Book Your Hotel in Port Moresby with Booking.com PNG

Booking.com is a reliable and convenient platform for booking hotels in Port Moresby, including other major centres in Papua New Guinea. It offers a wide range of accommodations, competitive pricing, and a user-friendly platform. With Booking.com PNG page, you can easily find the perfect hotel for your trip to Port Moresby or any other destination in PNG.

Why Book with Booking.com PNG?

Booking.com PNG offers a number of advantages for travelers, including:

• Wide selection: With over 100 of Papua New Guinea hotels to choose from, Booking.com PNG page offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences.

• Competitive pricing: It guarantees the best prices on hotels, so you can save money on your stay.

• User-friendly platform : The website and mobile app are easy to use, making it simple to find and book the perfect hotel for your trip.

• Secure booking (Reliable and available 24/7): It uses the latest security technologies to protect your personal and financial information.

How to Book a Hotel on Booking.com PNG

Booking a hotel on Booking.com PNG is a straightforward process:

• 1. Visit the Booking.com PNG page or mobile app.

• 2. Enter your destination and travel dates.

• 3. Filter your search results by price, star rating, amenities, and more.

• 4. Read guest reviews to get insights into the quality and services of each hotel.

• 5. Once you've found the perfect hotel, click "Book Now" to complete your reservation.

Popular Hotels in Papua New Guinea

Here are a few of the most popular hotels in Papua New Guinea, available to book on Booking.com PNG:

Gateway Hotel (Port Moresby): This 4-star hotel offers a resort-style swimming pool, multiple restaurants, and bars.

Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby (Port Moresby): This hotel offers free breakfast and airport transfers.

Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residences (Port Moresby): This 5-star hotel offers a mix of lifestyle and heritage, with stunning views of the city.

Ela Beach Hotel (Port Moresby): This 4-star hotel overlooks Ela Beach and features a restaurant, bar, and two swimming pools.

The Stanley Hotel & Suites (Port Moresby): This 5-star hotel is connected to Vision City Mega Mall and offers direct access to various amenities.

Final words

Booking.com PNG page reliable site for booking hotels in Papua New Guinea. It has a wide range of accommodations, competitive pricing, and a user-friendly platform. 

Finally, the platform is available 24/6 which makes it easy to find the perfect hotel for your trip to Port Moresby and other major centres in the country.

Surfing Papua New Guinea Destinations

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a vast and remote country with a coastline of over 20,000km, but it is also home to some of the world's best surfing spots. 

PNG is still relatively undeveloped for tourism, but this is part of its appeal for surfers looking for uncrowded waves and pristine beaches. The best time to surf in PNG is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. But the surf and warmer temterature is pretty much the same all year around.

Surfing spots in Papua New Guinea

PNG has a wide variety of surfing spots, from beginner-friendly breaks to challenging reefs. Some of the most popular surfing spots in PNG include:

• Kavieng: A world-renowned surf spot with long, right-hand waves.

• Vanimo: A popular spot for both beginner and experienced surfers, with a variety of breaks to choose from.

• Madang: A laid-back surf spot with consistent waves and a friendly atmosphere.

• Alotau: A remote surf spot with world-class waves and stunning scenery.

• Tufi: A popular dive spot and surfing destination.

Check out the best surf site in Kavieng. (We stayed at Rubio Plantation Retreat and visited this Surfers' Paradise)

Getting to Papua New Guinea

There are no direct flights from Australia to PNG, so you will need to fly into Port Moresby and then connect to a domestic flight to your chosen surf spot.

Advice for first-time travelers: One of the best things you can do as a first-time traveler is to establish contact with a seasoned traveler or a local contact before your trip. This can provide you with invaluable insights into the destination, including recommendations for safe and affordable accommodation, restaurants, transportation, and activities. 

Additionally, a local contact can help you avoid cultural faux pas and ensure that you have a more enjoyable and stress-free experience.

Things to do in Papua New Guinea

In addition to surfing, there are a number of other things to do in PNG, including:

• Visiting traditional villages
• Hiking in the rainforest
• Snorkelling and diving
• Fishing
• Learning the local language

Local tips for surfing Papua New Guinea

• PNG is a very diverse country, so it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions.

• It is also important to be aware of the risks associated with surfing in remote areas, such as sharks and crocodiles.

• Domestic travels can be expensive, if you have a club pass for accommodation or travel discounts, use it.

Conclusion

PNG is a great surfing destination for Australian surfers looking for uncrowded waves and pristine beaches. There are a variety of surf spots to choose from, suitable for all levels of experience. 

PNG is still relatively undeveloped for tourism, so it is important to be prepared for a bit of adventure. With its stunning scenery and friendly people, PNG is a great place to experience both surfing and Papua New Guinean culture.

PNG Public Holidays 2024: Celebrating Festivals, Cultural Shows, and Traditional Activities

Papua New Guinea is a country that is rich in culture and traditions. It is a land of diverse ethnic groups, each with its unique customs, beliefs, and practices. Papua New Guineans celebrate various public holidays throughout the year, which offer a glimpse into their rich cultural heritage. 

In this article, we will explore the top 10 festivals, cultural shows, and traditional activities that take place during public holidays in PNG.

Check out the Gazetted Public Holiday PDF file here and download it!

 

Independence Day (September 16)

Independence Day is the most significant public holiday in Papua New Guinea. It marks the country's independence from Australia in 1975. 

The day is celebrated with parades, cultural performances, and feasts. The main celebration takes place in the capital city of Port Moresby, where thousands of people gather to watch the colourful parade.

New Year's Day (January 1)

New Year's Day is a global celebration, and Papua New Guinea is no exception. The day is marked with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings. 

Many people attend church services to thank God for the blessings of the past year and pray for the year ahead.

Easter

Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

In Papua New Guinea, it is celebrated with religious services, parades, and feasts. 

Many people also participate in traditional activities such as egg rolling and egg decorating.

Christmas (December 25)

Christmas is a significant public holiday in Papua New Guinea. 

Although the country is predominantly Christian, the celebration of Christmas is a fusion of Christian and traditional customs. 

Many people attend church services on Christmas Day, followed by family gatherings and feasts.

Hiri Moale Festival (September)

The Hiri Moale Festival is a cultural celebration that takes place in the Motu-Koitabu area of Papua New Guinea. 

The festival commemorates the traditional trading voyage of the Motu-Koitabu people, who sailed hundreds of kilometres to trade goods with neighbouring villages. 

It is marked by cultural performances, feasts, and the reenactment of the traditional trading voyage.

Ten young women are vying to be Queen, but this is about culture, not beauty. Get a glimpse into Port Moresby's annual Hiri Moale festival. This story was such a joy to shoot, all the contestants were so impressive. #PNG pic.twitter.com/YXIdZMngXc

— Natalie Whiting (@Nat_Whiting) May 2, 2022

Goroka Show (September)

The Goroka Show is a cultural extravaganza that takes place in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. 

The show brings together more than 100 different ethnic groups, each with its unique costumes, music, and dances. 

The Goroka Show is one of the largest cultural festivals in the country, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Mt. Hagen Show (August)

The Mt. Hagen Show is another cultural festival that takes place in the Western Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. The show is a celebration of the culture and traditions of the people of the highlands. 

It is marked with cultural performances, traditional dances, and the famous "singsing" competitions.

Kenu and Kundu Festival (November)

The Kenu and Kundu Festival is a cultural celebration that takes place in Alotau, the capital of Milne Bay Province. 

The festival is named after the traditional canoes (Kenu) and drums (Kundu) that are used in the celebrations. It is marked with cultural performances, traditional dances, and the reenactment of traditional canoe races.

Mask Festival (July)

The Mask Festival is a cultural celebration that takes place in the East New Britain Province of Papua New Guinea. 

The festival is a showcase of the region's unique mask-making traditions, marked with cultural performances, traditional dances, and the display of the region's unique masks.

Sepik River Crocodile Festival (August)

The Sepik River Crocodile Festival is a cultural celebration that takes place in the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea. 

The festival is a showcase of the region's unique crocodile cult, which is a central aspect of the Sepik River culture. 

It is marked with traditional dances, crocodile hunting demonstrations, and the display of traditional artefacts.

PNG Public Holidays 2024: Success Stories

The public holidays in Papua New Guinea are not just a time for celebration and enjoyment, but also a platform for economic growth and cultural exchange. Many of the festivals and cultural shows attract visitors from all over the world, providing opportunities for local businesses to thrive.

One success story is the Goroka Show, which has become a major tourist attraction in Papua New Guinea. According to the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, the Goroka Show has generated over PGK 1.5 million (USD 435,000) in revenue for the local economy. The show has also created employment opportunities for local artisans, who make traditional costumes and artefacts for the festival.

Another success story is the Hiri Moale Festival, which has become a platform for cultural exchange between Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island nations. The festival has attracted delegations from countries such as Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, who come to witness the traditional trading voyage reenactment and showcase their own cultural performances.

The Kenu and Kundu Festival has also contributed to the economic growth of the Milne Bay Province. According to the Milne Bay Tourism Bureau, the festival has generated over PGK 500,000 (USD 145,000) in revenue for the local economy. The festival has also provided opportunities for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, such as traditional arts and crafts, food, and accommodation.

PNG Public Holidays 2024 Dates

Public holidays in Papua New Guinea are not just a time for rest and relaxation but also a time for celebrating the country's rich cultural heritage. 

The top 10 festivals, cultural shows, and traditional activities highlighted in this article offer a glimpse into the diversity of Papua New Guinea's ethnic groups and their unique customs and traditions.

These festivals and cultural shows not only provide opportunities for locals to showcase their talents and skills but also contribute to the economic growth of the country. They attract visitors from all over the world, who come to witness the cultural diversity of Papua New Guinea and contribute to the local economy.

Whether it's the colourful parades of Independence Day, the traditional trading voyage of the Hiri Moale Festival, or the unique mask-making traditions of the Mask Festival, public holidays in Papua New Guinea are a time for celebration, cultural exchange, and economic growth.

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.

Our websites are PNG INSIGHT website (https://pnginsight.com), Maths resource website ( https://pnginsight.com/MathsExamResources ) and this blog (https://www.pnginsightblog.com/)

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If you are a good writer and loves to tell stories, please check out our paid article section and write for us! at PNG Writers Corner https://pnginsight.com/contact-png-insight/make-money-online-write-for-us/. You can also submit interesting videos to us.

Subscribe to PNG Insight for interesting videos and short videos about the country, its people and nature.

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.

Nature Park Forced Closure Land Issue

The Nature Park in Port Moresby is closed for business indefinitely. The park was affected in a dispute over the land.

Pic: Twitter/@ConfigGuyPOM

Why Nature Park Closure

It is known that the University of Papua New Guinea owns the land on which the park is situated. However, the National Capital District Commission, Lands Department and University of Papua New Guinea are in a debacle over the land forcing the Nature Park to close indefinitely.

The long time residents of Port Moresby would recall how rundown the facilities and grounds were before a new park management came in 2014/2015. It was a wasteland of broken boardwalks, rubbish and dead plants.

Understandably, the park and its owner must pay any money  it owed to UPNG. But does it have to end up with a court battle? Sadly, not!

There are probably other intervention or mediation measures the landlord can take to not disturb the operations of the park.

The Nature Park, in a statement, said

'The recent announcement of the indefinite closure of the Port Moresby Nature Park is a result of a land acquisition matter before the courts between the Department of Lands, the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) and University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG).'  Official Statement 12/11/2019

Have all avenues being exhausted before  the landlord went to court?

I am sure UPNG, in its wisdom, can seek re-address through the city hall or talk directly to the park management to amicably resolve this issue.

Perhaps the first thing in this debacle is allowing public access to the park. In an ideal world, the disgruntled parties would not see it fit to hold the public to ransom for some uncollected debt.

Also, the Nature Park and its owner must pay any money it owes to UPNG as per the Contract Agreements, if any.

It is, in fact, sad to see a recreational area so used and so enjoyed by the general public (and at this busy time) has closed.

So, in the best interest of the users of this beautiful and well-managed park in the city, please resolve this matter immediately.

Let us, the public, use the park and its recreational grounds as we approach the Christmas holidays and festive periods.

Follow the conversation on Twitter. Let us know what you think.

Here is the Public Statement released by the Nature Park management on their Facebook page on the 12th November 2019.

                  

   ---------------STATEMENT----------------

Port Moresby Nature Park recently celebrated its obtainment of International Wildlife Welfare-Accreditation from the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australasia, the first Pacific Island facility to have passed what is considered globally as the most scientific and rigorous assessment of animal management for zoos and wildlife facilities.  This comes after 7 years of tremendous transformational change with over K7million in public-private partnership funding being spent in the redevelopment of the Park.  As a charitable organisation, the Park has and continues to rely heavily on the commitment of NCDC, the generosity of sponsors and donors, and visitation by the community.   

It was NCDC’s vision to establish the Charitable Trust, overseen by an independent board that would become PNG’s leading recreational space inspiring through education the guardianship of PNG’s unique natural environment.

When one visits the Nature Park it is evident of the staffs commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.  The Nature Park is now the highest visited attraction in Papua New Guinea with over 140,000 visitors, including over 24,000 school students that attend the Park’s educational schools-excursion programs.  In fact, next year the Park will reach it’s 1 millionth visitor through the Park.  Further to this, the Park is a shiny example of the tourism potential of Papua New Guinea and regularly plays a tourism role for key International Events such as APEC and is visited by almost 1 in 5 international visitors to this country.

Over the last 4 years, the Park has taken seriously its role in wildlife conservation and research through its dedication to wildlife conservation and research supporting CEPA, our universities, PHD students and conservations organisations.  This has included the rescue and rehabilitation of hundreds of injured, orphaned and abandoned wildlife, research into pig-nosed turtles growth rates and the release of turtles back into the wild, and breeding programs for endangered and little-known PNG animal species.   The Nature Park has provided many, many opportunities for undergraduate and further education students to gain valuable on-the-job training and skills.

Not only has the Papua New Guinean community taken notice of the Park successes, but so too the Park has shone on the Global stage receiving a number of prestigious awards including a 2016 Award for Innovation and in 2018 an Education Award, both by the Zoo & Aquarium Association of Australasia. The Nature Park was also inducted into the Zoos Victoria Hall of Fame Awards for its commitment to partnership development in 2017 and in 2019 the Park became the first attraction in PNG to receive a Hall of Fame award by TripAdvisor for 5 years of continuous Certificates of Excellence from TripAdvisor. 

Port Moresby Nature Park has quickly become a shining example of what can be achieved through public and private partnership and what a small, charitable organisation can achieve with the right strategic planning, leadership, NCDC, Government and business support, and when combined with a motivated and passionate workforce dedicated to the service of the community.  The Park has always dared to dream big for the benefit of the community and biodiversity.

The recent announcement of the indefinite closure of the Port Moresby Nature Park is a result of a land acquisition matter before the courts between the Department of Lands, the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) and University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG).

NCDC has managed and funded the site since 1993 (formerly as the Botanical Gardens and now Port Moresby Nature Park) investing tens of millions of Kina in this time to ensure that throughout the space has remained opened for the public.

The Port Moresby Nature Park remains committed to NCDC and its goal of securing recreational spaces and activities that improves the lives of its citizens.  Recreational spaces are an important extension of community and when they work well, they serve as sacred spaces to stage our public lives.  Additionally, the Nature Park serves as a facility for education, tourism, research and conservation, all vital activities worth securing for future generations to come.

The management of the Port Moresby Nature Park would like to take the opportunity to thank the general public for its outpouring of support towards our organisation.  Please stand firm in the knowledge that the Nature Park is committed to the community and to conservation and with the support of NCDC will continue to ensuring that the Park remains PNG’s leading recreational space dedicated through education to the guardianship of PNG’s unique natural environment.

We look forward to opening our doors once more and will advise the community in due course.

Ends.

Public Holidays in PNG 2024 (UPDATED)

The public holidays in PNG dates for 2024 were published in the National Gazette. Below are the dates compiled from the Gazette and Education Calendar.

Check out the 2024 Gazetted Public Holiday PDF file here and download it!

Public holiday dates in PNG

Here is a comprehensive list of the public holidays in Papua New Guinea for 2024:

1. New Year's Day - 1st January, 2024 (Monday)
2. New Year Holiday - 2nd January, 2024 (Tuesday)
3. Remembrance Day of the Late First Prime Minister - 26th February 2024 (Monday)
4. Good Friday - 29th March, 2024 (Friday)
5. Easter Saturday - 28th March, 2024 (Saturday)
6. Easter Sunday - 31st March, 2024 (Sunday)
7. Easter Monday - 1st March 2024 (Wednesday)
8. King's Birthday - 17th June, 2024 (Monday)
9. National Remembrance Day - 23rd July 2024 (Tuesday)
10. National Repentance Day - 26th August 2024 (Monday)
11. Independence Day Holiday - 16th September, 2024 (Monday)
12. Christmas Day - 25th December, 2024 (Wednesday)
13. Boxing Day - 26th December, 2024 (Thursday)

PNG Holidays Dates and Important Events

The King's Birthday

King's Birthday is a public holiday celebrated on the second of June every year in the Commonwealth group of countries, including PNG.

The King has two birthdays - the first is in November, as he was born on 14 November 1948. Then a second one - an official celebration - falls on the second Saturday of June called Trooping the Colour, which has marked the official birthday of the British monarch for over 260 years.

Papua New Guinea National Remembrance Day

National Remembrance Day is observed on the 23rd of July in PNG. It is a memorial day observed to honour PNG soldiers and police officers who lost their lives during the wars and other engagements within Papua New Guinea and abroad.

The Repentance day

This non-working public holiday is observed on the 26th of August every year. It is a religious day to show repentance to God, it is a symbolic day for PNG as a Christian country.

The Independence Holiday

The Independence Holiday is a non-working public holiday observed on the 16th of September, the date when PNG gained its political independence.

It is a non-working public holiday. If it falls on the weekend, you'll get a 3-day long weekend.

Universal Public Holidays

PNG also observes other public holidays like the Easter Holidays and Christmas Holidays.

Plan your 2024 using the public holiday dates

If you are planning a weekend getaway or spending the long weekends somewhere, check the suggestions here. There are lots of places to visit outside of Port Moresby. 

Check out the Port Moresby Day Trips here for tips and inspiration.

Hula Camping Trip/Motuan Coast/ PNG Insight Photo

Port Moresby day trips

If you are a POM resident or local just wanting a day trip away from the house and screens, here are 3 suggestions to help you.

• 1. Port Moresby Parks and Recreation Areas: Varirata National Conservation Park, Nature Park and Adventure Park, Pacific Adventist University Sunday morning market.
• 2. Travel along the Motuan Coasts: Sunset Lodge, March Girls Resort, Loloata Island Resort, Tutu Beach Retreat.
• 3. Weekend away to Sogeri Plateau: Koitachi Country Club, Kokoda Trail Memorial, Kokoda Lodge, Crystal Rapids Falls.

Those wanting to have a restful day in POM can relax and have fun at the following places.

• 1. Stanley Hotel Poolside
• 2. Hilton Hotel and Accommodation 
• 3. Downtown Harbourside Restaurants and Cafe 
• 4. Vision City Cinema 
• 5. The New Ela Beach

Kids' things to do in POM

• 1. Lamana 10 Pins Lanes Bowling
• 2. Play Station Kids Indoor Play Area
• 3. Nature Park Holiday Fun and Activities
• 4. Adventure Park Fishing Competition 
• 5. Port Moresby Yacht Club Kids Playground

There are lots of things you can do around Port Moresby to keep the whole family occupied over the 2024 holidays and long weekends.

6 Must-See Travels out of Port Moresby

Rabaul Volcano /PNG Insight photo

Easter would be a good time to travel out to explore the beauty of PNG. The 6 *must* visit destinations in PNG:

• 1. Rabaul - swim with dolphins and visit the volcanoes.
• 2. Hagen - travel along the Baiyer and Kitip roads, and visit the local/traditional singings.
• 3. Kavieng - travel along the Kavieng-Namatanai Highway and visit the Eel Lady.
• 4. Goroka - Visit the Asaro Mudmen.
• 5. Alotau - travel to the pristine islands and snorkel.
• 6. Tufi/Oro - Tufi is a diver's paradise described by influential diver's magazines as the 'best' diving destination in the South Pacific. Or, relax by the beach and enjoy canoeing and fjord getaways. :)

PNG INSIGHT PHOTO/TUFI BEACH

Well, these are a few things that come to mind. There are even more for the inquisitive explorers. Have fun!

Let us know if there are any places around POM or places that you think we should add to the list. 

Join PNG INSIGHT on TWITTER.

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.

Varirata National Park: Port Moresby's Best Kept Secret - Must See

The park is less than an hour’s drive from Port Moresby, Varirata National Park covers 1,063 hectares inhabited by all the main iconic species of Papua New Guinea.

I visited several fun places both within and outside Port Moresby but my recent visit stood out - Varirata National Park. To be honest I did not think the visit was going to be fun. It, however, turned out to be an enjoyable trip. 

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

Varirata National Park is at an elevation between 600 and 900 metres. The park is rich with a variety of ecosystems and landscapes and plants and animals.

The Park offers four tracks to explore its untamed nature, discover its unique plants and observe its extraordinary wildlife.

 New buildings are erected to serve as the Information Centre 

As I mentioned earlier, the park is a must-visit as is the best way to get away from Port Moresby. There are five important things that make Varirata  National Park special.

1. The road condition can be described as excellent. From the turn-off to the look-out and all around the park was sealed and in superb condition. Grasses are trimmed neat and tidy. 

2. The BBQ areas and huts are well kept and in very good condition.

3. Cheap to visit - residents pay only K2.00 per head and external visitors pay K5.00 per head. The caretakers of the park will be happy to show you around.

4. Beautiful view of the surrounding places from the look-out; looking out to Loloata, Port Moreby, Jacksons Airport and the nearby mountain ranges. 

5. Nature Walk and Fresh Air - nothing beats the fresh air from the forest. There are lots of animals and plants to see and adore.

View towards Port Moresby from Main Lookout  (accessed by car) others are walking distances away

Bush Walking 

Varirata National Park is a fantastic place for bushwalking. A great variety of vegetation from woodland to rainforest, beautiful butterflies, huge ferns, wild orchids, fresh air and lookouts with its spectacular views of Bootless Bay.

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 around the walks through the forest. You can ask for guides or assistance at the main entrance.

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. 

Bird Watching 

Varirata National Conservation Park is famous among birdwatchers for its birds of paradise, accessible by road. Here are some species of birds you can see at the park:

• Raggiana bird of paradise, 
• cassowaries, 
• hornbills, 
• kingfishers, 
• cuscus,
• forest wallabies, 
• echidna, 
• bandicoots, 
• possums,
• green pythons...

Infomation about Varirata National Park 

The Varirata National Park recently opened its new Information Centre at Sogeri outside of Port Moresby. The modern information centre will enhance visitors experience of the nature park. 

The park is already popular with schools excursions, bird watching, weekend outings for city residents and nature tours. PNGTPA is a partner in the development of the Variarata National Park through setting up signboards and working with JICA to develop bird watching attractions in the nature park.

Contact PNGTPA for Varirata Visits

• Media Coordinator/ TPA Board Secretary : Colin Taimbari
• For further information, contact the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority’s on Phone: +675 320 0211 or email: info@papuanewguinea.travel

Here are earlier posts about the things to do when in Port Moresby:

• Nature Park
• Adventure Park
• NEW Loloata Island Resort (re-opened 2019)

There are also other places out of Port Moresby for the more adventurous spirits like the Koitaki Country Club, March Girls Resort and Sunset Lodge, including Varirata National Park

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. 

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