Updated February 2023.
POM City
Port Moresby is the capital and largest city in Papua New Guinea. It is named after Captain John Moresby, who was the first explorer in 1873, naming the area Fairfax and Moresby after his father, Adm. Sir Fairfax Moresby. During WWII, it served as a main Allied base.
- 8:00 - 9:30 AM: Varirata National Park - national park for birdwatching
- 9:30 - 10:30 AM: J’s Cafe - breakfast spot
- 10:40 - 11:40 AM: Adventure Park - theme park with gardens and zoo
- 12:00 - 1:00 PM: National Museum and Art Gallery (closed on Saturdays) - culture museum
- 1:15 - 1:30 PM: Parliament House - government legislative building
- 2:00 - 3:00 PM: Sanctuary - lunch spot for authentic PNG food
- 3:30 - 5:00 PM: Port Moresby Nature Park - park showing endemic animals
- 5:30 - 7:00 PM: Ela Beach - beach to watch sunset and enjoy a walk
- 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Dinner
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Tips
Getting Around
RENT A CAR: Unfortunately, one’s options for traveling around Port Moresby are quite limited. For safety reasons, the best way to get around is by car. This can be a little expensive, costing over $100 per day.
TAXIS: Taxis are another way of getting around; however, taxis can be notorious for taking advantage of tourists and one should be careful to choose a reputable taxi company. Taxis usually don’t use meters, and fares should be agreed upon before entering.
If you decide to take this option and like your driver, make sure to keep their number to call on them again.
BUSES: There are bus services that run through Port Moresby; however, this is not recommended, as waiting at bus stops and riding the bus is unsafe.
RENT A CAR: Unfortunately, one’s options for traveling around Port Moresby are quite limited. For safety reasons, the best way to get around is by car. This can be a little expensive, costing over $100 per day.
TAXIS: Taxis are another way of getting around; however, taxis can be notorious for taking advantage of tourists and one should be careful to choose a reputable taxi company. Taxis usually don’t use meters, and fares should be agreed upon before entering.
If you decide to take this option and like your driver, make sure to keep their number to call on them again.
- Premier Taxi Services
- City Loop Taxi Services
- Scarlet Taxi Services
- Tulait Tulait Taxi Services
- Comfort Taxi Services
BUSES: There are bus services that run through Port Moresby; however, this is not recommended, as waiting at bus stops and riding the bus is unsafe.
Water
Water quality varies across Port Moresby. A lot of newer buildings and hotels have safe tap water, but to be careful, drinking bottled water is recommended.
Water quality varies across Port Moresby. A lot of newer buildings and hotels have safe tap water, but to be careful, drinking bottled water is recommended.
Internet
The best place to buy a SIM card is after going through Customs at the POM airport. I recommend Digicel (8 GB/~USD $30 for a month). See my section in PNG Tips for more details.
The best place to buy a SIM card is after going through Customs at the POM airport. I recommend Digicel (8 GB/~USD $30 for a month). See my section in PNG Tips for more details.
1-Day Plan
Leave the hotel around 7:20 AM. It is roughly around 30-40 minute drive from Port Moresby to Varirata National Park.
8:00 - 9:30 AM: Varirata National Park (PGK10/per person in cash)
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This is PNG's first national park that opened in 1973 with lots of walking trails, campsites, picnic areas, and scenic spots.
Head here when it opens at 8 AM (6 AM on weekends, if you'd like) for incredible bird-watching. One can stand in the main parking lot/open area and hear/see all the birds in the area. By 10 AM, birds will be more scarce. The nation's famous bird, Raggiana bird-of-paradise, can easily be seen here flying around. Even in the off season, if one doesn't see the magnificent plumage, one can identify them by their red bellies and red under the wings. Afterwards one can hike round-trip for 1 hour to the first scenic point for a beautiful view. Along the way, there are plenty of butterflies (Ulysses butterfly and world’s largest butterfly, Queen Alexandria birdwing (28 cm wingspan) can be found here), insects, and toads to see. NOTE: There are leeches, so check open skin. On the return trip, one can stop at a market on the side of the road pay PGK2 to see a beautiful waterfall at a scenic stop. |
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9:30 - 10:30 AM: Breakfast at J's Cafe (PGK5/person cash entry) For those seeking breakfast, J's Cafe is a great option near Varirata National Park. It has a magnificent outdoor dining space and manicured lawns to walk around while waiting for your food. Be prepared that as it is PNG, food might take some time to prepare, so you may consider other restaurants.
Recommend trying their coffee and smoothies! |
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10:40 AM - 11:40 PM: Adventure Park (Free) Technically, it is considered a theme park because of the Ferris Wheel and Carousel, but there are no roller coasters. Instead, it’s more of a park with a small zoo.
The Adventure Park is similar to the Port Moresby Nature Park, hosting native PNG animals from birds to tree-kangaroos in the Wildlife sanctuary. It is renowned for the crocodile feedings that happen at 3 PM on Saturdays & Sundays. There is the National Orchid Garden, water slides, fishing holes, paddle boats, and picnic spots. |
Adventure Park (Source: Pagahill)
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12:00 - 1:00 PM: National Museum and Art Gallery (Closed on Saturdays and 1-3 PM Sunday) (Free) Hosting PNG cultural elements, the National Museum is a true delight with artifacts, art, and historical relics. It is a great stop to learn the context behind the different groups of people with lots of explanations.
Separated into two rooms for culture, one for trapping, and an upstairs archaeological section, there is so much to marvel at. Be aware that even when the museum is open (9 AM - 3 PM), the door may be closed if the staff have team meetings and a sign at the door will mark the museum as closed. |
1:15 - 1:30 PM: Parliament House
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The single chamber legislature building of PNG consisting of 111 members. It incorporates the unity and diversity of PNG through its design and architecture.
Upon arriving, one can get a tour of the building, just make sure to wear business casual (collared shirts and no exposed shoulders), but flip-flops are okay! Sometimes, tours are cancelled if no one is working in the office, but most weekdays would work. |
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2:00 - 3:00 PM: Lunch at Sanctuary
For those seeking an authentic meal, the best place would be at the Sanctuary Hotel. With affordable prices and delicious food, it’s a great place to dine (both indoor and outdoor dining).
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3:30 - 5:00 PM: Port Moresby Nature Park This phenomenal park that showcases endemic animal and plant species in Papua New Guinea. Be sure to check out the aviaries with birds of paradise, the tree-kangaroos and wallabies, and the cassowaries. |
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5:30 - 7:00 PM: Walk and Sunset at Ela Beach
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In the native tongue, Ela means "place", since this was the place where the sea turtles hatched. Spend time here to watch the sunset, play volleyball, or enjoy a fine sandy beach.
One can then walk around the peninsula (Bramell St) to see the APEC Haus built in 2018 to house the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) conference. There is parking at the Crowne Plaza Residences and one can also catch some beautiful views from the Port Terrace Restaurant. |
7:00 - 9:00 PM: Dinner
See restaurant section for ideas.
Other Activities
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Diving and Snorkeling
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Kokoda Trail
One of the world's adventure hikes that lasts 4 to 12 days (averaging 9 days) over 96 km through the location where Australian and Japanese forces fought during WWII in 1942. It is a rigorous hike in the humid climate, but a fun challenge. One can organize their trip through Kokoda Track Authority It requires a permit of K350 per person.
One of the world's adventure hikes that lasts 4 to 12 days (averaging 9 days) over 96 km through the location where Australian and Japanese forces fought during WWII in 1942. It is a rigorous hike in the humid climate, but a fun challenge. One can organize their trip through Kokoda Track Authority It requires a permit of K350 per person.
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Shopping
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Restaurants
Around Port Moresby, the food is a little more diverse, and it may be hard to find places to eat for affordable prices with a wide selection. Here is a list of recommendations:
Breakfast:
Lunch/Dinner:
Note: Due to limited supply, many restaurants may not have the food that you seek. In the "Land of the Unexpected", you can never expect to have good service or available food. Make sure to keep this in mind and don't hesitate to kindly prompt the waitstaff if your order takes some time.
Breakfast:
- J's Cafe: Brunch place to eat at before heading to Varirata National Park.
- Duffy Cafe: Multiple locations that serve pastries and well-chosen coffee.
- Edge Cafe: Try their Rabaul breakfast or their salmon bagel. Great views and good work spot.
Lunch/Dinner:
- Sanctuary: Authentic PNG food that is located within a hotel.
- Mumu: Located in the Hilton hotel, this is a top-end restaurant offering seafood and lots of PNG-based food.
- Dirty Kitchen: Delicious burgers and American food.
- Harbour Side: Plethora of options for a lively night from Asia Aromas (Chinese food), Daikoku (Japanese), and Tandoor on the Harbour (Indian)
Note: Due to limited supply, many restaurants may not have the food that you seek. In the "Land of the Unexpected", you can never expect to have good service or available food. Make sure to keep this in mind and don't hesitate to kindly prompt the waitstaff if your order takes some time.
For those seeking to eat more authentic food, one can consider heading to Gordon's Market, an outdoor market in a building where locals sell their produce for cash. WARNING: This place is known for pickpocketers, so be aware.
