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Capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea
Photo: MSchlauch, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Port Moresby (Tok Pisin: Pot Mosbi) is the capital of Papua New Guinea. It is the gateway to PNG, and almost all visitors to the country pass through the city. While it has a daunting reputation due to high crime rates and is considered one of the least livable cities anywhere, almost all of the locals are welcoming and there are some interesting sights.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
formerly National Capital Botanical Gardens
A must for the visitor. Has some amazing examples of PNG wildlife such as birds of paradise, a couple of casowaris, and several other native birds. If you are lucky you might catch a wedding while you are there as some locals like to conduct the ceremony in the gardens. On the same road is the National Orchid Garden which is also well worth a look – it is planned to encompass a zoological garden in the future.
PNG's national museum has a relatively small but fascinating collection which includes wonderful sculptures, beads, traditional boats and cultural objects. The exhibits are well displayed and housed in an architecturally interesting building. Photography is not permitted inside the museum but there are newer objects outside, along with some remains from World War II in varying states of decay, including planes and tanks.
A beautifully maintained cemetery, home to 3,824 Commonwealth burials from World War II. It is the resting place of many Australian soldiers from the Kokoda Trail, plus some of the Papuan Battalion in the last two rows. A nurse in the third to last row is the only woman in the cemetery.
Parliament Haus is one of the most impressive buildings in Port Moresby, built in the style of a Maprik Haus Tambaran (house of spirits from East Sepik Province). Dating from 1984, it is usually open to visitors.
Perhaps not so much to see, but this is where the ambassadorial residences are located and is also where many of the well-to-do expats and locals live. There is a nice view from the top of the hill overlooking the centre of the city and the ocean.
Numerous crocodiles, some very large, as well as birds and other animals.
A nice golf course located right across from the government buildings. The prices are quite acceptable for visitors. Be careful: crocodiles inhabit the water holes of the golf course. The main building has a nice restaurant where one can have lunch and have a few SP beers (South Pacific beers) after a round of golf.
Run by the Ela Murray International School and held on the last Saturday of each month, this market brings together local artifacts from all over Papua New Guinea. An easy way to get some beautiful carvings, handwoven baskets, or any of a number of other things to bring home as souvenirs.
Atama Beach, Taurama Road.
This takes place on the weekend of PNG's Independence Day in mid-September. The centrepiece is a race of up to 100 traditional Lakatoi canoes, recalling the sea voyages undertaken by the Motuan people from the Port Moresby area who exchanged sago and clay pots with the people of neighbouring Gulf Province. The departure of the canoes from Port Moresby's Ela Beach is really spectacular. The festival is the city's main cultural show with traditional performances, as well as the canoes.
Chinese Restaurant serving great food. Is popular with the local expatriate community.
It offers great Japanese cuisine cooked directly at your table (teppanyaki). Don't forget to try the "Puk Puk" which is Tok Pisin for crocodile.
Serves good Australian cuisine with some Papua New Guinean touches. Has à la carte menu and a buffet that varies according to the day of the week. An invitation from a member might be required to enter.
Has a wonderful Mediterranean restaurant which is probably the most expensive on the island. But if you feel like splurging this is definitely the place to go, it'll still be a good bargain.
Has a nice little lunch restaurant which serves à la carte or a buffet during lunch hours.
Decent Korean food.
Assortment of Asian style cuisine. Try the Nasi Lemak chicken.
A nice place for a quick lunch buffet with friendly staff and a happening casino at night. The food is good and the only place where you get Indian food.
Premiere South Indian restaurant in Port Moresby.
Another highly regarded Indian restaurant.
The hotel restaurant is well-appointed and has an extensive menu, especially grills and seafood. Also great for breakfast.
Top burger place in town.
First ramen joint in PNG
Rooftop complex in the upmarket Airways Hotel. Buffets, a la carte, and sandwiches from KC Deli, all overlooking the airport.
A complex in the Gateway Hotel, overlooking the airport. Their best thing is crispy-base pizzas.
PNG's premiere cafe, making great use of the local beans and also serving good food. Main location is in Harbour Side but there are other branches, including in the international terminal departure lounge.
Has both hotel rooms and apartments for long-stay guests. Has a nice pool with a view down the hill to the airport, and a great breakfast buffet. PNG's only delicatessen and an Indonesian spa are also located on the premises.
Amenities include a nice pool, an international class restaurant, a fitness centre, and a business lounge.
Somewhat cheaper airport alternative to the Airways Hotel.
A hotel that describes itself as the first "deluxe hotel" to open in Port Moresby. Rooms are expensive but modern and clean. Contains a spa and beauty salon as well as a gymnasium and sauna.
Located a bit off from the centre this hotel has very nice rooms, some sports facilities, and a great pizza restaurant (with live music at times).
A counterpart to the Holiday Inn: cheaper but maybe better due to newer rooms. Free breakfast.
Renovated rooms overlook Ela Beach - perhaps the best of the Coral Sea chain's hotels.
This large upmarket hotel is directly connected to the Vision City Mall.
Little lorries to get you to and from the island, rooms over the water, rattan-type chairs around the pool.
Biggest mall in Port Moresby, with a large supermarket, range of restaurants, and many other shops and services, and a cinema. Be careful of aggressive customers. Plenty of taxis available but best to call a known driver if you have one.
Collection of businesses, restaurants and a supermarket
Small but clean and upmarket shopping centre with an excellent Foodworld supermarket.
By plane
Airfares from Australia can be quite cheap. From other countries fares are fairly expensive and it may be cheaper to fly to Brisbane or Cairns and fly to Port Moresby from there.
By PMV
The locals rely on mini-buses (known as Public Motor Vehicles) that service all parts of the city. Whilst cheap, some drivers do not mind over-loading their vans.
By car
Car rental agencies are available close to Jacksons International airport but driving in Port Moresby might not be what most people are used to.
By taxi
There are numerous taxis (some 'teksis' too) around Moresby and calling one from your hotel will bring one promptly.
Through your hotel
The easiest and safest way to get around is by organising transport through your hotel.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Port Moresby · International · POM
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