MORE PORT MORESBY ATTRACTIONS
(Bomona) War Cemetery
This war cemetery is the biggest in the South Pacific. Beautifully kept, it contains 3824 graves of PNG and Australian soldiers who died in the Papua and Bougainville campaigns against the Japanese in World War 2, as well as unidentified UK soldiers who died in captivity in Singapore. It is 19 kilometres north of Port Moresby on the road to Nine Mile. Allow 2–3 hours.
Sogeri Plateau/Kokoda Track
The drive from the city to the heights of the Sogeri Plateau and onwards to the start of the Kokoda Track is one of the best day trips out of Port Moresby. The climb up the range is spectacular in parts. This is a guided tour and can be combined with a visit to the war cemetery. Contact Niugini Holidays, phone (675) 323 5245;
see nghols.com. Poolside at Port Moresby’s Airways Hotel … one of the best drinking spots in the South Pacific.
Markets
Some Port Moresby markets are not tourist friendly, but others are attractive and safe if you keep an eye on your possessions. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to find a local guide to show you around if you want a more relaxing experience. Malaoro market, on Gavamani Road near the General Hospital, is good for fresh fruit and vegetables as well as seafood, and the Koki seafood market at the eastern end of Ela Beach is a great experience. There is also a good craft market at Ela Beach on the last Saturday morning of the month. Ask your hotel for advice.
PNG National Museum and Art Gallery
This museum, next to Parliament Haus on Independence Drive, Waigani, is a must-see if you want to learn something quickly about PNG’s history and cultural heritage. There are five galleries that contain tens of thousands of artefacts and national treasures. Read more about the museum on page 72.
Relaxing
Loloata Island Resort, a 25-minute road and boat journey from Jacksons International Airport, has long been popular with locals and visiting scuba divers. The atmosphere is laidback, the service and facilities 2–3 star. The beachfront units have ensuites and meals are included. Airport transfers and hotel pickups and drop-offs, as well as day trips, can be arranged. Phone (675) 325 8590;
see loloata.com.
Shopping
The new Waigani Central shopping complex and the Vision City Mega Mall, a smart shopping centre also in Waigani, are examples of the kind of development that has been transforming Port Moresby in the past few years. The Mega Mall is worth a visit even if you’re just window shopping, and there are some good restaurants, including Japanese and Chinese, as well as a cinema complex. For genuine artefacts, try PNG Art in Spring Garden Road, Waigani.
Eating
Duffy Cafe is among the new breed of Port Moresby eateries, the creation of a couple local lads who have combined the cafe with clothes shop. Port Moresby is addicted to Asian food and there are some good restaurants that supply it. Try Seoul House, next to the 5-Mile service station, as well as at Vision City Mega Mall. The Japanese restaurant Daikoku is popular. Lunch in the Lamana Hotel’s chic restaurant is a worthwhile option, and pizzas at the Ela Beach Hotel are a hit.
Drinking
The poolside bar and restaurant at the Airways Hotel, overlooking the airport, is one of the best drinking spots in the South Pacific, both for the view and the ambience. The Royal Papua Yacht Club, on Champion Parade near the CBD, has become an institution and is a favourite spot for expatriates. Right on the marina, it is perfect for a sundowner and it serves wholesome meals. You will have to get a member to sign you in.
McGeorge says the park’s guiding philosophy of education, recreation and conservation aims not just to benefit tourism, but also to promote environmental awareness and the protection of PNG’s unique wildlife. The park delivered education programs to more than 13,000 children in 2014.
“Most of the threat to the wildlife of PNG comes from overhunting and habitat destruction,’’ she says. “We want people to know that animals should be cared for.’’
If the support from corporate sponsors and the wider community is anything to go by, the message is getting across. The park had 115,000 visitors last year and can barely keep pace with the number of private and other functions now being held there (400 a year). Major corporates, including ExxonMobil (“They have been a really amazing partner,’’ says McGeorge), BSP bank, Pacific MMI Insurance and others, as well as a hands-on sister zoo relationship with Zoos Victoria, have pushed the vision along.
More is in store, and the term “under new management” has never seemed to be more appropriate.