Things to Do in Madang

Madang sits on Papua New Guinea's northern coast like a tropical postcard come to life, though thankfully without the tourist crowds you might expect. This coastal town actually serves as the capital of Madang Province, and it's got this laid-back charm that grows on you - think palm-fringed harbors, coral reefs that divers genuinely rave about, and a cultural mix that reflects PNG's incredible diversity. The town itself isn't huge, but it punches above its weight when it comes to natural beauty and authentic Melanesian culture. You'll find yourself in a place where traditional markets buzz with local life, where World War II history lurks in nearby jungles, and where some of the world's best diving happens right offshore - all without feeling like you're in a theme park version of the South Pacific.

The food scene in Madang reflects PNG's position between Asia and the Pacific, with genuine Chinese restaurants serving surprisingly good meals alongside local places specializing in fresh seafood and traditional dishes like mumu (earth oven cooking). You'll find several decent restaurants along the waterfront that cater to both locals and visitors - expect to pay $15-25 for dinner at these spots. The local market has excellent tropical fruits and you might find women selling home-cooked meals from small stalls, which tends to be both delicious and incredibly cheap. Hotel restaurants generally serve reliable international food, though you're missing out if you don't try some local specialties while you're here.

Madang's tropical climate means it's warm and humid year-round, but the dry season from May through October generally offers the most comfortable conditions with less rainfall and slightly lower humidity. That said, even the wet season (November-April) has its charms - the landscape becomes incredibly lush, and rain often comes in dramatic but brief afternoon downpours rather than constant drizzle. For diving, visibility tends to be best during dry season, though the water temperature stays pleasant year-round. Keep in mind that PNG doesn't really have a tourist high season the way other Pacific destinations do, so you're unlikely to encounter crowds regardless of when you visit.