Lae: The Gateway to Papua New Guinea's Natural Wonders

• HelloGutpela dei
  [goo-te-peh-lah dei]
• GoodbyeGudbai
  [good-bye]
• YesYes
  [yes]
• NoNogat
  [no-gaht]
• Please/You're welcomePlis
  [plees]
• Thank youTenk yu
  [tenk yoo]
• Excuse me/SorrySori
  [soh-ree]
• How are you?Yu stap gut?
  [yoo stap goot]
• Fine. And you?Gut tru. Yu stap gut?
  [goot troo. yoo stap goot]
• Do you speak English?Yu save toktok long English?
  [yoo sah-veh tohk-tohk long English]
• I don't understandMi nogat save
  [mee no-gaht sah-veh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi laik lukim menu, plis
  [mee like loo-keem menu, plees]
• I don't eat meatMi nogat kaikai kaukau
  [mee no-gaht kai-kai kow-kow]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi laik pai, plis
  [mee like pie, plees]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Go away!
  [go away]
• Call the Police!Kolim Polis!
  [koh-leem poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Kolim dokta!
  [koh-leem dohk-tah]
• I'm lostMi lusim rot
  [mee loo-seem roht]
• I'm illMi sik
  [mee seek]

• I'd like to buy...Mi laik baim...
  [mee like bah-eem]
• I'm just lookingMi tasol lukluk
  [mee tah-sohl look-look]
• How much is it?Em i stap long moni?
  [em ee stap long moh-nee]
• That's too expensiveEm i moa olsem moni
  [em ee moh-ah ol-sehm moh-nee]
• Can you lower the price?Yu inap lusim pris?
  [yoo ee-nahp loo-seem prees]

• What time is it?Hausait taim nau?
  [how-sigh-t tah-eem now]
• It's one o'clockEm i wan taim
  [em ee wahn tah-eem]
• Half past (10)Hausen pasten ten
  [how-sen pah-sten ten]
• MorningMonin
  [moh-neen]
• AfternoonApinun
  [ah-pee-noon]
• EveningEvenin
  [eh-veh-neen]
• YesterdayIstap long orait
  [ees-tahp long oh-right]
• TodayTudei
  [too-day]
• TomorrowTomoro
  [toh-moh-roh]
• 1Wan
  [wahn]
• 2Tu
  [too]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Fo
  [foh]
• 5Faiv
  [fah-eev]
• 6Sikis
  [see-kees]
• 7Seven
  [seh-vehn]
• 8Eit
  [ayt]
• 9Nain
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Em i stap we?
  [em ee stap weh]
• What's the address?Was istap long adras?
  [wahs ee-stahp long ad-drahs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yu inap soim mi long map?
  [yoo ee-nahp soym mee long map]
• When's the next (bus)?Nau bai i kam?
  [now bai ee kahm]
• A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket (long ....)
  [wahn tee-keht long]

Lae, located on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea, has been inhabited by indigenous communities for thousands of years. The region is home to the Austronesian-speaking Morobe people, who have a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional art, music, and dance.

In the late 19th century, Lae became part of the German New Guinea colony. The Germans established trading posts and began to exploit the region's natural resources. While Lae remained a relatively small settlement, it played a role in the broader colonial economy.

After World War I, the League of Nations granted Australia a mandate over the former German New Guinea, including Lae. Under Australian administration, Lae began to grow in importance as a commercial hub. The town benefitted from infrastructure developments, including a road linking it to the goldfields in Wau.

Lae gained significant historical importance during World War II. The town was occupied by Japanese forces in 1942, making it a strategic military base. The Battle of Lae in 1943 was a major Allied offensive to recapture the town. Australian and American forces successfully took Lae, marking a turning point in the Pacific War. The remnants of wartime infrastructure and relics can still be seen in the area.

After World War II, Lae underwent significant reconstruction. The town expanded rapidly and became a focal point for trade and industry in Papua New Guinea. When Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia in 1975, Lae was well-positioned as a key economic center for the new nation.

Today, Lae is Papua New Guinea's second-largest city and serves as the capital of Morobe Province. The city is a bustling port and industrial center, known for its diverse population and vibrant cultural scene. Lae hosts the annual Morobe Show, a major event that showcases the region's agricultural and cultural diversity.

Lae is accessible primarily by air through the Lae Nadzab Airport, located about 40 kilometers from the city center. Major airlines such as Air Niugini and PNG Air operate flights from Port Moresby and other regional hubs to Lae. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle service to reach the city. Additionally, Lae is a significant port city, and there are occasional passenger ferries from nearby coastal towns.

Within Lae, public transport options include PMVs (Public Motor Vehicles), which are minibuses that run along set routes. Taxis are also available but should be booked through reputable companies for safety. Car rentals are an option for those looking to explore at their own pace, but driving can be challenging due to road conditions. Walking is feasible in central areas, but caution is advised after dark.

The official currency is the Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, some restaurants, and larger stores, but cash is essential for smaller businesses and local markets. ATMs are available in the city, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when traveling outside urban areas.

While Lae is generally safe for tourists, certain areas are known for higher crime rates, particularly targeting tourists. It is recommended to avoid settlements and industrial areas at night. Always use registered taxis and avoid walking alone after dark. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious in crowded places.

In case of an emergency, dial 111 for police, ambulance, or fire services. The Angau Memorial Hospital is the main medical facility in Lae. It is advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. For minor issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and conservatively, especially outside urban areas. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, and seek permission before taking photographs in religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous and allow elderly passengers to sit. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. When addressing locals, use titles and surnames. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept hospitality graciously. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Lae like a local, visit the Main Market where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals, who are often eager to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss out on visiting the Rainforest Habitat and the Lae War Cemetery. For a unique experience, explore the nearby Huon Gulf and its beautiful coastal scenery.