Things To Do
in Kerema
Kerema is a coastal town in Papua New Guinea situated at the mouth of the Anoama River on the Gulf of Papua. It serves as the administrative center of Gulf Province and a gateway to remote villages, mangrove estuaries, and pristine coastline. Life here centers on fishing, market trade, and generous Melanesian hospitality.
The town offers a straightforward, slow-paced travel experience with opportunities to connect with local communities and explore diverse natural environments.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your adventure with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying traditional Papua New Guinean dishes. After breakfast, take a guided walking tour of Kerema Town, exploring vibrant local markets filled with fresh produce and handcrafted goods. Visit key sites like the local church and gain insights into the everyday lives of the welcoming residents.
Enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant, taking in stunning views of the ocean as you savor freshly caught seafood. Afterwards, visit the nearby beaches for a relaxing afternoon; indulge in swimming or sunbathing while listening to the peaceful sound of the waves. Make sure to try your hand at beachcombing, searching for unique shells and bits of colorful coral.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot to admire the picturesque views as the sky turns shades of orange and pink. Enjoy dinner at a local eatery, sampling delicious dishes made from fresh, local ingredients while listening to traditional music. Conclude your day with a stroll along the beach under a sky full of stars.
After breakfast, visit a nearby village to immerse yourself in the local culture, witnessing traditional ceremonies and dances performed by the villagers. Participate in a craft workshop where you can learn to make traditional handicrafts alongside the artisans. Engage in conversations with the locals to understand their customs and way of life.
Return to Kerema for lunch at a popular local restaurant known for its authentic cuisine. Spend the afternoon at the cultural museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits that narrate the rich history of the region. Get involved in a cooking class where you can learn to prepare local dishes under the guidance of skilled chefs.
Have dinner at a charming outdoor venue where you can enjoy live performances showcasing local music and dance. Take time to interact with the performers and ask about their music, which is deeply rooted in their culture. Enjoy a relaxing evening reflecting on the day's cultural experiences as you sip on a traditional beverage.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-80 |
| 🚕Local transportation per ride | $3-6 |
| 🥥Fresh fruit or groceries | $2-7 |
| 💧Bottled water | $1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic Melanesian hospitality
- Close to mangroves, wildlife, and unspoiled coastal scenery
- Limited infrastructure and services for international travelers
- Few nightlife and dining options in town
- "Gude" - Hello
- "Plis" - Please
- "Tenkyu" - Thank you
- "Yu save toktok Inglis?" - Do you speak English?
- "Maket i stap wea?" - Where is the market?
Places to Visit in Kerema
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden hour over the Gulf of Papua with boats and market silhouettes.
Shallow mangrove-lined waterways with reflections and birdlife.
Colorful market scenes with fishermen, traders, and daily life.
Dawn activity around fishing boats and nets.
Dense green scenery and boardwalks along the coast.
Food in Kerema
Kerema Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional underground pit-roasted feast (often pork or fish) with root vegetables.
Must-Try!
Freshly caught fish served with fragrant coconut rice for a bright, coastal meal.
Boiled or steamed sweet potato and taro served with a rich coconut cream sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vendors selling fresh seafood, tropical fruit, cassava, taro, and street snacks along the riverfront.
Markets offering sago-based dishes and soups enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Roasted plantains, sweet dumplings, and fresh coconuts near the waterfront.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake and use polite language; dress modestly in villages and churches.
Always ask before photographing people, homes, or ceremonies.
Respect customary leaders and landowners; you may be invited to share meals or ceremonies.
Follow cues; removing shoes may be expected when entering homes or certain spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Kerema
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not expected; rounding up bills or leaving 5–10% for good service is common if a service charge isn’t included.
Cash (PGK/USD) is widely used; card acceptance is limited in Kerema; ATMs are scarce; carry small notes and small change.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Heavy rainfall, high humidity, and lush green landscapes. Expect humid days, possible flooding in low-lying areas, plan flexible outdoor activities and carry rain gear.
Less rain and clearer skies, with pleasant mornings and hot afternoons. Sea conditions are often calmer, making boat trips and coastal hikes more comfortable.
Kerema at Night
Hiking in Kerema
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate boardwalks and trails along the river and coastal mangroves.
Short hikes with sea views, best at sunrise or sunset.
Flat, forested routes through riverine habitats suitable for day trips.
Airports
How to reach Kerema by plane.
Small domestic airport with flights to Port Moresby; schedules can be limited; check current timetables and weather before traveling.
Main international gateway to PNG; connects to most domestic destinations and international airports via Air Niugini and other carriers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Diverse groups along the Gulf coast with strong fishing traditions and kinship networks.
Many communities rely on markets and river trade for supplies and connection to larger towns.
Occasional visitors including aid workers and researchers who come for projects or assignments.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed as in much of PNG; informal games occur in towns and villages.
Common among youth and in community leagues; matches are often organized in towns.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kerema.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist in markets and some eateries; rely on root crops, greens, fruits, and rice. Communicate clearly with cooks about avoiding meat or fish; in villages options may be limited.