EATING, DRINKING, SOCIALISING IN LAE

Bunga Raya Restaurant: A local favourite, serving Malaysian-style Chinese. Located next door to the Lae Golf Club. Make sure to try the stuffed lettuce cups, laksa and claypot tofu. Tel. +675 472 7177

Chigi’s Cafe:

A delightful place inside the temporary Brian Bell store near the Lae main markets. Serves good coffee, milkshakes, sandwiches, cakes and salads. Tel. +675 7217 1966.

Golden Aviat:

A good option for Chinese, located on Huon Road in Eriku. Open for lunch and dinner and yum cha on Sundays. Tel. +675 472 0486.

Huon Club:

A private members’ club, offering air-conditioned facilities, comfortable lounge chairs, an expansive deck overlooking the Lae Golf Club, a fully stocked bar and Foxtel connection to preview all the racing and sporting events. Tel. +675 7347 1058.

Lae International Hotel: Home to three restaurants – Luluai’s Italian Pizza, Vanda, and Kokomo, which all serve an array of international and Western cuisine, including Indian and seafood buffets. The Sportsman’s Bar (aka Jack’s Bar) is also a good place for a nightcap, or two. See laeinterhotel.com. Tel. +675 472 7000.

Lae Golf Club:

Whether it’s after a challenging round of golf or just an excuse to catch up with friends, the club is excellent for a few sundowners as you overlook the stunning green. Tel. +675 472 1363.

Lae Yacht Club:

The perfect place for late-afternoon beers, or just as nice for a relaxing lunch. Serves pub-style food including burgers, steaks and pizza, which goes down a treat with the surrounding views of the Huon Gulf. See laeyachtclub.com. Tel. +675 472 4091.

Mountain View Restaurant: One of Lae’s newest restaurants is at the Crossroads Hotel at Nine Mile. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, make sure to try the Japanese fusion menu – it’s the only place in town where you can get good sushi. See hornibrook.com.pg/crossroads/. Tel. +675 475 1124.

HOTELS

Crossroads Hotel:

A 45-room facility at 9 Mile. The hotel has a Japanese-themed teppanyaki restaurant with Asian/ Western fusion menus, full bar service, a well-equipped gym, WiFi and complimentary transport transfers both to Lae City and Nadzab Airport. See hornibrook.com.pg/ crossroads/. Tel. +675 475 1124.

Lae City Hotel:

One of the newest hotels in town, offering a 24-hour concierge service. Located in the main Top Town area, it also has an excellent cafe and restaurant with western and Asian cuisine. See laecityhotel. com. Tel: +675 472 0138.

Lae International:

The city’s premier hotel has newly renovated rooms, full bar service, conference and banquet halls, a gym and pool. See laeinterhotel.com. Tel: +675 472 2000.

Lae Travellers Inn:

An affordable option, offering clean and comfortable rooms. Just a few minutes from the centre of town, the inn also has conference facilities and a small restaurant serving western and Indian cuisine. Tel. +675 479 0411.

Melanesian Hotel:

An iconic property located in the heart of Lae. The city centre is easily accessible and the hotel has nice rooms with harbour views. A gift store and hairdresser is available on site, as well as a contemporary restaurant offering everything from pizza and steak to Asian and roast buffets. See coralseahotels.com.pg. Tel. +675 472 3744.

For general information about Lae, see lcci.org.pg and rainylae.com.