First time · Port Moresby
First time in Port MoresbyPort Moresby
Port Moresby is a connection city, not a walking city: arrange a hotel or operator car for every leg, do the museum and one market by day with a driver, keep evenings inside the hotel — and read your own government's travel advice before you book.
The honest verdict
Port Moresby has serious crime, including armed robbery and carjacking, and governments advise care or, for some areas, against travel. The sights are simple and spread out, the pavements are poor and taxis should not be hailed. The safe pattern is a booked driver or hotel car door to door, daylight only, and no valuables on show. Four clusters cover a first visit; most visitors are here to connect to a flight or a lodge elsewhere.
You will like
- Culture and museum visits
- Connecting to other regions
- Warm sea air
What wears you down
- Crime risk
- Having no walking plan
- Heat and traffic
From the airport
Jacksons International Airport (POM)
- Fastest and cheapest
- Pre-booked hotel or operator car to the door · about 25 min · about PGK 120
Typical ride times and fares, 2026 desk estimates (check). Last services and night options are on the gateway page.
How long to stay
- 1 day
- Museum and Parliament by car, back to the hotel before dusk
- 2 days
- Museum morning, Koki market with a driver, Town by car on the second morning
- 3 days
- Two days here + one buffer day before your next flight
Three mistakes to avoid
- Ask permission before photographing people, and expect to pay a small fee in some places.(Survive · red lines)
- Crime: armed robbery and carjacking occur; do not walk around, and stay in a booked car with doors locked and windows up.(Survive · safety)
- Do not photograph police, military or government buildings without permission.(Survive · red lines)
Money and SIM
- Budget day
- K 250–450 excl. bed
- Cash
- Cards work at larger hotels and shops. Take cash from ATMs inside hotels or banks in daylight, keep a reserve out of sight, and do not carry more than you need for the day.
The best time to go
May: Dry season begins.
A first day
Day 1 — National Museum by car, a 12:30 lunch table at the hotel
Start about 08:30
Fixed point: Lunch table 12:30 (hotel dining, Town)
Hotel or AC café 13:00–16:00; dinner inside the hotel.
Timed version: Port Moresby in 3 days