Madang Province: Papua New Guinea's Pristine Paradise

• HelloKam na
  [kam na]
• GoodbyeGudbai
  [gud-bai]
• YesYes
  [yes]
• NoNogat
  [no-gat]
• Please/You're welcomePlis
  [plis]
• Thank youTenkyu
  [ten-kyu]
• Excuse me/SorrySori
  [sor-ee]
• How are you?Yu stap gut?
  [yu stap gut]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Na yu?
  [gut. na yu]
• Do you speak English?Yu save toktok long Inglis?
  [yu sa-ve tok-tok long in-glis]
• I don't understandMi no save long dispela
  [mi no sa-ve long dis-pe-la]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi laik lukim menu, plis
  [mi laik lu-kim me-nu, plis]
• I don't eat meatMi no kaik kaukau
  [mi no kai-k kau-kau]
• Cheers!Cheeeers!
  [chee-eers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi laik painim moni, plis
  [mi laik pai-nim mo-ni, plis]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Go long we
  [go long we]
• Call the Police!Ringim Polis!
  [ring-im polis]
• Call a doctor!Ringim dokta!
  [ring-im dok-ta]
• I'm lostMi lusim
  [mi lu-sim]
• I'm illMi sik
  [mi sik]

• I'd like to buy...Mi laik baim...
  [mi laik bai-m]
• I'm just lookingMi tasol lukim
  [mi ta-sol lu-kim]
• How much is it?Em i stap long hanwan?
  [em i stap long han-wan]
• That's too expensiveEm i tru long prais
  [em i tru long prais]
• Can you lower the price?Yu ken lusim prais?
  [yu ken lu-sim prais]

• What time is it?Wanem taim nau?
  [wa-nem taim now]
• It's one o'clockEm i wan taim
  [em i wan taim]
• Half past (10)Haf pasten
  [haf pas-ten]
• MorningLong moning
  [long mo-ning]
• AfternoonLong apinun
  [long a-pi-nun]
• EveningLong ivinin
  [long i-vi-nin]
• YesterdayDei ya
  [dei ya]
• TodayTudei
  [tu-day]
• TomorrowTumara
  [tu-ma-ra]
• 1Wan
  [wan]
• 2Tu
  [tu]
• 3Tri
  [tri]
• 4Fo
  [fo]
• 5Faiv
  [fai-v]
• 6Siks
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [sev-en]
• 8Eit
  [eit]
• 9Nain
  [nain]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Wanem ples bilong...?
  [wa-nem ples bi-long]
• What's the address?Wanem adris?
  [wa-nem ad-ris]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yu ken soim mi long map?
  [yu ken so-im mi long map]
• When's the next (bus)?Em i kamap nambawan?
  [em i ka-map nam-ba-wan]
• A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket (long ....)
  [wa-n ti-ket long]

Madang Province has been inhabited for thousands of years by various indigenous groups, including the Bel, Bilbil, and Karkar people. These communities developed rich traditions, languages, and social structures that remain influential today. The region's fertile land and abundant marine resources supported complex societies long before European contact.

In the late 19th century, German explorers arrived in the region, marking the beginning of European influence. Madang town was established as a German colonial outpost in 1884. The Germans introduced plantations, missions, and infrastructure projects. After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles transferred control of German New Guinea, including Madang, to Australia.

Madang Province played a significant role during World War II. In 1942, Japanese forces occupied the region, using it as a strategic base. The area saw intense fighting between Japanese and Allied forces, culminating in the Allies' recapture of Madang in 1944. The war left a lasting impact on the region, with many relics and battle sites still visible today.

Following World War II, Madang underwent significant reconstruction efforts under Australian administration. Infrastructure was rebuilt, and the region's economy gradually recovered. Papua New Guinea gained independence in 1975, and Madang Province became an integral part of the new nation. The province has since focused on sustainable development, balancing economic growth with cultural preservation.

Madang Province is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage. Traditional practices, such as dance, music, and art, are celebrated through various festivals and events. The annual Madang Festival showcases the province's diverse cultures, with performances, crafts, and traditional cuisine. The province remains a hub for cultural exchange and a testament to the resilience of its indigenous communities.

Madang Province is accessible via Madang Airport (MAG), which receives domestic flights from Port Moresby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea. International travelers typically fly into Port Moresby’s Jacksons International Airport (POM) and then take a connecting flight to Madang. Alternatively, you can reach Madang by road from Lae, which takes approximately 6-7 hours.

In Madang Province, local transportation mainly consists of PMVs (Public Motor Vehicles), which are minibuses that connect different parts of the province. Taxis are available in Madang town but may be scarce in more remote areas. Car rentals are also an option, but it’s advisable to have a 4WD vehicle due to the condition of some roads. For exploring the coastline and nearby islands, boat charters are available.

The official currency of Papua New Guinea is the Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops in Madang town, but cash is essential when traveling to rural areas. ATMs are available in Madang town, but it’s advisable to carry enough cash, especially when venturing outside urban areas.

Madang Province is generally safe for tourists, but like any travel destination, it’s wise to take precautions. Avoid walking alone after dark, particularly in isolated areas. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings. Some neighborhoods in Madang town, such as Newtown and Sisiak, have higher crime rates, so it’s best to avoid these areas at night.

In case of an emergency, dial 000 for police, fire, and ambulance services. Madang General Hospital provides medical services, and there are several pharmacies in Madang town. It’s crucial to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. For minor health issues, local clinics and pharmacies can provide assistance.

Fashion: Do dress modestly; lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal. Avoid revealing clothing, especially in rural areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; many communities are deeply religious. Public Transport: Do be patient and courteous; PMVs can be crowded. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile or a nod; handshakes are common but gentle. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food graciously. Don’t waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Madang Province like a local, visit the Madang Market to buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share their culture. Don’t miss the chance to explore the beautiful coral reefs and WWII wrecks through diving or snorkeling. For a unique cultural experience, attend a singsing, a traditional dance and music performance.