Just outside of Port Moresby

So you've arrived in Port Moresby. It's a city that's new to you and you're raring to check what it's got in store for you. Well, if you ask me, the best things lay just outside of Port Moresby. To access these though, you'd need a 4-wheel drive or a little boat and a sense of adventure. Are you ready? Well... here we go!



the highway



So the first stop we'll do is PAU which is short for Pacific Adventist University. They have an open market here on Sunday mornings where you can buy fresh produce as well as home made cakes and drinks from the families in the area. PAU also has a 2 man-made lakes with picnic grounds where you can have a nice breakfast with the fruit and cakes from the market. It's hard to find toilets here. 20 minutes from the city. As this place is a Christian University, no smoking and alcohol is allowed at all times. You will be asked to leave if you are caught smoking or drinking alcohol.

the market



home made goodies!



the lakes at PAU



the rapids



Next stop is Varirata National Park. This place is a bird sanctuary and is where the highest point in Central province is located. The road going in is treacherous and narrow. You'll have to navigate it carefully. On the way, you'll pass some rapids which are always a fun pit stop. Inside the park are lots of hiking trails. There are picnic grounds as well for families who though of bringing lunch as no one sells food or drink inside. The park also has a look out which shows you a maginificent view of Central province. You can take photos of birds here but I'll leave the birds for another post next time. If you need to use the toilet, you'll have to go in the bush. 30 minutes from the city. You will be asked to pay a minimal fee at the gate.

the entrance to Varirata

the bush



the view from the look out point



happy campers



Kokoda marker



From Varirata, we'll go to Sogeri where Crystal Rapids is located. On the way, you'll pass the marker for the end of the Kokoda trail which was made famous as the last stand that the Australians made against the Japanese during WWII. The road is quite rough to navigate through and steep! You take the right at the fork inside the village. At Crystal Rapids, there are picnic grounds, barbecue grills and a fast-moving river that cascades giving it the name Crystal Rapids. There are also numerous trees from which you can jump from. Mind you, there are no toilets here. 45 minutes from the city. You will be asked to pay a minimal fee at the gate.

the foot path between the picnic grounds

the river before the rapids

jump in!



have a splash at Cyrstal Rapids!



Now... let's got for some water!

Loloata is an island resort 40 minutes from the city. You can take your car to their wharf where they have a ferry or you can call them and have yourself conveniently picked up from one of the hotels around town. You're not allowed to bring food there but the entrance to the resort already is inclusive of lunch. Go for their smoked chicken as that's the best item they've got. There, you can go diving, paddle around in little boats, swim, snorkel, go to Lion's island which is close by or just laze around. Overnight accommodation is available but limited so it is best to reserve in advance. As the sun sets, a magnificent sand bar appears and goes out for a hundred metres or so. I love walking on this sand bar. Night time at Loloata is relaxing and quiet. It's a not a bad place to go to for a quick break from Port Moresby. As it is a resort, they do have toilets.

Loloata island resort



the pontoon at Loloata



Lastly is Fisherman's island. To get here, you'd need to have access to a boat. You can depart from the Yacht Club or the Hanuabada coast. Fisherman's island's waters is crystal clear. The beach has fine white sand and feels nice around your toes. People come here to swim, fish and have barbecues by the beach. This place is beautiful and a great place to relax at. go there on a cloudy day though as there is no shade on the beach and there are no facilities whatsoever. If you need to go to the toilet, you can dig a hole in the ground or go find a tree. As they say, raw beauty comes at a price. This place is close to an hour from Port Moresby by banana boat.

the beach

water like crystal!



and some action!!!

As you can see, there are quite a number of things to do here. You just need to get out there and enjoy what Papua New Guinea has to offer!