Things To Do
in Madang
Madang is a coastal town on the north coast of Papua New Guinea known for its palm-fringed harbour, colourful coral reefs and lush surrounding rainforest. It is a gateway to world-class diving sites in Astrolabe Bay and a mix of Melanesian village life and colonial-era architecture. The town has a relaxed, small‑town pace with lively weekly markets and island-hopping boat traffic at dawn.
Visitors come for underwater photography, birdwatching, and to experience local villages and cuisine.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Madang and check in to your hotel, which offers stunning views of the harbor. Spend the morning unwinding and acclimating to the tropical climate, taking in the local scenery. Enjoy a light breakfast at the hotel, featuring fresh tropical fruits and local delicacies.
Explore the town on foot, visiting the bustling markets filled with vibrant crafts and fresh produce. Take a guided tour of the Madang Museum to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region. Wind down at a seaside café with an iced coffee as you watch local fishermen at work.
Dine at a traditional restaurant offering local dishes, while enjoying the sounds of live PNG music. As the sun sets, stroll along the waterfront and soak in the picturesque views. Retire early to rest up for the adventures ahead.
Gear up for an exciting day of scuba diving in Madang's pristine waters, known for colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. After a hearty breakfast, join a diving tour group and head out to some of the best dive sites in the region. Witness the breathtaking underwater world as you explore vibrant coral gardens and spot exotic fish.
Experience a packed lunch on the boat between dives, allowing you to keep your energy up while enjoying panoramic views of the ocean. After multiple dives, return to land and relax on the beach or in your hotel pool. Take a moment to reflect on the incredible underwater sights you've seen.
Share a meal with fellow divers at a local eatery known for its seafood, discussing the day’s adventures and highlights. If you're in the mood, catch a cultural performance showcasing traditional dances. Wind down with a beachfront stroll beneath the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant / market stall | $3-8 |
| 🍽️Meal at mid-range restaurant | $12-25 |
| 🍺Local beer (bar) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi or boat ride | $2-10 |
| 🏊♂️Diving day trip (per person) | $80-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent diving and snorkeling with rich coral reefs and marine biodiversity
- Strong local culture and markets offering authentic Melanesian experiences
- Beautiful coastal scenery, islands and rainforest within short travel distances
- Laid-back, small-town atmosphere good for relaxation and photography
- Limited infrastructure compared with larger cities—card acceptance and ATMs can be unreliable
- Heavy rain and humidity for much of the year can disrupt travel plans
- Healthcare facilities are basic for serious emergencies, requiring medevac in some cases
- Fewer nightlife and luxury amenities compared to international tourist hubs
- "Gutpela moning" - Good morning
- "Tenkyu tru" - Thank you very much
- "Plis" - Please
- "Yu stap gut?" - How are you?
- "Mi no save" - I don't know
- "Wanem nem bilong yu?" - What is your name?
- "Mi laikim" - I like (it)
Places to Visit in Madang
Visit one of these nice places.
Sunrise and sunset silhouettes of boats, palm trees and colourful village canoes make this a must-shoot location.
Underwater photography hotspot with clear water, coral bommies and abundant macro and wide-angle subjects; best with a local dive operator.
Dramatic volcanic slopes, terraced gardens and village scenes provide striking landscape and cultural shots.
Lush lowland rainforest near Madang offers birds, orchids and small waterfalls — great for macro and wildlife photography.
Candid portraits, market stalls and craft-making capture everyday Melanesian life; always ask permission before photographing people.
Food in Madang
Madang Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A communal feast of meat, fish, yams and greens cooked in an underground oven with hot stones; try it during village visits or special events.
Must-Try!
Boiled or roasted sweet potato (kaukau) often served with freshly caught grilled fish and coconut cream — widely available at market stalls and beachside cooks.
Sago in various forms: boiled, pancakes or mixed with coconut milk and fish — a staple in coastal PNG and found at markets and some eateries.
When in season, try local reef fish and sometimes coconut crab at seaside restaurants or cooked by village hosts.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central market is where fishermen and farmers sell fresh catch, fruit, sago products and roadside snacks — great for sampling local flavours and buying produce.
Small vendors near the harbour sell grilled fish, fried snacks and fresh coconut; ideal for a cheap, authentic meal while watching boats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a smile and a handshake; simple Tok Pisin phrases go a long way. Always be polite and patient — relationships matter.
Church is central to community life; Sundays are quiet and many businesses close. Dress and act respectfully around religious services.
Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in villages; many locals expect to be asked first.
Respect elders and community leaders; if visiting villages, follow the lead of your host or guide regarding introductions, gift-giving and behavior.
Safety
Tipping in Madang
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; small tips for good service at hotels and for guides are common. In village settings, gifts or a small payment for hosting are more culturally appropriate than formal tipping.
The local currency is the Papua New Guinea kina (PGK). Cash is king in Madang — smaller shops and market vendors accept only cash. ATMs and card acceptance exist in town and at larger hotels but can be unreliable; bring enough cash and carry small notes.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect heavy, often daily tropical rains, high humidity and occasional localized flooding; sea conditions can be rougher and some small boat trips may be cancelled.
Relatively drier and slightly cooler with more stable sea conditions — generally the best time for diving, island hopping and outdoor activities.
Unpredictable weather with alternating showers and sunny spells; these months can offer fewer crowds and good wildlife activity, but check boat schedules.
Madang at Night
Hiking in Madang
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A guided hike up volcanic slopes on nearby Karkar Island with sweeping coastal views, village stops and diverse plant life; requires a guide and good fitness.
Short rainforest walks near the lowland areas around Madang that offer birdwatching opportunities and access to small waterfalls and streams.
Easy to moderate hikes on nearby small islands that combine beach scenery, reef viewpoints and local village visits; ideal for half-day excursions.
Airports
How to reach Madang by plane.
The local airport serving Madang with domestic flights; small terminal and basic services, convenient for direct access to town.
Papua New Guinea’s main international gateway; most overseas flights arrive here, and domestic connections to Madang are frequent.
Another regional airport within reasonable distance by air or road; useful as an alternate domestic hub when connecting to Madang or other Highlands destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are local Melanesian groups tied to coastal and island villages with diverse languages and customs.
Small village populations living on nearby islands and along the coast who maintain traditional livelihoods (fishing, small-scale agriculture, crafts).
A small community of expatriates, NGO workers and government employees associated with development projects, tourism and public services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby league is hugely popular across Papua New Guinea and draws strong local interest, often played and followed passionately in towns and villages.
Football is widely played at school and community levels, with local competitions and informal games on weekends.
Community volleyball and net sports are common recreational activities, especially around schools and community centres.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Madang.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited to root vegetables, cassava, taro, sago dishes and vegetable curries in some cafes. Ask vendors for ingredients; coconut-based dishes and salads can work but protein options are mostly fish-based.
Possible but requires care: many local dishes use fish or fish sauce. Fresh fruit, roasted root crops and some sago preparations are vegan-friendly; bring snacks and plan ahead.
Traditional local food is largely gluten-free (tubers, fish, coconut), but cross-contamination can occur at busy market stalls. Communicate allergies in Tok Pisin or English and opt for freshly prepared items.