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Port Moresby

Port Moresby, National Capital, Papua New Guinea

Adventure Awaits in Port Moresby: Papua New Guinea's Vibrant Capital Port Moresby, nestled between the Owen Stanley Ranges and the shimmering Coral Sea, is not your typical tropical getaway. It's a city of contrasts, whe…

#Capital City#Papua New Guinea#Tropical Climate#Coastal City#Cultural Diversity

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Port Moresby.

Top Hotels in Port Moresby

Top Flights to Port Moresby

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Port Moresby.

Tours

Parliament House

A uniquely designed building that serves as the seat of the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea.

National Museum and Art Gallery

Discover the rich history and culture of Papua New Guinea through art and artifacts.

Bomana War Cemetery

A peaceful and solemn site with the graves of soldiers who died in World War II.

Hanuabada Village

Visit the traditional stilt houses and learn about the lifestyle of the Motu people.

Shopping

Vision City Mega Mall

The largest shopping mall in Papua New Guinea, offering a variety of shops and entertainment options.

Papua New Guinean Craft Market

A vibrant market where local artisans sell traditional crafts and artworks.

Outdoor

Port Moresby Nature Park

A beautiful park showcasing the natural beauty and wildlife of Papua New Guinea.

Ela Beach

A popular beach for relaxing and enjoying water activities in Port Moresby.

Loloata Private Island Resort

A resort on a private island offering snorkeling, diving, and luxury accommodations.

Adventure Park PNG

An exciting adventure park offering various attractions including a mini zoo and water slides.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Port Moresby.

Currency

K | PGK | Papua New Guinean Kina

Population

700000.0

Languages

Tok Pisin, English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu

Average weather

Port Moresby

Jan

31°24°

Feb

31°24°

Mar

31°24°

Apr

31°24°

May

30°23°

Jun

29°22°

Jul

28°22°

Aug

28°22°

Sep

29°23°

Oct

30°23°

Nov

31°24°

Dec

31°24°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Port Moresby.

What people love

Traveling to Port Moresby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea, offers several pros and unique experiences:

Cultural Diversity: Port Moresby is a melting pot of cultures. The city offers insights into the rich and diverse cultures of Papua New Guinea. Visitors can experience traditional music, dance, and art at cultural institutions and festivals.
Historical Sites: The city has several historical landmarks and memorials. The Bomana War Cemetery is a well-maintained site honoring soldiers from World War II. The National Museum and Art Gallery provides an overview of the country's history and cultural heritage.
Natural Beauty: While the city itself is urbanized, it's a gateway to some of Papua New Guinea's stunning natural landscapes. Visitors can explore nearby natural attractions or use the city as a starting point for trips to the country's rainforests, mountains, and coastal areas.
Wildlife and Nature: Within the city, the Port Moresby Nature Park offers a chance to see native animals and plants. It's an excellent opportunity to learn about the unique biodiversity of Papua New Guinea.
Adventure Tourism: The city is a hub for adventure travelers looking to explore Papua New Guinea's rugged terrain. Activities such as scuba diving, trekking (including the famous Kokoda Track), and bird watching are popular.
Local Markets: The city's markets, such as the Boroko and Gordons Markets, provide a vibrant atmosphere where visitors can purchase local crafts, fresh produce, and seafood, offering a glimpse into everyday life in Port Moresby.
Developing Infrastructure: Over recent years, Port Moresby has seen improvements in infrastructure, including new hotels and restaurants, making it more accessible and comfortable for tourists.
Sports and Events: The city has hosted several international events and has good sports facilities. It was the site of the 2015 Pacific Games, and the infrastructure from these events supports ongoing sports tourism.

While traveling to Port Moresby can be an enriching experience, potential travelers should also be aware of the challenges such as security concerns and should take necessary precautions.

What to know

Traveling to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, does come with some potential cons:

Safety Concerns: Port Moresby has a reputation for high crime rates, including violent crime and theft. Travelers need to exercise caution, especially in certain areas of the city.
Limited Infrastructure: The city may not have the same level of infrastructure as more developed cities, leading to challenges with transportation, healthcare, and other essential services.
Health Risks: Papua New Guinea is known for diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, which can be a concern for travelers. It's important to take necessary precautions and consult a healthcare professional before traveling.
Limited Tourist Facilities: Port Moresby may not have the same range of tourist facilities and amenities as other popular travel destinations. Accommodation options, dining choices, and entertainment venues might be limited.
Language Barrier: While English is an official language in Papua New Guinea, there may still be communication challenges due to the diverse linguistic landscape in the country.
Cost of Travel: Traveling to Port Moresby can be expensive, especially when it comes to accommodation, food, and transportation. Budget-conscious travelers might find it challenging to explore the city without overspending.

It's important to research and plan your trip carefully if you decide to travel to Port Moresby to mitigate these potential cons.

Port Moresby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea, has a rich and varied history. Located on the southeastern coast of the island of New Guinea, it is the largest city in the country and serves as its administrative and economic center.

Early History: Port Moresby has been inhabited by the Motu-Koitabu people for centuries. They were known for their seafaring skills and established trade networks with neighboring islands, particularly through the Hiri trade, which involved long canoe voyages to exchange sago and clay pots for food and other goods.

Colonial Era: The first European to visit the area was British Captain John Moresby in 1873. He named the harbor after his father, Admiral Sir Fairfax Moresby. The area became significant due to its strategic location and natural harbor. In 1884, the southeastern part of New Guinea was declared a British Protectorate and later became British New Guinea. In 1906, it was transferred to Australian administration, becoming the Territory of Papua.

World War II: Port Moresby played a crucial role during World War II. Its strategic position made it a target for Japanese forces, but it remained under Allied control. The Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942 was a significant naval battle that prevented a Japanese invasion of Port Moresby. The Kokoda Track campaign was another critical conflict where Australian and Papuan forces repelled Japanese advances towards the city.

Post-War and Independence: After World War II, Port Moresby continued to grow, gradually becoming the administrative center of Papua New Guinea. The city experienced significant development in the lead-up to Papua New Guinea's independence from Australia in 1975.

Modern Era: Since independence, Port Moresby has faced challenges such as urbanization, economic inequality, and law and order issues. Despite these challenges, it remains the political and economic heart of Papua New Guinea.

Landmarks and Notable Places:

Parliament House: An iconic building that combines traditional design with modern architecture, serving as the seat of the National Parliament.
National Museum and Art Gallery: Offers insights into the cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea, showcasing artifacts and art from various indigenous groups.
Ela Beach: A popular recreational spot for locals and tourists, known for its scenic views and annual cultural events.
Port Moresby Nature Park: A sanctuary for native wildlife and a place for conservation education.
Bomana War Cemetery: The largest war cemetery in the Pacific, commemorating those who died in World War II.

Significant Figures:

Sir Michael Somare: Often referred to as the "Father of the Nation," he was Papua New Guinea's first Prime Minister and played a significant role in leading the country to independence.
Sir Julius Chan: Another prominent political figure who served as Prime Minister and has been influential in the country's development.

Port Moresby continues to evolve, balancing its rich cultural heritage with modernization and development.