Madang

Madang's wharf is in the town centre. Because cruise calls here are uncommon, large crowds often gather to watch ships arrive.

There are no visitor facilities on the pier, although several vendors sell their often unusual goods nearby. Madang Resort and Kalibobo Village Resort are only 500 m from the wharf.

Carry the printable map ashore.

Colourful Madang has been described as the "prettiest town in the South Pacific". Its peninsula setting combines showcase parks, waterways, lush shade trees and gleaming tropical islands. Despite its size, the town offers modern amenities such as hotels, department stores, markets and artefact shops. Today it can appear somewhat faded, with litter and poorly maintained roads.

Madang's people fall into four distinct communities: islanders, coastal people, river people and mountain people. They look broadly alike apart from the smaller Simbai mountain tribesmen living in the foothills.

World-famous coral reefs and excellent visibility make the region suitable for diving throughout the year. Many easily reached dive locations include land-based sites, plentiful reef and pelagic fish, dramatic drop-offs, shells and both soft and hard corals.

Wreck divers will discover sunken aircraft and ships scattered around the district. Most Madang hotels can arrange diving instruction.

Game fishing is a favourite activity. Coastal currents around Madang bring sailfish, kingfish, tuna, mackerel, barracuda, marlin, yellow fin and wahoo to within 100 metres of shore, offering excellent sport. Conditions are particularly good in the waters surrounding Karkar and Bagabag Islands.

Offshore from Bogia, two volcanic islands have cones climbing 1,800 metres above sea level and create a striking sight. The South East Coast road towards Balek Wildlife Sanctuary leads to unusual fish-filled sulphurous caves, jungle paths and hot springs.

Each year Madang stages the Mabarosa Festival, a colourful celebration featuring dancing, sing sings and bamboo bands.

Papua New Guinea presents unusual travel conditions. Its tropical environment, formidable geography and limited government capacity leave the country with very few paved roads. Apart from a brief stretch connecting the immediate hinterland, no major road links Port Moresby with another city. On the north coast, a precarious highway theoretically connects Madang and Wewak.

Cruise lines usually advise passengers to take organised shore excursions, often using vehicles that are not particularly comfortable.

Arrange a trip to the nearby villages of Bilbil and Yabob to watch traditional clay pots being produced, or see Madang harbour on a morning cruise. South Coast road reaches Balek Wildlife Sanctuary, known for fish-filled sulphurous caves, jungle walks and hot springs. The Sanctuary also provided a filming location for scenes in the Pierce Brosnan film "Robinson Crusoe".

Local markets offer artefacts, shell jewellery, carvings and pottery. The roughly 4 principal streets consist largely of supermarkets or big stores, where residents of the outlying islands come to shop before carrying their purchases home.

The currency is the kina (PGK).

Official languages are English, Tok Pisin and Hiri Motu.

Madang Resort has an internet café charging one kina per minute. This striking hotel is frequently included in shore excursions. The gated grounds often host excursion pageants with music, dancing and dozens of performers in traditional clothing.