Madang is a city in Madang Province on the north coast of Papua, New Guinea. In 2005 it had a population of almost 30,000.. The town is said to be one of the prettiest towns in the South Pacific.
Madang is the home of Divine Word University. The University accepts local and international students. The University offers on-site accommodation for undergraduates and postgraduates.
Russian biologist Nicholai Miklukho-Maklai was probably the first European to visit the area. In 1871 he stayed at Astrolabe Bay just south of present day Madang for 15 months. He had a good relationship with the local communities before leaving suffering from malaria.
In 1884 the German New Guinea Company arrived and tried to establish a base at various locations including at present day Madang but were continually beaten by malaria. They eventually moved to Rabaul.
The Japanese invaded and captured Madang without a fight during World War II in 1942. In September 1943, Australian forces launched a sustained campaign to retake the Finisterre Range and Madang. The town was captured on April 24, 1944. During the occupation and fighting the town was virtually destroyed and had to be rebuilt afterwards.
PLACE TO VISIT
Many visitors come to Madang for the fine Scuba diving available in nearby waters. Others to see a pretty, small, relatively safe PNG, town that is a wonderful place to walk around and explore. The shoreline around the town has many small sandy swimming spots with grass, large trees and shade.
It is a great town to relax and recuperate. Large stores have most amenities the traveler will need, as well as a lot of local items that are interesting to see and try. Local residents are curious but reserved around travelers, but are usually friendly and helpful when approached.
WHAT TO DO
In the center of Madang is a busy local market. People come daily from the highlands with produce to sell and load up with goods to take back with them at the end of the day. A wide variety of fruits and vegetables are available.
Outside of Madang are many small villages. Many of these offer tours and will show you local customs and their way of life. The people are extremely friendly and a tour is highly recommended. Any of the hotels in town can organise this for you for approx US$25/person for an afternoon including all transport. There are over 200 bats that take flight in the evening.
EAT
There are not many restaurants outside of the few hotels who serve both guests and people passing by. The golf club serves meals and drinks though its weekday daytime hours can be limited. Some stores sell a limited selection of local 'fast' food. You may be able to find someone to sign you in as a guest to the members-only boat club that is a favorite of local business people and ex-pats.
The usual cautions apply for visitors eating in developing countries. Places catering to tourists are clean, the food is fresh and the water safe to drink. Seafood and produce are plentiful. Fresh coconuts are easy to buy and provide a refreshing drink. Ask someone for help, and they'll quickly brandish a large knife seemingly from nowhere and expertly cut it open.
HOW TO REACH
National airlines fly in and out of Madang on a regular schedule, including jet aircraft.
