The quick reality
The great majority of land in Papua New Guinea is held under customary ownership by clans and families.
That includes beaches, reefs, rivers, tracks, caves and lookouts that look public to a visitor.
Access depends on the right people agreeing — and disputes over land and access are common.
What you should know
What this means on the ground
- A beach or waterfall may have owners who expect to be asked, and often paid.
- Trekking routes cross land belonging to multiple groups.
- Access can be withdrawn at short notice if a local dispute arises.
- Paying the wrong person can cause more problems than paying nothing.
Why it matters for tourism
- Community-agreed access is what makes a destination sustainable.
- Where landowners benefit properly, visitors are welcomed and looked after.
What this means for a traveller
- Do not go looking for "undiscovered" spots on your own.
- Fees for access are normal and legitimate when arranged correctly.
- An itinerary change caused by a land or access issue is not incompetence — it is PNG reality.
What I recommend
- Always use a local guide or host for village, reef, river and trekking access.
- Let your host handle access arrangements and payments.
- Accept a diversion gracefully if landowners decline access on the day.
HausLink approach
- We intend to build experiences through local hosts and landowner arrangements, so access is agreed rather than assumed.
Last reviewed: September 2026