Papua New Guinea

( Josh Gates )

PNG, as the locals call it, has a reputation as a wild and dangerous place (after all, someone was burned here recently for being a witch). On the other hand, it's one of the best adventure travel destinations on the planet. The capital city enjoys a grimy reputation (partially deserved) and is best used as a jumping off point for expeditions into the wilderness. And what a wilderness it is.

PNG is a treasure trove of biodiversity, punishing mountains, and crystalline waters. People still whisper about cannibal tribes in the highlands, tribal law still reigns supreme, and on the outer islands, the relics of WWII are on full display. More than once I've seen Japanese Zeros hanging out of trees or long-forgotten gun turrets poking out through the canopy. You can even stroll down the lonely runway where Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Electra took off for the very last time.

One of the locals in Papua New Guinea.