Travel Guide to Port Moresby

• HelloGutpela dei
  [goot-peh-lah day]
• GoodbyeGutbai
  [goot-bye]
• YesYes
  [yes]
• NoNogat
  [noh-gaht]
• Please/You're welcomePlis
  [plees]
• Thank youTangkyu
  [tang-kyoo]
• Excuse me/SorrySori
  [soh-ree]
• How are you?Yu stap gutpela?
  [yoo stap goot-peh-lah]
• Fine. And you?Mi stap gutpela. Na yu?
  [mee stap goot-peh-lah. nah yoo]
• Do you speak English?Yu save toktok long Inglish?
  [yoo sah-veh tohk-tohk long in-gleesh]
• I don't understandMi nogat save
  [mee noh-gaht sah-veh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi laik lukim menu, plis
  [mee like look-eem meh-noo, plees]
• I don't eat meatMi nogat kaik kaukau
  [mee noh-gaht kah-ee kow-kow]
• Cheers!Cheeeers!
  [chee-eeers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi laik baim, plis
  [mee like bah-eem, plees]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Go long we!
  [go long way]
• 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 lukim
  [mee tah-sol look-eem]
• How much is it?Em inap long moni?
  [ehm ee-nahp long moh-nee]
• That's too expensiveEm tru long moni
  [ehm troo long moh-nee]
• Can you lower the price?Yu inap kisim daun moni?
  [yoo ee-nahp kee-seem daun moh-nee]

• What time is it?Em taim nau?
  [ehm tah-eem now]
• It's one o'clockEm iwan o'klok
  [ehm ee-wahn oh-klok]
• Half past (10)Haf pasten
  [hahf pahs-tehn]
• MorningMonin
  [moh-neen]
• AfternoonApinun
  [ah-pee-noon]
• EveningEvenin
  [ee-veh-neen]
• YesterdayDei las
  [day lahs]
• TodayDei nau
  [day now]
• TomorrowDei bihain
  [day bee-hine]
• 1Wan
  [wahn]
• 2Tu
  [too]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Fo
  [foh]
• 5Faiv
  [fah-eve]
• 6Sikis
  [see-kees]
• 7Seven
  [seh-vehn]
• 8Eit
  [ate]
• 9Nain
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [tehn]

• Where's a/the...?Em i stap long...
  [ehm ee stap long]
• What's the address?Wanem address?
  [wah-nehm address]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yu inap soim mi (long map)?
  [yoo ee-nahp soy-mee mee long map]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanem taim bus inap kam?
  [wah-nehm tah-eem bus ee-nahp kahm]
• A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket (long ....)
  [wah-n tee-keht long]

The area now known as Port Moresby has been inhabited for thousands of years by the Motu-Koitabu people. These indigenous groups lived in small villages along the coast and were skilled fishermen and traders. They practiced the Hiri trade, a long-distance maritime exchange with the Gulf of Papua, using large, elaborately crafted canoes known as 'lakatoi'.

Port Moresby was first encountered by Europeans in 1873 when Captain John Moresby of the British Royal Navy sailed into the harbor and named it after his father, Admiral Sir Fairfax Moresby. In 1884, the area became part of British New Guinea, and later it was administered by Australia as part of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea following World War I.

During World War II, Port Moresby was a strategic military base for the Allies due to its location between Australia and Southeast Asia. In 1942, Japanese forces attempted to capture Port Moresby in what became known as the Battle of the Coral Sea, the first aircraft carrier battle in history. The Allies' successful defense of the city prevented Japanese advancement into Australia.

After World War II, Port Moresby underwent significant reconstruction and development. It became the administrative capital of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, which gained full independence in 1975 as the nation of Papua New Guinea. Port Moresby was declared the capital city of the new nation.

Today, Port Moresby is a bustling urban center and the largest city in Papua New Guinea. The city is known for its vibrant mix of cultures and traditions, with numerous landmarks such as the National Parliament House, the Port Moresby Nature Park, and the National Museum and Art Gallery showcasing the country's rich heritage. Despite facing challenges such as urban inequality and crime, Port Moresby continues to grow and develop, playing a crucial role in the nation's economy and governance.

Port Moresby is the capital city of Papua New Guinea and is well-connected by air. The main entry point is Jacksons International Airport (POM), which hosts flights from major cities such as Brisbane, Sydney, Singapore, Manila, and Hong Kong. Airlines like Air Niugini, Qantas, and Philippine Airlines operate frequent flights to and from Port Moresby. Once at Jacksons International Airport, taxis and shuttle services are available to take you to your accommodation.

Port Moresby has various transportation options including taxis, buses (locally known as PMVs), and car rentals. Taxis are generally safe but ensure they are from reputable companies like Scarlet Taxis or Comfort Taxis. PMVs are cheaper but can be crowded and less reliable. Car rentals are available at the airport and in the city; driving can be challenging due to the condition of some roads and local driving habits.

The official currency in Papua New Guinea is the Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors and markets. ATMs are widely available in the city, but be cautious when withdrawing money and avoid using ATMs at night.

Port Moresby has areas with high crime rates, particularly targeting tourists. It is advisable to avoid neighborhoods such as Gordons, Hohola, and Boroko at night. Always be cautious with your belongings, avoid walking alone after dark, and use reputable taxis or transportation services. Stick to well-lit and busy areas, especially in the evening.

In case of emergency, dial 111 for police assistance. For medical emergencies, dial 112. The main hospital in Port Moresby is Port Moresby General Hospital, which offers emergency services. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, as healthcare facilities may be limited.

Fashion: Do dress modestly; avoid wearing revealing clothing. Light, breathable fabrics are ideal due to the tropical climate. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. If visiting a church or religious site, dress conservatively and behave respectfully. Public Transport: Do be cautious when using PMVs, as they can be crowded and less secure. Avoid them at night. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A smile and a friendly demeanor go a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like Mumu (a traditional baked dish). Don't drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Port Moresby like a local, visit Ela Beach and the National Botanical Gardens. Engage with locals at local markets like Gordons Market, but be cautious and keep an eye on your belongings. Don’t miss the National Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea. For a unique experience, attend a traditional sing-sing (cultural performance) if you get the chance.