What is the Capital City of Papua New Guinea?

The capital city of Papua New Guinea is Port Moresby. It is located on the southeastern coast of the island of New Guinea and is the largest city in Papua New Guinea, with a population of over 400,000 people. Port Moresby is the home of the national government, as well as many businesses and cultural institutions.

 Post Moresby City

Port Moresby was founded in 1873 by British Captain John Moresby and became the capital of Papua New Guinea in 1975, when the country gained independence from Australia. The city is a multicultural one, with people from all over Papua New Guinea and the world.

Port Moresby is home to many historical and cultural attractions, including the National Parliament House, the National Museum and Art Gallery, and the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium. The city is also a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and unique wildlife.

Jackson International Airport

Jackson International Airport (POM) is the main international airport in Papua New Guinea. It is located in the heart Port Moresby, the capital city. The airport is served by a number of airlines, including Air Niugini, Qantas, and Virgin Australia.

Jackson International Airport is a relatively small airport, but it is modern and well-equipped. It has two terminals, one for domestic flights and one for international flights. The airport also has a number of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and currency exchange bureaus.

Top Hotels in Port Moresby

There are a number of good hotels in Port Moresby, catering to all budgets. Here are a few of the top hotels in the city.

These are just a few of the many good hotels in Port Moresby. When choosing a hotel, it is important to consider your budget and needs. If you are looking for a luxury hotel with all the amenities, The Stanley Hotel & Suites or Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residences are good options. If you are looking for a more affordable hotel, Airways Hotel or Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby are good options.

Port Moresby is a Largest City in PNG

Port Moresby is the capital city of Papua New Guinea and the most important city in the country. 

It is a vibrant and multicultural city with a lot to offer visitors.

10 Things to Do in Papua New Guinea Capital City, Port Moresby | Day Trips and Stay-over Options

Port Moresby, the vibrant capital city of Papua New Guinea, is a destination that offers a wide range of activities for tourists. From the historical Kokoda Trail to the beautiful Varirata National Park, there is something for everyone. Here are ten things to do and see in Port Moresby that are sure to make your visit a memorable one.

1. Kokoda Trail

The Kokoda Trail is a historical trek that takes visitors through the World War II battles between the Japanese and Australian troops. This 96 km trail takes around 6-10 days to complete and offers a unique perspective on the region's history.

2. Sogeri Plateau

The Sogeri Plateau is a beautiful highland that offers stunning views of Port Moresby and the surrounding areas. Visitors can explore the area, hike, and camp to enjoy its scenic beauty.

3. Varirata National Park

The Varirata National Park is a wildlife haven, home to several native animals, including the elusive bird of paradise. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, bird watching, and panoramic views of the city.

4. Bomana War Cemetery

The Bomana War Cemetery is the largest war cemetery in the Pacific region, and it is the resting place of over 3,000 Australian and Allied soldiers who fought in World War II. It is a somber but significant place to visit.

5. Adventure Park

The Adventure Park is an amusement park that offers thrilling rides, including a giant water slide, rollercoaster, and zip line. It's a perfect place for families to spend time together and have fun.

6. POM Nature Park

The POM Nature Park is a wildlife park that houses various native animals, including the tree kangaroo, cassowary, and crocodile. Visitors can also enjoy picnic areas and walking trails.

7. Museum of National Arts and Galleries

The Museum of National Arts and Galleries showcases Papua New Guinea's rich art and cultural heritage, including traditional artefacts and contemporary artworks. It's a great place to learn about the country's history and culture.

8. Fisherman Island

Fisherman Island is a small island located off the coast of Port Moresby. It offers a peaceful getaway for visitors to relax and enjoy the beach.

9. Loloata Island

Loloata Island is a private island resort that offers visitors a chance to dive, snorkel, and explore the nearby coral reefs. It's an ideal place to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.

10. Sunset Retreat

The Sunset Retreat is a restaurant and bar that offers spectacular views of the sunset over Port Moresby's harbour. It's the perfect spot for a relaxing evening with friends or family.

Bonus day-trip

Tutu Beach Resort is a family-run resort that takes day-trippers, a lovely beach that offers visitors a chance to soak in the sun and breeze, and relax in a tranquil setting away from the city. It is probably the nearest beach retreat you can get to from Port Moresby! 

Conclusion

Port Moresby is a fantastic destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. 

Whether you're an adventure seeker or seeking a peaceful getaway, Port Moresby has something to offer. So, plan your visit today and experience all that this exciting city offers.

Talking Birds of Port Moresby Adventure Park | Funny Cockatoos

 The Talking Cockatoos are residents of Port Moresby Adventure Park. The cockatoos are locally known as 'Koki' or Cocky, always curious and chatty as seen in this video. 

They can say 'Hello Cocky', Hi, Koki kaikai (Cocky wants some food) and chuckle. The funny talking birds are cute and adorable. Visit Port Moresby Adventure Park and check out these funny birds! 

Recommended: 5 Exotic Tropical Birds of Papua New Guinea 1080p HD video https://youtu.be/E_69Kb9F68Q

Visit us on the PNG Insight YouTube channel. We show actual footages of  Papua New Guinea places we visit. We also have a good collection of places you can visit in Port Moresby. Our channel's videos are original travel and educational videos of  Papua New Guinea, Places, People and Nature.

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Port Moresby Varirata National Park Bush Walk Adventure

 Varirata National Park (Port Moresby) is a fantastic place for bushwalking. The three common bushwalking options are the Main road Walk, 3000 K walk or 1000 K walk.

The main road walk takes you around the track. It is often busy over the weekend and holiday so look out for the vehicles as they go past. This is an easy and pleasant option as you do need a guide. It is also ideal for road runners and families with smaller children.

The second option for Bush Walk at Varirara National Park is the1 K walk from the main reception to the lookout.

If you are serious about Busk Walking, the third option is for you. Take the complete loop around the conservation park. It is about 3K walk, but not for the fainted hearts. It can take 2 to 3 hours, depending on how fast you walk. So, go prepared.

Plenty to see on Varirata Bush Walk

Five out of the thirty-five species of birds of paradise live in the park, and PNG’s National Emblem, the Raggiana, is without any doubt, is the guest of honour.

Between April and October, during peak breeding season, there is an excellent chance of seeing some males in full breeding plumage dancing to attract female attention.

Top tip: If you really what to get the best out of your trip to Varirata National Park, I would recommend enlisting a local guide to take you on walks through the forest. You can ask for guides or assistance at the main entrance.

Check our updated story here: Varirata National Park Developments since 2018

Beautiful View toward Port Moresby, Jacksons Airport

The Lookout is 833 metres above sea level. Port Moresby Jackson airport is within clear view. On a beautiful day, you can see the planes landing and taking off.

Go prepared with cash, food, water, sunscreen and bug repellent. As for the serious walkers, this could be a recurring visit once you've done it the first time. You've got to visit Varirata National Park if you have been living in Port Moresby, but have not visited the park yet.

Port Moresby Nature Park has reopened its gates after closure

Port Moresby Nature Park has reopened its gates following a nine-day closure, much to the relief of the NCD community, school groups and tour companies, following orders of the National Court this morning.

Public Statement re Re-opening/Facebook

Port Moresby Nature Park is the only internationally wildlife-welfare accredited facility in the South Pacific Islands, obtained by the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australasia firmly cementing the as one of the world’s top wildlife facilities, with proven commitment to animal welfare, conservation, education and research.

HERE IS THE REASON WHY PORT MORESBY NATURE PARK WAS CLOSED

The Nature Park is happy to be back serving the community, teaching school children, training university students, conducting research, saving wildlife and providing venue hire and fun activities for friends and family to come together.

The Nature Park's immediate priority is to recommence our school excursion program, “Beasts with Bites”, which had been suspended due to the closure resulting in over 1,444 school students missing out on the program last week.  

Our focus is to ensure that any school classes that were prevented from coming to the Park last week will have the opportunity to participate in the ‘Beasts with Bite’ schools' program as we will extend the program to ensure no schools or students miss out this great learning opportunity. 

In light of the festive season, the Nature Park will also run a special promotion for Christmas parties. We wish to thank all the businesses and families that have booked to host their functions at the Park as we do encourage more to do so in support of the Park.

The management and staff would like to convey our deepest gratitude to the community,  our sponsors and NCDC in particular for the support throughout. We are eager to continue delivering our mission for the benefit of all.

Sunset Lodge: Port Moresby's Bar, Beach and Breeze Getaway

I was going to write about Sunset Lodge for a long time and now find time to post about this Port Moresby's day trip. For first-timers, the lodge is a nice place to get away from the city, about an hour's drive towards the PNG LNG plant and Papa and Lealea villages. The road is fairly flat with potholes to avoid, any small car can make it there and back.

Facilities

The amenities there are fairly basic. A bar selling can drinks and alcohol, barbecue area, toilets, car park and sitting area. The sitting area overlooks the beautiful Papa sandy beach and sea. If you are lucky, you'll see the massive oil tankers at the LNG plant/terminal refilling LNG for export to the Asian markets.

Beach

The beach is nicer than any I've seen near POM. Lovely sea breeze too. My top tip is to camp near the beach or get a bbq area. Kids are going to have fun this way. At low tide, the sea goes further out. You can walk right into the sea and play on the sandbanks. Always have someone to look after you personal & valuable items when you are away from your camp as there are locals using the beach as access way between the nearby villages.

Pay

As usual, go prepared with food, sunscreen, hats, water and any day's necessities to make your trip a good one. Sunset Lodge does not do food or provide lodging, they only do drinks. There is a K10 per head standard charge for visitors, both young and old.

Personally,  I think after the Loloata Island Resort (the resort re-opened its doors to visitors in 2019), the Sunset Lodge has got a nicer beach for families or friends wanting a day's visit to the beach or get away from the city's heat.

10 Adventure Activities To Do at the Port Moresby Adventure Park

A day trip to the Port Moresby Adventure Park is an ideal way to spend a Saturday or Sunday with family and friends. The park is also a tourist attraction in the city capital, Port Moresby. The park opens early at around 8.30 am and closes in the evening, at 5.30 pm. 

Other fun places to visit in Port Moresby 

• Port Moresby Adventure Park
• Sunset Lodge
• Loloata Island Resort
• Koitaki Country Club
• Varirata Natioanl Park
• Kokoda Track Memorial
• Bomana War Cemetry
• Tutu Beach

Just to clarify any confusion about the two parks in Port Moresby: the Nature Park is the one past the University of Papua New Guinea. It is within the city precincts. The Port Moresby Adventure Park is located opposite the Pacific Adventist University entrance. About 30 minutes drive from the city, along the road to Sogeri.

General entry to the park is free. That means that you can go in without paying and wander about but only pay (refer to fees below) if you are going to part-take in the park's organised activities. 

The Adventure Park has many fun things-to-do for both young and old. You can easily spend the whole day at the park and do all or some of your preferred activities.

Here are the top 10 fun activities to do at the park. A couple of the activities are free. But you must pay to do others.

1. Party or Barbecue: 

At the cost of K60, visitors can use the bbq hut (haus wind) for the whole day. The visitors are required to pay the fee at the entrance before proceeding to choose a hut. The image shows an area without the shelter - the actual hut is visible at the far end. There is no shortage of huts all around the park.

Source: Adventure Park PNG, Facebook

2. Wander through the Orchid Garden and Birds' Sanctuary 

 It only costs K5 per person to go in. The Orchid Garden has been one of the best-kept orchid gardens in PNG. There is a chance to also hear the Kumul (Bird of Paradise) singing as you wander through this beautiful garden.

Image: FIFA Women's World Cup

3. Children's Waterslides 

The waterslide is fun. It costs K20 per head. Always do the other activities before this one. Once the kids get-the-hang of it, there is no moving away until it's time to go home. Top tip: always take swimmers or shorts to be in the swing of excitement with the kids. 

4. Go Paddling on the Paddle Boats 

It costs K10 per person for 30 minutes. Another fun activity the kids would love. Top tip: take some bread crumbs for the kids to feed and attract the fish to your boat as you paddle along.

5. Merry-Go-Around/Carousel 

At K5 per person, this is sure to put smiles on the children's faces.

Loloata: A Place to Enjoy Sun And Sea

FOLLOWING THIS POST, LOLOATA IS NOW CLOSED

Contact detail & costs

Whispers on the streets has it that Loloata Island Resort was closed due to take-over by a big hotel company. I had to confirm that this is true because I have always loved going there. A quick call revealed that the island resort was still opened to visitors. 

From casual chats with resort staff on my latest visit revealed that they have not reached a business agreement with the hotel company yet, though talks have been ongoing. Do not make this stop you from enjoying the sun and sea at Loloata.

If you are planning a trip to the resort this year, make sure to give them a call first. Residents of Port Moresby and other visitors alike can contact them on 72768687 (or 3251369/3258590).

Some photos

Boat to and from the mainland

Lion Island : White sandy beach & snokeling area

Boat trips between Loloata and Lion islands

Port Moresby Nature Park A Place For All - Visitors, Residents, Kids and Parents

We wrote this post way back in January 2016. Having looked back at it, the Port Moresby Nature Park has developed into a beautiful and family-friendly park.  I visited the park again this year, December 2020. We were impressed!

Other fun places to visit in Port Moresby 

• Port Moresby Adventure Park
• Sunset Lodge
• Loloata Island Resort
• Koitaki Country Club
• Varirata Natioanl Park
• Kokoda Track Memorial
• Bomana War Cemetry
• Tutu Beach

Cute Snake of Port Moresby Nature Park

The park has expanded its activities to hosting schools visits, World Environment Day and school holiday activities; and many other events throughout the year. One obvious plus is the active staff involvement with the community both on the ground and also on social media.

For those who were around in POM would know that the park has gone from leap-to-bound within a few years. Thanks to the management, sponsors and the others behind this nature's park attraction in the city.

Check out the full video of the snakes in their new enclosures on YouTube.

Gogodala Traditional Canoe

As a parent and regular visitor, I have no hesitation in recommending Port Moresby Nature Park as one of the places to visit either alone or with children. Sponsors and people involved in this improved look should be highly commended for a job well done. 

Kids play area was the best you can find anywhere. Better pathways and board walk-ways make access to the wildlife, flora and fauna, toilet facilities, cafe and other areas easy.

Entry Fee: Port Moresby Nature Park

If you are in POM or just visiting, or looking for a place to take the kids, or just wanting to get out of the house, this is the place you should visit. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am sure you will too.

Port Moresby Nature Park Entry  Fee

Here are some amateur photos showing the revamped Nature Park.

Nature Park Map at Entry

Directions 

Kids play ground

New boardwalk

Tree kangaroo

 I would encourage parents and anyone wanting information about the activities to follow the Port Moresby Nature Park Facebook page.  

About PNG Insight

PNG Insight is an education blog. It aims to highlight the key developments in the education sector in Papua New Guinea. Started in 2014 on Google's blogger (now self-hosted on WordPress), PNG Insight strives to be a platform for critical thinking and discussions; and a source of information.

Leave a comment and let us know about your visit. 

Is Papua New Guinea's Capital the Most Dangerous City? livability of Port Moresby depends on the attitudes and actions of its residents

Port Moresby (POM), the capital city of Papua New Guinea, has been labelled as one of the most dangerous cities in the world due to the high rates of crime and violence. However, it is important to note that this classification is largely based on petty criminal offences such as holdups, pickpocketing, and knife and gun crime, including serious crimes such as rape and murder.

To make Port Moresby a livable city, there needs to be a change in attitude among its residents. It is essential to have a basic command of order in society, with every individual upholding common sense and respecting one another, the law, and themselves. These values are currently lacking, resulting in a disorganized society with high crime rates.

The development of human capital and law and order should be a priority for the city. Law enforcement agencies, such as the police and courts, need to take responsibility for controlling opportunistic crimes and ensuring that citizens are protected. The police should prioritize the protection of citizens over the protection of white-collar criminals and fraudsters.

POM has the potential to become one of the best cities in the world, but this will require political will and civil obedience. It is crucial that all residents work together to rebuild the city and make it a safe and livable place for everyone. 

In addition, there should be efforts to promote economic development in the city, as this can create jobs and improve the standard of living for residents. With economic growth, the city can attract investment, create more opportunities for its citizens, and improve its infrastructure.

Another crucial aspect that needs to be addressed is education. The city needs to invest in its education system to improve literacy rates and ensure that citizens have access to quality education. Education can also promote civic engagement and a sense of responsibility among residents, which can lead to a safer and more livable city.

In conclusion, the livability of Port Moresby depends on the attitudes and actions of its residents. It is essential to prioritize the development of human capital and law and order, promote economic growth, and invest in education to create a safer and more livable city for all.

Port Moresby's Best Getaways Top Things to Do

POM has lots of things visitors can do. Like any holiday, if you do proper research, you are likely to find the best things around/within the city to do. 

I thought it would be helpful to list 10 touristy 'things' visitors (including locals) can do when in POM.

5 Things To Do in Port Moresby

1) You can arrange for a guided tour along the ranges from UPNG to Hanubada (a good way to see POM from a different angle) or singsing group from one of the Motu Koitabu villages (travel out to the village and enjoy the tranquillity there). 

2) The  Parliament House -Opens every weekday, free f charge. You can look around or go in when the doors are open and visit Parliament Gallery. Check parliamentary sitting time. If you love comedy, you'll enjoy the sessions - a must-watch. 

3) Port Moresby Botanical Gardens - Variety of native flora and fauna to see at the gardens: Animals can be seen up close and personal; Cassowary, Bird of Paradise, Crocodile, Snakes, including a good collection of ferns and orchids. 

4) Vision City Mall - If you are up for a stroll or window shopping, VCM could be the right place to visit. It offers a contemporary shopping experience. (Ssshhh....here is the secrete: given the value of PNG Kina at the moment, overseas visitors can shop and save). Paradise Cinema is located within its precincts- check out the cinema if you want to watch dull movies. 

5) Ela Beach Art and Craft Market - takes place either at the end or beginning of every month. A lively atmosphere, always buzzing with traditional items, PNG bilums, carvings, canvas paintings and all things PNG. You may see a traditional PNG 'singsing' performing at the market. 

5 Things To Do Outside Port Moresby, a Drive away

6) Loloata - day visit to Loloata Island Resort can be arranged easily from any hotel in POM. Spending a day or two is not a problem as there are plenty of activities you can do when on the island: snorkelling, diving, walking, kayaking, or just relaxing in the sun - recommended.

7) Kokoda - If you really want to feel the tropical heat and enjoy the flora and fauna. You've got to do this. Preparation is essential. Tour operators can be found here.

8) Pacific Adventist University Sunday Market - take a trip out to PAU, and enjoy the Sunday morning market and surroundings there. You can also visit the Safari Park while you are there (right at the entrance to PAU) or travel 10 minutes up to Crystal Rapids & to Bomana War Memorial. A complete package can be found on the PNG Trekking Adventures website.

9) Varirata National Park - You don't have to travel to other parts of PNG to see beautiful birds of paradise and enjoy the natural beauty of the place. A day trip to VNP is a better way to get out of the city. 

10) March Girls Resort - Located 3 - 4 hours out of the city, a nice place with a 'black sandy beach'., a good family getaway. Along Magi Highway, travelling past Loloata. There are roadside markets where you can get fresh 'kulau', watermelon, mango and anything on sale at a fraction of the price in POM. Take a picnic, sit on the beach, have an SP beer and enjoy the day.