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Voykit pocket guide · Papua New Guinea
Kerema
Skip Kerema unless you have a specific reason (work, family, birding in Kikori): it's a small coastal town with basic facilities and one hotel, reachable by a 229 km road or a flight from Port Moresby.
Kerema is the capital of Gulf Province, a quiet coastal town of about 6,500 people. Fishing, logging and oil are the main industries. The only accommodation is Hotel Kerema (also called Lavai Hotel) with basic rooms at K200 a night. Most travellers pass through on the way to Kikori for birdwatching or use it as a stop on the road between Port Moresby and the Highlands. One night is enough.
- Country
- Papua New Guinea
- Best months
- May–Nov (dry season)
- Avoid
- Dec–Apr (wet season; road conditions worsen)
- Stay
- 1 night
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- PGK
- Money
- Currency is the kina (PGK, K). Cards work at larger hotels and some shops in towns; everywhere else is cash.
- Daily spend
- Budget K200–300 excl. bed · Mid K300–500 excl. bed · High K500+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Digicel has the widest coverage; Vodafone PNG and bmobile cover towns. Buy a SIM in Port Moresby with your passport.
- Emergency
- Police 112 · Ambulance 111 · Fire 110
- Plugs
- Types I · 240 V · 50 Hz · Same angled flat pins as Australia; bring a power bank, since lodges run generators for set hours.
- Tipping
- Restaurants and hotels: Not expected.; Guides and drivers: K50–100 a day as thanks if service was good (2026 estimate).; Kokoda porters: Operators set a tip pool; also give gear you no longer need, as many trekkers do.; Villages: Pay agreed custom fees rather than tipping individuals.
- Water
- Not safe from the tap. Drink bottled, boiled or filtered water; lodges supply rainwater that should be treated.
- Toilets
- Western toilets in hotels and lodges; long-drop pit toilets in villages and on treks. Carry paper and hand gel.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Hotel Kerema room (basic) | K200 |
| Flight Port Moresby–Kerema, one way | K400 (check) |
| Road transfer Port Moresby–Kerema, one way | K150 (check) |
| Meal at hotel or local market | K10–30 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- KMA · Kerema Airport
- Airlines PNG has almost daily flights from Port Moresby; check
Typical fares
- Hotel Kerema room
- K200
- Flight Port Moresby–Kerema
- about K400 (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Walk or arrange a ride with your accommodation. The town is small and walkable. For Kikori or other villages, ask at the hotel or guest house.
See and do
Known for
- Capital of Gulf Province
- Gateway to Kikori and birdwatching
- Toaripi language area
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kikori | Boat or vehicle from Kerema; ask at Hotel Kerema for transport | About 2–3 h |
Sleep
- Town centre
- Hotel Kerema (Lavai Hotel) is the main option; basic rooms at K200. Catholic Guest House also available but details unknown.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Hello | Halohah-loh |
| Thank you | Tenkyuten-kyoo |
| How much? | Hamas?hah-mas |
| Where is the hotel? | Hotel i stap we?ho-tel ee stap weh |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Shake hands lightly; greet everyone in a group; avoid: Crushing handshakes or ignoring elders
- Village visit: Arrive with your guide, meet the leaders first, bring a small gift if advised; avoid: Walking into gardens or houses uninvited
- Money and gifts: Pay agreed fees to the right person; avoid: Handing out money or sweets to children
- Anger: Stay calm and let your guide negotiate; avoid: Shouting; public shame can escalate quickly
- Sunday: Expect church and quiet; join a service if invited; avoid: Noisy activities near villages
- Dress: Loose clothes covering shoulders and knees; a laplap (sarong) works; avoid: Swimwear or short shorts in villages
Scams and watch-outs
- Road from Port Moresby is 229 km and can be rough in the wet season; check conditions before driving.
- Hotel Kerema is basic; bring your own toiletries and snacks.
- No ATMs or banks confirmed; carry cash in Kina from Port Moresby.
- Mobile coverage is limited; check with your provider.
Kerema is generally quiet but petty crime can occur. Keep valuables out of sight and ask your accommodation for local advice. The road from Port Moresby is the main risk in wet weather.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Kerema yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Capital of Gulf Province
- Gateway to Kikori and birdwatching
- Toaripi language area
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Airlines PNG: pngair.com.pg/
- Wikivoyage: Kerema, revision 4808458 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=4808458
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/kerema). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.