Morobe Province: The Hidden Gem of Papua New Guinea

• HelloGutpela dei
  [Goot-peh-lah day]
• GoodbyeGutbai
  [Goot-bye]
• YesYah
  [Yah]
• NoNogut
  [No-goot]
• Please/You're welcomePlis
  [Plis]
• Thank youTangkyu
  [Tahng-kyoo]
• Excuse me/SorrySori
  [Soh-ree]
• How are you?Yu stap gutpela?
  [You stahp goot-peh-lah?]
• Fine. And you?Mi stap gutpela. Na yu?
  [Mee stahp goot-peh-lah. Nah yoo?]
• Do you speak English?Yu save toktok long Inglish?
  [You sah-veh tohk-tohk long Ing-glish?]
• I don't understandMi no save long dispela
  [Mee no sah-veh long dees-peh-lah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi laik lukim menu, plis
  [Mee liek loo-keem menu, plis]
• I don't eat meatMi no kaikim kaukau
  [Mee no kai-keem kow-kow]
• Cheers!Taim bilong yu!
  [Time bee-long yoo!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi laik pai, plis
  [Mee liek pie, plis]

• Help!Halivim mi!
  [Hah-lee-veem mee!]
• Go away!Go lusim!
  [Go loo-seem!]
• Call the Police!Kolim Polis!
  [Koh-leem Po-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 liek bai-im...]
• I'm just lookingMi jas lukim
  [Mee jahs loo-keem]
• How much is it?Em i kisim moni?
  [Em ee kee-seem moh-nee?]
• That's too expensiveDispela i stap long moni
  [Dees-peh-lah ee stahp long moh-nee]
• Can you lower the price?Yu ken lusim pris?
  [You ken loo-seem prees?]

• What time is it?Em i bihain taim?
  [Em ee bee-hine time?]
• It's one o'clockEm i wan taim
  [Em ee wahn time]
• Half past (10)Haus pasten (10)
  [Hows pahs-ten (10)]
• MorningMonin
  [Moh-neen]
• AfternoonApinun
  [Ah-pee-noon]
• EveningEvenin
  [Eh-veh-neen]
• YesterdayDei bihain
  [Day bee-hine]
• TodayDei
  [Day]
• TomorrowDei bihain
  [Day bee-hine]
• 1Wan
  [Wahn]
• 2Tu
  [Too]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Fo
  [Foh]
• 5Faiv
  [Fah-eev]
• 6Sikis
  [See-kees]
• 7Seven
  [Seh-vehn]
• 8Eit
  [Ayt]
• 9Nain
  [Nah-een]
• 10Ten
  [Tehn]

• Where's a/the...?Em i stap long...?
  [Em ee stahp long...?]
• What's the address?Wanem nem bilong ples?
  [Wahn-em nehm bee-long ples?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yu ken soim mi (long maep)?
  [You ken soy-mee mee (long map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Bai wanem taim nambawan (bas) i go?
  [By wah-nem time nahm-bah-wahn (bahs) ee goh?]
• A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket (long ....)
  [Wahn tee-keh (long ....)]

The Morobe Province is home to a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures and traditions. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years by various ethnic groups, each with its own unique customs, languages, and social structures. The people of Morobe have traditionally relied on agriculture, hunting, and fishing for their livelihoods, and their connection to the land remains strong to this day. Artifacts such as stone tools and pottery fragments found in the region provide evidence of these early settlements.

The first recorded European contact with Morobe Province occurred in the 19th century when missionaries and explorers began to arrive. The Lutheran mission, established in the late 1800s, played a significant role in shaping the region's history. The missionaries introduced Christianity, Western education, and new agricultural practices, which had a profound impact on the local communities. Despite the challenges of navigating the rugged terrain and dealing with local resistance, the missionaries' efforts led to the establishment of several mission stations and schools.

During World War II, Morobe Province was a critical battleground in the Pacific Theater. The Battle of Huon Peninsula, which took place between 1943 and 1944, saw Allied forces, primarily Australian troops, fighting against the Japanese Imperial Army. The rugged terrain and dense jungles made the campaign particularly challenging. Key locations such as Finschhafen, Lae, and Salamaua became focal points of intense combat. The successful Allied campaign ultimately contributed to the weakening of Japanese forces in the region.

Following World War II, Morobe Province underwent significant development. The region's infrastructure, including roads, ports, and airstrips, was expanded to support economic growth. Lae, the provincial capital, emerged as a key commercial hub. Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia in 1975, and Morobe Province played an important role in the new nation's political and economic landscape. The province's rich natural resources, including timber, minerals, and agricultural products, have been essential to its development.

Today, Morobe Province is known for its vibrant cultural festivals, which celebrate the region's diverse heritage. The Morobe Show, held annually in Lae, is one of the largest cultural events in Papua New Guinea, attracting participants and visitors from across the country. Traditional dances, music, and crafts are showcased, providing a glimpse into the province's rich cultural traditions. Modern-day Morobe continues to balance its traditional heritage with the demands of contemporary life, making it a unique and fascinating destination for travelers.

To get to Morobe Province in Papua New Guinea, the most common entry point is through Lae, the provincial capital. The nearest major airport is Nadzab Airport (LAE), which is about 42 kilometers from Lae city. Flights to Nadzab are available from Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, which is well-connected to international destinations. From Nadzab Airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle service to Lae. Alternatively, you can travel by boat or ferry from other coastal regions of Papua New Guinea.

Within Morobe Province, transportation options include taxis, minibuses (PMVs), and private car hires. Lae has a reasonably good network of roads, and taxis are readily available. PMVs are a popular and cost-effective way to travel within and between towns but may not adhere to strict schedules. For more flexibility, renting a car is an option, though be prepared for varying road conditions. Domestic flights and boat services are available for travel to more remote areas.

The official currency of Papua New Guinea is the Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK). Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops in Lae but may not be widely accepted in smaller towns and rural areas. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially when traveling outside of Lae. ATMs are available in Lae, but it is prudent to withdraw enough cash before heading to more remote areas.

While Morobe Province is generally safe for tourists, it is important to take standard precautions. Areas in Lae such as Chinatown and Eriku are known for higher crime rates, particularly pickpocketing and theft targeting tourists. Avoid walking alone at night and stay vigilant in crowded areas. It is advisable to use reliable transportation services and avoid displaying valuables in public.

In case of emergency, dial 111 for police assistance, 110 for medical emergencies, and 112 for fire services. Lae has a major hospital, the Angau Memorial Hospital, which can handle most medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in Lae for over-the-counter medications. It is highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation if necessary.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in rural villages. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. If visiting a church or participating in a cultural event, dress conservatively. Public Transport: Do respect other passengers and give up your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. A simple 'hello' or 'good morning' in the local language, Tok Pisin, is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Morobe Province like a local, visit local markets such as the Lae Main Market where you can buy fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss visiting natural attractions like the Rainforest Habitat and the Huon Peninsula. For a unique experience, consider attending local festivals and cultural events, which provide insight into the rich traditions of the region.