Moresby’s bustling lifestyle

THE birthplace of European influence, Port Moresby was named after Admiral Sir Fairfax Moresby by his son, Captain John Moresby, who mapped the southern coast line in 1873. It later became the capital of British New Guinea, and then Papua New Guinea after independence in 1975.

Port Moresby or “Moresby” as it is popularly known is a bustling cosmopoli tan city of 196,000 people. Rich in cultural diversity, the city has the country’s largest foreign community, and counts among its citizens people from almost every tribal group in the land. The centre of the city is on a peninsula at the entrance to Fairfax Harbour, where the docks and business district are located. Nearby Paga Hill is a favourite city lookout spot among visitors.

Port Moresby is a “spread out” city, extending along the coastal bays and back into the hills. Hanuabada is the original Motuan settlement a stilt village located close to the city centre. Although once destroyed by fire, the houses have been rebuilt to retain some of the character of Motuan tradition.

The infamous Kokoda Trail is within striking distance of Port Moresby, and is a main attraction of the area. From popular Ela Beach in the city, the shoreline runs up to Koki Bay, a traditional meeting place for Papuans. Koki Market attracts traders and bargain hunters every day, but on the weekends it is crowded with’stalls offering fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood.

Port Moresby is a fascinating blend of the old and the new. The National Parliament building exemplifies the striking harmony of modern architecture and tradi tional design. The National Museum and Art Gallery exhibits cultural features of Papua New Guinea’s complex and varied

tribal lifestyles. Port Moresby is the hub for most Papua New Guinea air travel. With a staggering 466 airfields scattered through out the country, Papua New Guinea is dependent on the efficiency of its domestic flight network. Jacksons International Airport has established Port Moresby as the gateway to Papua New Guinea.

Sogeri Plateau is a 46 kilometre journey from Port Moresby. At 800 metres the air is cool and comfortable. From Sogeri, short drives (and walks) lead to peaceful picnic areas, jungle walks, and swimming holes.

Sogeri is also the starting point for the

Kokoda Trail. Variarata National Park is a spectacular natural mountain region provid ing excellent views of Port Moresby and the coastline. Wildlife and native flora are plen tiful and provide photographers with an opportunity to test their skills.

West of Port Moresby the Hiritano Highway connects to Bereina, home of the colourful Mekeo people who are renowned for their impressive dancing displays and striking costumes. In tbfe high country, the village of Tapini can be reached by walking tracks, or by aircraft to its heart-stopping cliff-face airstrip.

Yunus Rashid

Village life in Papua New Guinea