Showing 1-10 of 10 results
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Ela Beach
On the southern side of Town is the long, sandy stretch of Ela Beach. The beachfront promenade is a popular walk during the day, though the sands are not full of sunbathers these days. Even locals perceive this area as potentially unsafe. If you do swim here, you'll attract a lot of attention, but the biggest threat may be the shallow water, thick seaweed and black, spiny and painful sea urchins - you might prefer to take to the waters at your hotel swimming pool.
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Ela United Church
There is little of historical interest remaining in Port Moresby's CBD, where office towers and neglect have steadily claimed much of the area. The oldest building still standing is the Ela United Church, opened by the London Missionary Society in 1890.
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Hanuabada
Past the docks to the north lies Hanuabada, the original Motu village. Although it is still built over the sea on stilts, the original wood and thatched houses were destroyed by fire during WWII. They were rebuilt in all-Australian building materials, corrugated iron and fibrocement, but it's an interesting place and the people have retained many traditional Motu customs.
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Koki Market
The picturesque stilt village of Koki, at the eastern end of Ela Beach, is worth visiting if you can find a local to take you. The best way to do that is by visiting the neighbouring Koki Market, one of the oldest and, after a vast improvement in security, safest markets in the city. Fresh produce and fish straight off the boat are sold here, but even if you're not shopping for produce, it's a colourful place to watch grassroots-style PNG commerce.
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National Botanic Gardens
At the northern end of Waigani Dr, just beyond the University of Papua New Guinea, the National Botanic Gardens are an island of calm and beauty in the midst of an otherwise lacklustre city. Don't miss them! There is more than 2km of boardwalk threading under and through the jungle canopy; well-maintained lawns and gardens displaying both local and exotic plant species, and probably the best collection of native and hybrid orchids in PNG.
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National Museum
All the exhibits at the National Museum, just beyond Parliament Haus, sit under a fine film of dust. But you can happily spend an hour or so looking at the displays that cover the geography, fauna, culture, ethnography and history of PNG. There are superb examples of masks, shields and totems, a magnificent Milne Bay outrigger canoe decorated in cowrie shells, and a display showing how bilums are made.
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Old Parliament Building
The Old Parliament Building was never an architectural wonder, but its opening as the House of Assembly in 1964 was a significant milestone on PNG's road to independence. Sadly, the shell it has become symbolises the country's steady decline in recent years; it is occupied by squatters and buai -sellers. Despite its majestic hilltop position overlooking Town and the port, there's nothing that indicates its former significance.
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Paga Point
The harbour headland, Paga Point is adjacent to Town. It's worth walking to the top of Paga Hill for the fine views over the town, the harbour and the encircling reefs, but don't go alone.
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Parliament Haus
The impressive Parliament Haus was officially opened in 1984 with Prince Charles on hand. The main building is in the style of a Maprik, or Sepik-style, haus tambaran , while the attached, circular cafeteria building follows Highland design principles. The façade is quite stunning, with a mosaic featuring unmistakably PNG motifs. Photographers with wide-angle lenses will be rewarded with great shots in the late afternoon light.
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St Mary's Catholic Cathedral
St Mary's Catholic Cathedral has an impressive entrance portal in the style of a Sepik haus tambaran (spirit house).
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