Moving to Papua New Guinea with her young family was an adventure; but with a few tricks throughout her two years in Papua New Guinea, Alex was able to enjoy the amazing nature, rich expat community and hidden gems of Papua New Guinea.
When I was 26 years old, my husband got a job offer to run an agro-tech farm in a developing country. Along with our toddler daughter, we moved to the main city of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, also known as POM. We stayed in POM for almost two years and luckily the company found a job for me as well.
Papua New Guinea: Culture
Most of the Papuans that live in POM can speak fluent English. The cultural barrier is the real deal about POM. There are 800 tribes in Papua New Guinea, and few of them are coming to find jobs in POM. One of the unique things about PNG (Papua New Guinea) is that it consists, 800 different tribes, and some of them never left their own area, because of the mountainous demographical landscape. It also means that PNG has no less than 800 different dialects.
POM demonstrates an interesting chaotic environment. It has its charm but it is not a safe place.
Cost of Living
Living in POM can get highly expensive. This is the reason why most of the companies will provide you with accommodation, school/pre-school fees, and even food expenses. You can definitely go to a local market and get some of your ingredients at reasonable prices, but if you want to feel secure you will go to a supermarket where most of the products are imported.
Advantage and Disadvantage
My favorite part about living in POM was, without any doubt, meeting so many unique expats that became my soul mates. My second favourite thing about POM was the amazing nature that surrounded us, especially the birds of paradise that unfortunately are hunted by the tribes for traditional ceremonies and the beautiful flower named spider-lilies.
The worst part about living in POM is the constant feeling of vulnerability.
Hidden Gems of Papua New Guinea
My best advice for anyone who thinks about moving to POM is to join a group of expats in POM before making the first step in order to see if there is someone who is about to move out, so you might get his/her furniture.
With time, I realized that in Port Moresby even going to the grocery store counts as a wild activity. So here are a few activities you can rely on during your time on POM.
The Royal Papua Yacht Club
In order to get inside, you have to be a member or tag along to one of the members. However, you have the opportunity to get in once a week for the activity of Mother Kindergarten. The activity takes place in the shaded playground of the Royal Papua Yacht Club. For those who didn’t purchase the membership for the club, it will cost 30 Kina (9$) for a term- and it's worth much more!
The Kindy Club
In the thick oasis of the well-known Airways Hotel lies a sweet place - The Kindy Club. A small pool for kids to enjoy, and an adorable playground. The hotel offers a nice brunch and lunch for kids as well as for adults. Once again, you’ll have either to pay a membership fee or 50 Kina (15$) for a one-time-entrance, unless you came with a member then you’ll only need to pay 35 Kina (10$).
Duffy PNG
The most trendsetting cafe in POM, besides the fact it is one of the fewer places that serve a decent cup of coffee, they are well-known for their eggs benedict brunch, this is a brunch that will awaken your taste bud.
Duffy is well decorated. You will feel like you are in the Champs-Elysee Paris and not in POM. On the second floor, you will discover a fashionable Duffy shop. This is the place where all of my gifts for birthday parties come from.
Koitaki Country Club
It is outside of Port Moresby, up to the Sogeri road and it is the perfect getaway when you have enough of the city.
Again, you will have to pay a membership fee but(!) unlike, other places this membership doesn’t cost a lot 200-300K (60$-90$) for a member or a family membership card. You can also pay 50 Kina (15$) for a one-time-entrance.
You can enjoy from the large swimming pool and the breathtaking view, or you can go on a horse-riding trail and come back for a tasty lunch menu.
Crystal Rapid
Another enchanted place at the top or Sogeri road. It is a magical place, full of small waterfalls. This is the perfect location for a picnic with your loved ones.
Did I miss any hidden gems of Papua New Guinea? Add them below!
