Lae, Papua New Guinea Travel Guide

Discover Lae, Papua New Guinea's vibrant gateway to lush rainforests, rich history, and cultural treasures. Explore serene botanical gardens, bustling markets, and WWII relics.

Lae, located on the northeastern coast of Papua New Guinea, is a bustling city known for its vibrant markets, rich history, and stunning natural beauty. As the second-largest city in the country, Lae serves as a major commercial hub and a gateway to the wonders of the Morobe Province. The city is surrounded by lush rainforests, majestic mountains, and pristine rivers, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. One of the city's most famous attractions is the Lae Botanical Gardens, a serene oasis showcasing a diverse collection of native flora. Visitors can stroll through the well-maintained paths, enjoying the vibrant colors and exotic scents of the local plants. Another must-visit is the Rainforest Habitat, a sanctuary that is home to a variety of native birds and animals, including the iconic cassowary and tree kangaroos. For history enthusiasts, Lae offers a glimpse into the past with its World War II relics and memorials. The Lae War Cemetery is a solemn site honoring the soldiers who lost their lives during the war. Additionally, the city is known for its colorful markets, where tourists can experience the local culture and purchase handmade crafts, fresh produce, and traditional artifacts. The bustling Lae Market is a sensory delight, filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Papua New Guinea.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lae.

Visit the Lae Market early in the morning to experience the freshest produce and avoid the crowds.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as many attractions, including the Lae Botanical Gardens, require a fair amount of walking.
Bring insect repellent, as the tropical climate can attract mosquitoes, especially in the rainforests.
Carry local currency (Kina) as some smaller vendors and markets may not accept credit cards.
Respect local customs and traditions when visiting cultural sites and interacting with locals.

Explore Lae: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Lae

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Port Moresby Nature Park

Explore the lush landscapes and unique wildlife at Port Moresby Nature Park, a serene retreat in the heart of Papua New Guinea's capital.

4.3

Lae Botanic Gardens

Experience the vibrant flora and tranquility of Lae Botanic Gardens, a serene escape in the heart of Papua New Guinea's Morobe Province.

3.8

Lae Yacht Club

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Lae Yacht Club, where stunning harbor views and community spirit blend for a perfect getaway in Morobe Province.

4.0

Rainforest Habitat

Explore the enchanting Rainforest Habitat in Lae, Morobe Province, a must-visit park showcasing Papua New Guinea's rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.

3.7

Best landmarks in Lae

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Foodmart

Discover the flavors of Papua New Guinea at Foodmart, your go-to grocery store in Lae for fresh produce, baked goods, and local delicacies.

4.0

Lae International Hotel

Discover comfort and convenience at Lae International Hotel, your ideal base for exploring Lae, Morobe Province, and the beauty of Papua New Guinea.

4.1

Brian Bell Plaza

Experience the vibrant shopping and cultural flair of Brian Bell Plaza in Madang, Papua New Guinea, where retail meets local charm.

4.1

Lae Nadzab Airport AYNZ

Explore Papua New Guinea's natural beauty and rich culture through Lae Nadzab Airport, your gateway to unforgettable adventures.

3.4

Best restaurants in Lae

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Foodmart

Explore diverse culinary delights at Foodmart in Lae—your one-stop destination for fresh produce, baked goods, and local specialties.

4.0

Bungaraya Restaurant

Experience the essence of Chinese cuisine at Bungaraya Restaurant in Lae - where every dish tells a story.

4.3

Wickid Chicken

Experience the delightful flavors of Papua New Guinea at Wickid Chicken - where every bite tells a story.

4.1

Phils Hotel

Experience Lae's culinary delights at Phils Hotel - where great food meets vibrant nightlife in Morobe Province.

3.8

Best bars in Lae

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Bungaraya Restaurant

Experience authentic Chinese flavors at Bungaraya Restaurant in Lae, where every dish is crafted with passion and tradition.

4.3

Wickid Chicken

Discover authentic flavors at Wickid Chicken, Lae's top restaurant serving delectable chicken dishes and a vibrant atmosphere for all visitors.

4.1

Vanda Restaurant

Experience the rich culinary heritage of Lae at Vanda Restaurant, where local flavors meet international cuisine in a warm and inviting setting.

4.0

Ocean Restaurant

Savor the flavors of Asia at Ocean Restaurant, where exquisite cuisine meets stunning ocean views in Lae, PNG.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Lae

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Club 99

Discover Lae's nightlife at Club 99, a lively night club offering music, dancing, and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable experience.

3.8

Aviat Club

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Aviat Club in Lae, Morobe Province, where music and dance create unforgettable memories.

3.0

Muse Night Club

Discover the pulsating energy of Muse Night Club in Lae, where unforgettable nights of music, dance, and local culture await every visitor.

5.0

Bowling Club

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Lae at the Bowling Club, where music, dancing, and fun come together for an unforgettable evening.

4.3

Best shops in Lae

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

Foodmart

Discover the flavors of Lae at Foodmart, your one-stop grocery shop for fresh produce, local delicacies, and delightful baked goods.

4.0

Lae Main Market

Experience the vibrant culture and flavors of Papua New Guinea at Lae Main Market, a bustling hub for fresh produce and unique handicrafts.

4.0

BIGV Supermarket

Discover the vibrant BIGV Supermarket in Lae, a one-stop-shop for local and international products in Morobe Province.

4.0

LAE PLAZA

Explore Lae Plaza, Morobe's premier shopping destination, filled with diverse shops and delightful dining experiences for every traveler.

3.5

Explore Lae on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Lae, mapped for you.

Lae Essentials

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.

When is the best time to visit Lae?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Lae

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Lae. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- 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]

History of Lae

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.