Papua New Guinea has more than 600 islands and just under 9 million people live in this beautiful land, one of the least explored countries in the world!
PNG has over 800 spoken languages and dialects and more than 600 different tribes dotted across the country.
Port Moresby is the capital city and is located on the southern coast of the main island in Jacksons Harbour. Other main cities include Lae, Madang, Rabaul, Mt Hagen, Goroka just to name a few…
PNG has countless unique species of flora & fauna and is full of spectacular scenery and unique wildlife such as the Bird of Paradise, Cuscus, Cassowary, and many species of Tree Kangaroos.
PNG people are extremely friendly, welcoming and have beautiful smiles.
Q. What seasons does Port Moresby have?
A. There are only 2 main seasons which are Wet Season (December to April) and Dry Season (May to November). However with climate change, and rising temperatures the Dry Season is extending and the Wet Season is decreasing…
Wet season is very hot and humid in Port Moresby.
Daytime temperatures regularly range over 30℃. Make sure to keep yourself hydrated and comfortable with Air-conditioning!
Dry season is a comparatively nice temperature which is about 25-28℃ and there is often a nice ocean breeze from Eda Beach or Jacksons Harbour．
Q. When is the best Season to go to PNG?
A. This will depend on your purpose.
If you’d like to go SCUBA Diving it is better to come to PNG during the dry season for optimal visibility and clear waters!
If you are a surfer the best season to catch the waves would be around January to March.
PNG’s Independence Day is held every year on the 16th of September, September is a great season to attend festivals such as the annual Goroka Show held in Goroka, and the Hiri-Moale Festival in Port Moresby – if you’d like to go to see the traditional tribes dressed up in their traditional costumes and sing-sing.
Q. What kind of clothes are good for life in Port Moresby?
A. If you plan to do outside activities we recommend to bring sunglasses, hat, long sleeves and trousers.
Because the sun is very strong don’t forget to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 50+ to minimize risk of sunburn! During the wet season you will need to protect yourself from mosquitoes with a heavy-duty Tropical Strength mosquito repellent containing DEET (or an organic alternative)
Dress Codes are not so strict except for some restaurants and clubs that require a collared shirt in clubrooms and no flip-flops or hats inside. There are also many formal events and fundraising activities held during the year which will allow you to dress-up!
Business formal is usually trousers with long sleeve or short sleeves, ties are not necessary.
Q. What kind of currency is used in Port Moresby?
A. PNG’s national currency is the Kina (notes) in denominations of K2, K5, K10, K20, K50 & K100 and Toea (coins) in denominations of 5t, 10t, 20t, 50t, and K1.
Credit Cards and Debit Cards are accepted at nearly every restaurant, hotel or supermarket.
If you attend local craft markets, it is recommended to carry cash broken up in smaller denominations.
Q. Is tipping at restaurants compulsory?
A. Tipping is not compulsory or part of the business culture, however if you feel you have received exceptional service, then slipping a few Kina to your waiter/waitress would be appreciated for sure!
Some cafes will have a small tips jar at the counter for you to place any small change you don’t want which is then distributed to all staff on a regular basis.
Q. What kind of religions are practiced in PNG?
A. Christianity with the major faiths such as Catholic, Presbyterian, Anglican, Latter Day Saints, Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, and there are other faiths too such as Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu.
Q. Is it possible to drink water straight out of the tap in Port Moresby ?
Port Moresby’s water supply is supplied by Eda Ranu water company.
It is mostly stable during the year, but be aware that due to less rainfall as a result of climate change, that Eda Ranu has started implementing rationing schedules where they will shutoff water supply in stages across Port Moresby to ration the water consumption!
This information is usually gazetted in the local newspapers The National and Post Courier.
Tap water is mostly drinkable and is quite safe at most hotels and local apartments in Port Moresby, or at your house.
However if you consider the water quality in any country, for extra peace-of-mind it would be better to drink filtered water, boil your water, or purchase bottled water.
If hiking you can purchase water treatment tablets to purify the water from contaminants.
Q. Are Mosquitoes dangerous in Port Moresby?
Malaria is the most common concern for travellers especially in rural or remote locations!
It won’t be so dangerous inside of hotels and facilities however when going outside such as to parks or on bush-walks, it would be better to use mosquito spray or cover your skin with long sleeves and long trousers.
Always be extra vigilant of mosquitoes at dusk, and especially during the wet season, try and eliminate any small pools of stagnant water at your house to prevent mosquito breeding spots!