, who believe it is home to spirits and gods. Visitors can hike up to the mountain and witness the unique landscape and breathtaking views of the surrounding areas.

6. Siara Island

Siara Island is a small island located off the coast of Buka Island. The island has pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and offers spectacular views of the ocean. Visitors can indulge in activities such as snorkeling and fishing or take a guided tour of the island's lush rainforests.

In conclusion, Bougainville offers a wide range of tourist attractions that cater to different interests. From the rich cultural heritage to the stunning natural beauty, visitors are sure to be captivated by the island's charm. Bougainville is a hidden gem waiting to be explored and should definitely be on every traveler's bucket list.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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