Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

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Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Region: National Capital District

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Geographic Coordinates: -9.478900, 147.149000

Climate: Tropical climate with high temperatures and rainfall throughout the year.

Population: 700000

Language: English

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Port Moresby is the capital city of Papua New Guinea, Located on the southern coast of the country’s mainland. It is an urban center that serves as the economic and administrative hub of Papua New Guinea. The city has a population of over 400, 000 people and is known for its diverse cultural heritage, Stunning natural beauty, And vibrant nightlife. One notable landmark in Port Moresby is its harbor, Which serves as one of the busiest ports in Oceania. The harbor offers breathtaking views of nearby islands and attracts many tourists who come to explore its scenic surroundings.

Another popular attraction in Port Moresby is Parliament House – a modern building that houses both chambers of parliament. The National Museum and Art Gallery is another must-visit attraction in Port Moresby. This museum showcases an impressive collection of traditional artifacts, Contemporary art pieces, Photographs, Paintings and sculptures from all over Papua New Guinea. Visitors can learn about local customs through exhibitions on tribal cultures including music performances.

For nature lovers looking to experience some outdoor adventure activities such as hiking or kayaking then they should head out to Varirata National Park which provides stunning views over Bootless Bay or even venture further out to Kokoda Trail which provides visitors with an opportunity to walk along one of World War II’s most infamous battlefields. Port Moresby also has a thriving food scene with plenty restaurants offering delicious cuisine from around the world including Chinese food at Dynasty Restaurant or Italian dishes at Daikoku Restaurant among many others.

However it should be noted that like any other big cities there are areas within Port Moresby where safety concerns exist so it’s best for visitors to take precautions such as staying within well-lit areas especially at night time or hiring trusted guides when exploring off-the-beaten-path locations. Port Moresby may not be your typical tourist destination but it offers plenty for those seeking adventure alongside history and culture. From its stunning natural beauty to its vibrant nightlife, The city has something for everyone.

It is a melting pot of cultures and traditions that is worth exploring for any traveler looking for an authentic experience in Papua New Guinea.

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1. Parliament House
2. National Museum and Art Gallery
3. Port Moresby Nature Park
4. Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway
5. Adventure Park PNG
6. Bomana War Cemetery
7. Varirata National Park
8. Ela Beach
9. University of Papua New Guinea Botanic Gardens
10. Paga Hill Estate Cultural Centre and Museum

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Major Industries and Businesses in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

1. Mining
• Crucial industry in Papua New Guinea
• Port Moresby serves as a hub for the sector
• Several international companies operate in the region
2. Oil and Gas
• Significant reserves in Papua New Guinea
• Several international companies operate in the region
3. Agriculture
• Important industry around Port Moresby
• Fertile lands support coffee, cocoa, palm oil, and rubber production
4. Tourism
• Thriving industry due to natural beauty and cultural attractions
• Museums and art galleries attract visitors
5. Construction
• Ongoing development projects such as infrastructure upgrades and new commercial buildings
• Many opportunities for construction companies in Port Moresby
6. Retail and Wholesale Trade
• Retail outlets ranging from small shops to large shopping malls
• Sell everything from local handicrafts to international brands
7. Finance and Banking
• Many banks have their headquarters or regional offices in Port Moresby
• Important financial center for PNG
8. Education
• Well-catered for with many schools offering primary education up through university level
• Available for both local students and expats living in PNG

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1. World War II: Port Moresby was a key battleground during World War II, with Japanese forces attempting to capture the city in 1942. The Battle of the Coral Sea, fought nearby, was a turning point in the war.
2. Sir Hubert Murray: Sir Hubert Murray was an Australian administrator who served as Lieutenant-Governor of Papua from 1908-1940. He is credited with modernizing and developing Port Moresby during his tenure.
3. Independence: Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia in 1975, with Port Moresby becoming its capital city.
4. APEC Summit: In 2018, Port Moresby hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit which brought together leaders from around the world to discuss economic cooperation and development.
5. Michael Somare: Michael Somare was a prominent politician and statesman who played a key role in Papua New Guinea’s independence movement and served as its first Prime Minister.
6. National Parliament House: The National Parliament House is located in Port Moresby and serves as the seat of government for Papua New Guinea.
7. Pacific Games: The Pacific Games were held in Port Moresby in 2015 bringing together athletes from across Oceania to compete in various sports events.
8. Jacksons International Airport: Jacksons International Airport is located near Port Moresby and serves as one of the main gateways into Papua New Guinea for international travelers.
9. University of Papua New Guinea: The University of Papua New Guinea is located in Port Moresby and is one of the country’s leading institutions for higher education.
10. PNG Rugby League Team – Kumuls: The national rugby league team Kumuls represents PNG at international level matches since late 70s. They have been a prominent team in Rugby League World Cup and Pacific Cup matches.

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1. National Museum and Art Gallery showcases the diverse cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea.
2. Parliament House is a modern building with unique architecture that houses the country’s parliament.
3. Bomana War Cemetery is a memorial to soldiers who died during World War II in Papua New Guinea.
4. Varirata National Park is a nature reserve with stunning views of Port Moresby and its surrounding areas.
5. Adventure Park PNG is an amusement park with activities such as zip-lining, water slides, and animal encounters.
6. Port Moresby Nature Park is a zoological park featuring native animals and plants of Papua New Guinea.
7. Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway is a tribute to Australian soldiers who fought in the Kokoda Campaign during World War II.
8. Ela Beach Craft Market is a market where you can buy souvenirs like wood carvings, jewelry, and woven baskets.
9. Loloata Island Resort is located on an island near Port Moresby that offers snorkeling, diving, kayaking, fishing trips.
10. Taurama Aquatic Centre- A public swimming pool complex that hosted events during the 2015 Pacific Games.

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1. The Port Moresby Vipers is a rugby league team that was established in 2017, and they have won the premiership twice in the PNG National Rugby League competition.
2. Hekari United FC is a football club that has won six consecutive National Soccer League titles from 2007 to 2012 since its founding in 2006.
3. The Paga Panthers is a rugby league team formed in 1988 and has won several domestic titles, including the PNGNRL premiership.
4. University Inter FC is a football club founded by students of the University of Papua New Guinea in 1969 and has won four National Soccer League championships among other domestic titles.
5. Defence Force SC is another football club based in Port Moresby, established as an army team back in 1970, winning three National Soccer League championships so far.
6. The City Pharmacy Ltd (CPL) PNG Hunters are a rugby league team representing Papua New Guinea since their inception into the Queensland Cup competition back in 2014.
7. The Pacific MMI Orchids Women’s Rugby League Team represents Papua New Guinea on an international level for women’s rugby league competitions such as World Cups and Pacific Games tournaments.

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1. Hiri Moale Festival – This festival celebrates the ancient trade voyages of the Motu-Koitabu people and takes place in September.
2. Independence Day – Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia on September 16, 1975, and this day is celebrated annually with parades and cultural performances.
3. National Mask Festival – This festival showcases traditional masks from various regions of Papua New Guinea and takes place in July.
4. Pacific Games – Every four years, athletes from across the Pacific region gather to compete in various sporting events, including athletics, swimming, and weightlifting.
5. World War II Anniversary Commemorations – Port Moresby played a significant role in World War II as a key battleground between Allied forces and Japanese troops. Anniversaries of significant battles are commemorated annually.
6. Christmas Celebrations – As a predominantly Christian country, Christmas is a major holiday celebrated with carol services, church events, and festive gatherings.
7. National Agricultural Show – Held annually in August or September, this event showcases agricultural products from across Papua New Guinea through exhibitions and competitions.
8. Port Moresby International Food Festival – This event celebrates diversity by featuring food stalls that offer dishes from around the world alongside live music performances.

Note: Due to COVID-19 pandemic situations some events might get canceled or postponed so it’s better to check before planning any visit there.

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• Mumu: A traditional dish made by slow-cooking meat and vegetables in an underground pit.
• Kokoda: A dish made from raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut cream.
• Sago: A starchy substance extracted from the sago palm tree, often used as a staple food.
• Laplap: A dish made with grated taro or yam mixed with coconut cream and wrapped in banana leaves before being cooked over hot stones.
• Pawa Meri: Grilled prawns served with spicy tomato sauce.

Some popular restaurants serving local cuisine in Port Moresby include:

• Duffy Cafe & Restaurant
• The Naked Fish Company
• Daikoku Japanese Restaurant
• Royal Papua Yacht Club
• Lamana Hotel’s Italian Restaurant

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Parks and Recreation

1. Port Moresby Nature Park is a favorite destination for families, offering an array of native flora and fauna to explore.
2. Ela Beach, located in the heart of Port Moresby, is a stunning sandy beach that visitors can enjoy for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
3. Adventure Park PNG is an outdoor adventure park that provides exciting activities such as zip-lining and paintballing.
4. National Botanical Gardens is a peaceful oasis in the city showcasing diverse flora and fauna from Papua New Guinea.
5. Koki Fish Market is a lively market where visitors can purchase fresh seafood or sample local dishes at one of the many food stalls available.
6. Loloata Island Resort, situated off the coast of Port Moresby, offers various water-based activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving.
7. Paga Hill Estate Cultural Centre & Museum serves as an educational center displaying Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural heritage through exhibitions and workshops.
8. Sir Hubert Murray Stadium hosts various sporting events including rugby league matches and soccer games; it’s also the largest stadium in Papua New Guinea.
9. Taurama Aquatic Centre features modern facilities such as an Olympic-sized swimming pool along with smaller pools for children to enjoy.
10. University of Papua New Guinea Botanic Gardens is another botanical garden located on UPNG campus showcasing native plants from all over Papua New Guinea with great diversity!

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Adventure Awaits!

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