Things To Do
Due to COVID-19, there has been a decline in activities in Madang, including no scuba diving offered at Niugini Dive Adventures. See here for more details. Madang, located within Madang Province on the north coast of Papua New Guinea, is considered one of the prettiest towns in the Papua New Guinea. Although it is a popular holiday destination for domestic travellers, with frequent flights to and from Port Moresby, the current situation has limited many activities.
While you can discover the offshore volcanic islands of Manam, Boisa, Karkar, Bagabag, Crown, and Long Island, and see the natural beauty of coral gardens in crystal-clear waters, many other attractions and activities are currently unavailable.
Culturally, this beautiful, tropical garden township offers some opportunities to experience local customs and ways of life through Melanesian Tourist Services (MTS), which works with local villagers. However, options are limited.
Whether you’re visiting for business or hoping to immerse yourself in the local culture, please be aware that there are fewer activities and touring experiences available during your time in Madang.
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Snorkel Madang's Surrounding Islands
The waters surrounding Madang are home to a wonderful array of marine life, including vibrant coral reefs and schools of colourful fish. Snorkellers can explore the underwater world at several popular spots in Madang, such as the picturesque Pig Island, where they can swim with schools of fish and view a variety of coral formations.
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Water Activites
Looking to add more excitement to your aquatic adventure? In addition to our three sparkling pools, why not take things up a notch and rent a kayak, stand-up-paddle board or sailing catamaran?
Complimentary use of kayaks & stand-up paddle boards are offered for guests staying at Madang Resort.
Contact reception for more info.
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Golf
Guests of Madang Resort and Kalibobo Village enjoy membership of the picturesque Madang Country Club’s 9-hole golf course – located a two-minute drive from the Resort. The club’s facilities also include a bowling green.
Contact reception for more info.
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Visit Balek Wildlife Sanctuary
Balek Wildlife Sanctuary, located just a 30-minute drive from Madang town, is a must-visit destination for those visiting Madang. While the sanctuary is not a traditional wildlife park, it provides visitors with an unparalleled scenic tour of the area's natural landscape. Feed the eels and turtles that live in the sulphur pools that flow out of the mountains.
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Village Tours
Melanesian Tourist Services offers captivating village tours in the enchanting region of Madang. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Melanesia as our knowledgeable guides take you on an unforgettable journey through traditional villages. Discover the vibrant lifestyles, customs, and traditions of local communities as you interact with friendly locals and witness their traditional ceremonies and dances.
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Visit Local Markets
These markets are bustling with activity and provide a glimpse into the daily lives of the local people, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking an authentic cultural experience.
Contact reception for more info.
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Scuba Dive WW2 Wrecks
Madang’s surrounding barrier reef provides the perfect environment for the vast array of marine life and colourful coral reefs that live within it; whilst the surrounding islands offer a collection of channels and sheltered lagoons where old wrecks, dating back to World War II, are waiting to be explored. Unfortunately, there are no dive shops in the area operating.
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Nature Walks & Trekking
Enjoy guided nature walks in the early morning or afternoon. Driving to nearby rainforests by, walkers take a short walk to experience ancient caves and their inhabitants including bats, many species of birdlife and with a little luck - a Bird of Paradise.
Available upon enquiry only.
Melanesian Tourist Services
Melanesian Tourist Services (MTS) offers a selection of touring packages where you can visit the surrounding villages’ including:
Haiya Village (20 minutes from Madang Resort) where you can experience a demonstration of village life firsthand
Bilia Island and Village (5 minutes from Madang Resort) where you will see traditional pottery being made
Siar Island and Village (40 minutes from Madang Resort)
Kranget Island (2 minutes from Madang Resort)
Balek Wildlife Reserve featuring bright blue sulphur pools with eels that you can feed
Other places that are available to be explored include the iconic Coastwatcher’s Lighthouse (Kalibobo) and the local museum - Madang ‘Haus Tumbuna’.
For local wares, located just outside of Madang Resort, is Resort Haus Kaving– established by MTS – and where local Papua New Guinean women sell their handmade crafts, jewellery and bilums.
Whilst renowned for its World War II dive wreck sites, there is also a lot of World War II history to be discovered on land - including an old Japanese airfield, plane wrecks including a relatively well-preserved Mitsubishi 'Betty' Bomber and bomb craters and the Alexishafen Mission Station.
The local market is held daily in the town, except for Sunday, where food artisans from the surrounding islands of Madang come to sell their exotic fruit, vegetables, traditional handmade dresses known as ‘meri blous’ and iconic handwoven bags – ‘bilums’.
Advance bookings are required if guests want to enjoy a traditional ‘sing sing’ – a gathering of tribes or villages to share their distinct cultures through dance and music – peacefully sharing their rich traditions.