Madang

Papua New Guinea coastal town of lagoons, wartime wrecks, coral reefs, and offshore volcanic islands.

Madang is often called the prettiest town in the Pacific, and the claim is not unreasonable. Set on a peninsula between lagoons and the open sea, the town is full of parks, ponds and waterways, with coconut plantations stretching along the coast in both directions. The diving and snorkelling are excellent — warm water, coral reefs, and several submerged wrecks from World War II.

Volcanic islands rise offshore, some of them still active. Kranket Island, a short boat ride away, has traditional villages and good swimming. Long Island, further out, is known for its bird life. The north coast road through the coconut plantations is one of the great drives in Papua New Guinea.

Guide

Getting There

Madang Airport (MAG) is served by Air Niugini and PNG Air with direct flights from Port Moresby, taking about an hour. Flights from Lae are also available and take less than 30 minutes. The airport is close to the town centre; taxis and PMV (public motor vehicle) minibuses connect the two.

Travelling overland to Madang from Port Moresby is not straightforward — the Highlands Highway connects Madang to the interior of Papua New Guinea, but the road conditions vary and travel times are long. For most visitors, flying is the practical option. The sea approach, for those on private or chartered vessels, is straightforward with a well-marked harbour entrance.

PMVs run along the north coast road in both directions and can be used to reach villages and scenic spots, though scheduling is unpredictable. For diving and island excursions, transport is typically arranged through the resort or dive operator.

Guide

Things to Do

Madang's setting is exceptional — a town built on a peninsula surrounded by lagoons, with volcanic islands visible offshore and WWII wrecks lying in the warm water below the surface. Most visitors come for the diving, which rivals anything in the Pacific: the water is warm and clear, the reefs are healthy, and the wrecks are large enough to spend days exploring.

Above water, the town itself has a lush, slightly overgrown tropical character. Parks and ponds break up the residential grid, and coconut palms line the coastal paths. Village life on the nearby islands provides a different pace. The Madang Festival in June brings together traditional music, dance, and culture from across the region.

Guide

When to Go

Madang has a tropical climate with a wet season from December through April, when heavy rain can disrupt diving and outdoor activities. The dry season from May through November offers the best diving conditions: calmer seas, better visibility, and more reliable weather. June, July, and August are generally considered the best months.

The Madang Festival, held in late June, brings together cultural groups from across Madang Province for several days of singing, dancing, and traditional competition. It is one of the largest cultural festivals in Papua New Guinea and worth timing a visit around if possible. Water temperatures are warm year-round (26–28°C), so diving is good outside the wet season regardless of month.