Port Moresby

Port Moresby Town2 Mschlauch - The port and downtown of Port Moresby

Port Moresby (Tok Pisin phrasebook|Tok Pisin: Pot Mosbi) is the capital of Papua New Guinea. It is the gateway to PNG, and almost all visitors to the nation pass through the city. While it has a daunting reputation due to high crime rates, almost all of the local residents are welcoming and there are some interesting sights.

Port Moresby Halal Travel Guide

Port Moresby is the capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea (PNG). The city is on the shores of the Gulf of Papua. Its population is around 300,000 and growing quickly. The indigenous people of the area are the Motu-Koitabu. Moresby, as it is commonly known, got its name from Captain John Moresby who arrived in 1873 as the first European visitor.

The city is quite spread out. The original colonial settlement was by the sea and this is still the port area, as well as the main business and banking neighborhood. On the hills above are upmarket residences. Closer to the airport, separated from the original town by hills, is Waigani, a 1970s development built to house the Government offices of the newly Independent (September 16, 1975) country of Papua New Guinea. Nearby are the housing areas of Boroko and Gordons, which also contain most of the large stores.

Travel to Port Moresby

Port Moresby is the main point of entry into Papua New Guinea for air-traffic and most of the boat-traffic.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Port Moresby

• Jackson International Airport IATA Flight Code: POM commonly called Port Moresby Airport - -9.443333, 147.22 kilometers 8 outside Port Moresby - Jacksons International Airport Port Moresby Intl Airport 2008 - Jacksons International Airport is PNG's main international airport, and virtually all visitors to PNG will pass through it. Its IATA code of POM is often used as an abbreviation for the city as a whole.

• Air Niugini flies to and from Cairns, Sydney, and Brisbane, Australia; Honiara, Solomon Islands; Manila, Philippines; Tokyo (Tokyo Narita Airport|Narita), Japan; Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.
• Virgin Australia connects Port Moresby to Brisbane
• QantasLink flies to and from Cairns daily.

Airfares from Australia can be quite cheap, especially if you book online and seek one of the special fares. From other countries fares are fairly expensive and it may be cheaper to fly to Cairns and pick up a flight to Port Moresby from there.

The airport has been modernized recently and immigration and customs are relatively smooth (as long as you have the correct visa), especially as the staff are extremely friendly; however, delays are common when multiple flights arrive at once. There is an ATM next to the baggage carousel and another one in the main hall, along with a money changer, phone shops, and a café. If you are transferring to a domestic flight you might have to rush as you have to exit the international terminal and then turn to the right and walk 300m to the domestic terminal. If you are flying Air Niugini domestically, you can check in at their transfer desk next to the other check-in desks in the international terminal and then walk over to the domestic terminal.

All major hotels will provide airport transfers - make sure they know your arrival time and whether you will be at the international or domestic terminal.

How to get around in Port Moresby

-9.456035|147.182380 For a tourist and the attractions in Moresby can be spread out. There is little 'attraction' in the CBD and walking around will not get you very far. It is nice to walk along Ela Beach and around market areas but otherwise you will be reliant on motorised transport. There is the odd push-bike around the place - though finding one for hire may be a challenge.

By PMV

The local residents 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. All PMVs have their route number and destination printed on - it is easy to ask local residents where the buses go and they'll be happy to help and warn you.

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. In some areas of POM the local residents throw stones at the car, usually just for amusement but in some cases they manage to crack your windshield. There are cases of people standing in the middle of a stretch of road they have mended and demanding compensation from people driving by, and as soon as you get outside of the city the roads deteriorate to muddy trails that only a 4x4 with an experienced driver should attempt. If you want to see the sights near Moresby such as Crystal Rapids near Sogeri or the start of the Kokoda, a 4x4 is highly recommended.

Best way to travel in Port Moresby by a Taxi

There are numerous taxis (some 'teksis' too) around Moresby and calling one from your hotel will bring one promptly. You can try your luck hailing one but if you want to feel safe arrange a friend or your hotel to call a reliable driver - there is a genuine risk of robbery that can be avoided if the hotel knows exactly who you went with. When you get a good driver, take their phone number down for future trips. Taxis often have meters but they are rarely used, so agree on a price as you get in. Short trips might cost K10-20, trips from Waigani to Ela Beach might be K40-50 and to the airport anything from K50-100. Taxis might be willing to wait for you at shops and can agree on an hourly rate. Hiri Moale Festival - A traditional claw-sailed canoe at the Hiri Moale Festival

What to see in Port Moresby

• Port Moresby Nature Park (formerly National Capital Botanical Gardens - 9.405448, 147.165605 - 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 local residents 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.

• Touaguba Hill 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 local residents live. There is a nice view from the top of the hill overlooking the centre of the city and the ocean.

• Moitaka Wildlife Sanctuary | Sir Hubert Murray Highway - Numerous crocodiles, some very large, as well as birds and other animals.

• Hiri Moale Festival. 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 South-western provinces (Papua New Guinea) | 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.

• Port Moresby Golf Club - 9.423569, 147.191697 - 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 obtain lunch and have a few SP soft drinks (South Pacific soft drinks) after a round of golf.

• Ela Beach Craft Market - 9.481124, 147.151751 - 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.

• Papua New Guinea National Museum & Art Gallery - Independence Drive, Waigani -9.425888, 147.190063 Next to the National Parliament House ☎ +675 325 2458 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-3pm, Sunday 1-3PM Free - PNG's national museum has a relatively small, but very interesting, collection which includes traditional boats and cultural objects. Photography is not permitted inside the museum.

• Bomana War Cemetery 9 Mile -9.396050, 147.252476 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 4PM Free - Ahe 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 last row is the only woman in the cemetery.

Best things to do in Port Moresby

Scuba Diving A number of reefs and wrecks are within close proximity to Port Moresby and diving can be arranged through day vessels or on nearby Loloata Island (which has its own dive shop). There are a variety of sites and depths for all experience levels.

Halal Restaurants in Port Moresby

Groceries

There are basically four stores to buy groceries if you are a foreigner in Port Moresby: Andersons Foodland, now called SVS Harbour City, Stop and Shop in Hohola, and Boroko Foodworld in Boroko and Gordons. Andersons is located right next to the Royal Papua Yacht club and usually suffices. Otherwise there is Foodworld which is larger and located over the hill in Boroko. An even larger and newer Boroko Foodworld is further east in Gordons. Port Moresby's shopping mall is Vision City in Waigani. There is a large hypermarket called RH selling anything from household furniture to baked beans. Their supply is abundant and the quality is good and prices are competitive. What one should bear in mind though is that everything imported might not always be there. Often if you see something you like you have to buy a lot of it because there is no telling when the next shipment is coming. This doesn't apply to basic foodstuffs but rather to things that might not be in high demand such as herring. RH has basically closed this gap.

{{buy Vision City Mega Mall GPS -9.438428,147.181038. Biggest mall in Port Moresby, with a large supermarket, range of Halal restaurants, and many other shops and services, and a cinema. Be careful of aggressive clients. Plenty of taxis available but best to call a known driver if you have one.

{{buy Waterfront Shopping Mall - Champion Parade GPS -9.467880,147.153272. Small but clean and upmarket shopping centre with an excellent Foodworld supermarket.

Restaurants

• Asia Aromas - ☎ +675 321 4780 Chinese Restaurant serving great food located inside the Steamships Plaza on Champion Parade in the downtown area is popular with the local expatriate community.

• Daikoku Located inside the Andersons Foodland area, 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.
• Royal Papua Yacht Club 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.
• Crowne Plaza 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.
• Port Moresby Golf Club Has a nice little lunch restaurant which serves à la carte or a buffet during lunch hours.
• Jepello's Great Italian food, and keyboardist who plays pop tunes. Off Waigani Drive, across the street from Big Rooster.
• Seoul House Decent Korean food. Next to 5-Mile service station.
• Fu Gui Assortment of Asian style cuisine. Try the Nasi Lemak Chicken. In Gordon's, down the road form RH and Brian Bell.

• Lamana Hotel - 25k A nice place for a quick lunch buffet and an happening casino at night.Food is good and the only place where you get Indian food.Place to visit certainly with all its friendly staff.

• Tasty Bite Hunter Street -9.477921, 147.151520 - K30-60 - Premiere South Indian restaurant in Port Moresby.

• Tandoor On The Harbour Harbour Side complex -9.476946, 147.148796 - Another highly regarded Indian restaurant.

• Beachside Brasserie Ela Beach Road -9.479448, 147.154848 in the Ela Beach Hotel - K30-100 - Ahe hotel restaurant is well-appointed and has an extensive menu, especially grills and seafood. Also great for breakfast.

• Buffalo Burgers Waigani Road -9.443364, 147.182701 in the Mity Meat Haus - K20 - Aop Burgers place in town.

• Hosi Ramen Vision City Mega Mall -9.437242, 147.182505 - K20-30 - First ramen joint in PNG?

• Poolside at Airways - 9.450902, 147.216837 - Rooftop complex in the upmarket Airways Hotel. Buffets, a la carte, and sandwiches from KC Deli, all overlooking the airport.

• Jacksons Bar and Restaurant Gateway Hotel -9.447618, 147.214266 - New complex in the Gateway Hotel, overlooking the airport. Their best thing is crispy-base pizzas.

The drink of choice in Port Moresby as in the rest of Papua New Guinea is South Pacific lager: "SP Cola". However, once that cultural experience is done, you will probably prefer to move on to the more refined 'SP Export' lager, or 'Niugini Ice' soft drinks. To buy alcohol you have to go to one of the characteristic yellow and green coloured shops that are usually integrated into the supermarkets. You don't want to go to the ones that aren't. They have a relatively limited selection of fruit cocktails, mostly Australian or New Zealand brands. The prices are higher than you would expect because of the taxation of drinks. The local residents tend to get quite rowdy when they drink (as everywhere else) so it's best to avoid anyone that seems to be under the influence. Typically most expats drink at hotel bars or sports club bars, which have a more relaxed atmosphere.

• Duffy Cafe - Harbour Side complex -9.477183, 147.148898 - 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.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Port Moresby

Port Moresby - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Port Moresby, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Port Moresby. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Port Moresby and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Port Moresby. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Port Moresby. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inPort Moresby: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Port Moresby.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Port Moresby: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Port Moresby, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Port Moresby.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Port Moresby, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Port Moresby, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Port Moresby and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Port Moresby, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Port Moresby, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Port Moresby without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Port Moresby is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Port Moresby.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Port Moresby is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Port Moresby, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Port Moresby Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Hotels are generally quite expensive in Port Moresby, and the quality of accommodation can be disappointing. Research hotel options before you book to check current standards and arrangements for airport transfers. Due to the security situation it's likely that you won't leave your hotel after dark, so choose one with good dining and recreation options.

• Airways Hotel - Jacksons Parade -9.450322, 147.216780 Located close to the airport ☎ +675 324 5200 +675 324 5300 - K550-K800 Has both hotel rooms and apartments for long-stay guests. Has a nice swimmingpool 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.

• The Crowne Plaza - -9.478467, 147.151614 In the centre of the business neighborhood of Port Moresby and close to Tugubaga Hill. ☎ +675 309 3000 +675 309 3333 Check-in: 1PM / Check-out: 11AM Amenities include a nice pool, an international class restaurant, a fitness centre, and a business lounge

• Gateway Hotel - Jackson Parade -9.447019, 147.213763 close to the airport - PGK500+ - Somewhat cheaper airport alternative to the Airways Hotel.

• Grand Papua Hotel - Mary Street, Port Moresby 121 National Capital District In the centre of Port Moresby ☎ +675 304 0000 +675 304 1000 - 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 & Beauty Salon as well as a gymnasium and sauna.

• Holiday Inn - @ -9.446047, 147.181727 Waigani Road & Wards Road ☎ +675 303 2000 +675 325 0837 - 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).

• Holiday Inn Express Waigani Road & Wards Road -9.445273, 147.182408 next to Holiday Inn - K520 - New counterpart to the Holiday Inn - cheaper but maybe better due to newer rooms. Free breakfast.

• Ela Beach Hotel - Ela Beach Road -9.479161, 147.154660 - K550+ - Renovated rooms overlook Ela Beach - perhaps the best of the Coral Sea chain's hotels.

• The Stanley Hotel & Suites - Sir John Guise Drive, Waigani, Port Moresby -9.437821, 147.182530 ☎ +675 3028888 - Ahis large new upmarket hotel is directly connected to the Vision City Mall

• Loloata Island Resort - ☎ +675 325 8590 +675 325 8933 Doubles: $225

Stay Safe

Port Moresby is well known for its crime. Carjackings, muggings and worse are common. Women are particularly at risk. Foreign Muslims are sometimes specifically targeted.

There is a great deal of concern about the level of crime and civil disorder and about the ability and willingness of the police to cope. Police officers have been found to be complicit in major crime. Police brutality against minor offenders, complainants and witnesses has been the subject of criticism from the international group Human Rights Watch.

It is feasible to minimise the chances of becoming a victim of crime by being aware of your surroundings, avoiding places where large groups are gathered and avoiding places where offences are prevalent. The Waigani area, particularly the area around the traffic lights and the Port Moresby Golf Club, has experienced numerous carjackings. The Morata neighborhood is well known by local residents for its riots during the weekends. It's best to not walk between locations in Port Moresby, or travel at night.

Still and the local people are mainly friendly and peaceful. The main risks are from idle young people, mostly having fun and struggling for money. But traditionally, a wrong or bad or negative behaviour often has the other side of the mirror, which is known as "pay back", also called in some cases compensation, but always wild and violent.

It is always wise to seek the advice of a person familiar with Port Moresby before venturing into unknown areas.

Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are still common throughout all of Papua New Guinea. However, you are extremely unlikely to run into one.

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Embassies & Consulates

A listing of the embassies and consulates in Port Moresby is available on embassypages.com. These include:

• Australia - Godwit Road, Waigani NCD ☎ +675 325 9333 +675 325 9183 Opening Hours: Consular services: 8AM - 4:30PM, Monday to Friday except for public holidays| price=

China - Section 216, Lot 5, Sir John Guise Drive, Waigani, NCD ☎ +675 325 0935 and +675 325 9903 (office), +675 7686 2675 (consular hotline) +675 325 8247 and +675 325 4191 Opening Hours: 8:30AM - 12PM, 2:30PM - 5PM, Monday to Friday| price=

• France - 6th Floor, Defens Haus, Corner Champion Parade & Hunter Street ☎ +675 321 5550 (office), +675 7103 9885 (emergencies) Indonesia - Sir John Giuse Drive Lot 1&2, Section 410, Kiroki Street, Gordons 5, NCD ☎ +675 325-3116, +675 325-3544, +675 325-3435 +675 325-0535* Japan - 1st and 2nd Floor, Cuthbertson House, Cuthbertson Street ☎ +675 321 1800 (switchboard), +675 7695 7766 or +675 7685 2319 (consular emergency numbers) +675 321 4868 Opening Hours: Consular services: 8AM - 12PM, 1PM - 4PM, Monday to Friday

{{flag|New Zealand

• New Zealand - NZHCPMY@ S351 L2 Magani Crescent, Waigani ☎ +675 325 9444 +675 325 0565 Opening Hours: Consular services: 8AM - 2PM, Monday to Friday| price=

{{flag|Taiwan

• Taiwan - Level 8, Deloitte Tower, Douglas Street
• United Kingdom - Sec 411 Lot 1 & 2, Kiroki Street, Waigani NCD ☎ +675 325 1677 +675 325 3547 Opening Hours: Consular services: 9AM - 12PM, Monday to Friday

United States - Douglas Street ☎ +675 321 1455 | Opening Hours: 7:45AM - 4:30PM, Monday to Friday except for public holidays

• Republic of the Philippines Lot 1, Section 440 Islander Village, Hohola ☎ +675 325 6414 +675 323 1803 Opening Hours: 8:00AM - 5:00PM, Monday to Friday except for public holidays

Travel Next

With relatively few attractions, Moresby is usually just a stopping off point for tourists heading to other parts of PNG. The whole country could be listed under Go next. For major locations see Papua New Guinea. Possible day trips from Port Moresby include:

• Sogeri Plateau. Fifty kilometers from Port Moresby and, at 800m, an escape from the heat. Sogeri marks the end of the Kokoda Track|Kokoda Trail, which was the route through the jungle taken by Japanese soldiers in 1942 in an attempt to capture Port Moresby. You may encounter some attacks by young people hiding in the park. The main opportunity is to visit this very pleasant place by groups of at least 20 persons.
• Yule Island. A small island just off the coast of Central Province, a two-hour drive west of Port Moresby. This was one of the first areas of PNG to have European contact. Catholic missionaries settled in 1885. They were joined by Filipino catechists and, as a result and the people of the area often have distinct Filipino features. It is a popular spot for a relaxing getaway and for good seafood.

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