Things to Do in Madang, Papua Niugini

Madang, often called the 'prettiest town in Papua New Guinea,' is a coastal paradise that serves as the capital of Madang Province. This charming town sits on a natural harbor surrounded by lush tropical islands, coral reefs, and volcanic landscapes that create one of the most scenic settings in the Pacific. The town itself is built around a beautiful harbor dotted with small islands, making it a photographer's dream and a gateway to some of the world's most pristine diving sites. Beyond its natural beauty, Madang offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Papua New Guinea's rich cultural heritage, with over 100 different languages spoken in the province alone. The town combines colonial German and Australian influences with traditional Melanesian culture, creating a unique atmosphere where modern amenities meet traditional village life. Visitors can explore vibrant markets, witness traditional sing-sings (cultural performances), and experience the warmth of local hospitality while using Madang as a base to explore the surrounding islands, coral reefs, and highland villages.

Top Things to Do in Madang

World-Class Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Madang is renowned as one of the world's premier diving destinations, with pristine coral reefs, WWII wrecks, and incredible marine biodiversity right off the coast. The clear waters offer visibility up to 40 meters, and divers can explore everything from shallow coral gardens perfect for beginners to deep wall dives and historic aircraft wrecks from World War II.

Booking Tip: Book with established dive operators like Niugini Diving Adventures or Madang Resort. Expect to pay $80-120 USD for two-tank dives. Best diving conditions are April-November during the dry season.

Island Hopping and Lagoon Exploration

Explore the stunning islands scattered around Madang's harbor, including Kranket Island, Siar Island, and the famous Pig Island. These tropical paradises offer white sand beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and experiencing traditional island village life.

Booking Tip: Charter boats through local operators or hotels for $150-300 per day depending on group size and destinations. Include lunch and snorkeling gear in negotiations. Best visited during calm weather months.

Cultural Village Tours and Sing-Sings

Experience authentic Papua New Guinea culture by visiting traditional villages where you can witness age-old customs, traditional crafts, and spectacular sing-sing performances featuring elaborate costumes, drums, and traditional dances. These cultural exchanges provide insight into the diverse tribal traditions of the region.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local tour operators or your hotel for $50-80 per person. Some villages charge small entry fees ($10-20). Best to visit during cultural festivals or arrange performances in advance.

Madang Market and Town Walking Tour

Explore the vibrant Madang Market, one of Papua New Guinea's most colorful markets, where locals sell fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, betel nut, and traditional crafts. The market provides an authentic glimpse into daily life and offers opportunities to interact with friendly locals from various tribal groups.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning (6-9 AM) for the best selection and cooler temperatures. Bring small denominations of Papua New Guinea Kina. Consider hiring a local guide for $20-30 to help with language and cultural insights.

Scenic Harbor Sunset Cruises

Take a relaxing sunset cruise around Madang's picturesque harbor, offering spectacular views of the surrounding islands, volcanic peaks, and tropical coastline. These cruises often include opportunities to spot dolphins and flying foxes while enjoying the stunning Pacific sunset over the water.

Booking Tip: Book through hotels or waterfront operators for $40-60 per person. Cruises typically last 2-3 hours and may include light refreshments. Best during dry season for clearest skies and calmest waters.

Getting There

Madang Airport (MAG) receives regular flights from Port Moresby via Papua New Guinea's national carrier Air Niugini, with flights taking approximately 1.5 hours. The airport is located about 5 kilometers from the town center, and taxis or hotel transfers are readily available. For those traveling overland, the Highlands Highway connects Madang to Mount Hagen and other highland destinations, though this journey requires 4WD vehicles and can take 6-8 hours depending on road conditions. Some visitors also arrive by boat or cruise ship, as Madang's natural harbor can accommodate various vessel sizes.

Getting Around

Madang town is relatively compact and walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and accommodations within easy walking distance of the harbor area. For longer distances, PMVs (Public Motor Vehicles) - shared minibuses - provide affordable local transportation for around 2-5 Kina per trip. Taxis are available but should be arranged through hotels or called in advance, as they don't typically cruise the streets. For exploring surrounding areas and islands, boat charters are the primary mode of transport, while rental cars or hiring drivers with 4WD vehicles is recommended for visiting highland areas or more remote locations.

Where to Stay

Madang Harbor Area

Coronation Drive Waterfront

Modilon Road

Bau Area

Airport Road vicinity

Bilbil Village area

Food & Dining

Madang's dining scene reflects its coastal location and multicultural influences, with fresh seafood being a highlight at most restaurants. The town offers everything from upscale resort dining featuring international cuisine to local markets serving traditional Papua New Guinea dishes like mumu (earth oven-cooked meals) and fresh tropical fruits. Popular restaurants include those at Madang Resort and other waterfront establishments that serve excellent barramundi, mud crab, and lobster. For authentic local experiences, try the street food around the market area, including fresh coconuts, tropical fruits, and traditional snacks, though visitors should choose vendors carefully and ensure food is freshly prepared.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Madang is during the dry season from May to October, when rainfall is minimal, humidity is lower, and sea conditions are ideal for diving and island hopping. This period offers the clearest skies for photography, calmest waters for boat trips, and most comfortable temperatures averaging 26-30°C (79-86°F). The wet season from November to April brings heavy rainfall and higher humidity, though temperatures remain warm year-round. While the wet season can limit some outdoor activities, it also brings lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, making it a good time for budget travelers who don't mind occasional tropical downpours.

Insider Tips

Bring reef-safe sunscreen as Madang's coral reefs are extremely sensitive to chemical damage, and consider packing a high SPF as the tropical sun is intense even on cloudy days

Learn a few words in Tok Pisin (Papua New Guinea's lingua franca) such as 'gud moning' (good morning) and 'tenk yu' (thank you) - locals greatly appreciate the effort and it enhances cultural interactions

Always carry small denominations of Papua New Guinea Kina for market purchases and tips, and be prepared for limited ATM availability - it's wise to bring sufficient cash from Port Moresby

Things to Do in Madang