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.

The cavernous lobby is entered through doors whose handles are stylised kundu drums (an hourglass-shaped drum with lizard skin). Inside, huge Sepik masks share space with several display cases full of fantastic butterflies, including the native Queen Alexandra's Birdwing (the world's largest at 30cm wingspan across), beetles and some very large stick insects. The display cases are easy to miss; they're under the stairs. Photography inside Parliament Haus is forbidden.

It's possible to visit the chamber and witness parliament when it's sitting. A taxi from Boroko costs about around K15 or around K20 from Town. Alternatively, take a PMV along Waigani Dr, get out at the white, empty Pineapple Building, and walk about 2km northeast.