Things to Do in Portmoresby

About Portmoresby

Where the Owen Stanley Range meets the Coral Sea, Papua New Guinea's capital pulses with a raw energy found nowhere else on Earth. Port Moresby stands as a gateway between ancient Melanesian traditions and modern Pacific urban life, offering travelers an unfiltered glimpse into one of the world's most culturally diverse nations. This is a city that challenges perceptions and rewards the curious with experiences that exist far beyond the well-trodden tourist trails.

Travel Tips

• Cash and Currency: Always carry enough Papua New Guinea Kina in cash, as many establishments outside major hotels don't accept cards, and ATMs can be unreliable or run out of money, especially on weekends.

• Transport Safety: Avoid walking around the city or using public PMVs (Public Motor Vehicles); instead, arrange airport transfers in advance and use hotel taxis or reputable taxi services like Yellow Cabs, especially after dark.

• Chewing Betel Nut: Be aware that the red stains on pavements are from betel nut (buai), a stimulant widely chewed locally, and spitting it in public is common practice—though visitors should avoid purchasing from street vendors for safety reasons.

• Shopping and Markets: Visit Ela Beach Craft Market on weekends for authentic Sepik carvings, bilums (traditional string bags), and local handicrafts, but keep valuables secure and go during daylight hours with a guide or organized group.

When to Visit

Port Moresby experiences a tropical savanna climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season from May to October (averaging 24-28°C with lower humidity around 70%) and the wet season from November to April (temperatures of 26-32°C with oppressive 85%+ humidity and frequent afternoon downpours). The optimal time to visit is June through September, when rainfall drops to 40-80mm monthly, skies are clearer for exploring attractions like the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway, and the PNG National Mask and Warwu Festival in July showcases vibrant tribal performances, though accommodation prices increase 20-30% during this peak period. Budget travelers should consider May or October as shoulder months offering reasonable weather (occasional showers but manageable) with significantly lower hotel rates and fewer tourists at the Port Moresby Nature Park. Avoid December through February when monsoon rains (200-250mm monthly) can flood streets, disrupt domestic flights to highland regions, and make the city's already challenging infrastructure nearly impassable, though this period does coincide with Independence Day celebrations on September 16th if you time the tail end of dry season perfectly. Weather-sensitive visitors should specifically note that November and April are transition months with unpredictable conditions—one day sunny, the next bringing torrential storms—making itinerary planning frustrating despite moderate pricing.