Madang: Island Trips, Markets and Parks

Madang is located on a peninsula, surrounded by coral-rich waters. This landscape gives the town a distinctive setting, but different experiences come together when planning a trip: excursions to islands in the harbour, walking paths in parks, markets and the Coastwatchers’ Memorial. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can start by considering whether a planned trip on the water or a varied mix of different places to visit is your priority.

Island Trips in Two Timeframes

Melanesian Tourist Services offers full- and half-day cruises to islands in Madang Harbour. The destinations mentioned include Krangket, Pig and Wangad. The different timeframes provide a practical starting point for planning your day: you can decide whether to set aside half a day or a full day for an island trip before fitting in other activities.

The operator also mentions swimming near Pik Island as an option on trips to the islands in the harbour. When planning, you can therefore choose both the length of the cruise and a possible activity associated with the trip. The options actually available may depend on availability and the weather. If this part of the trip is especially important to you, it is a good idea to check with Melanesian Tourist Services in advance.

Madang’s position on a peninsula and its coral-rich waters provide the scenic setting for these excursions. This lets you include an interest in the water in your travel plans without making island trips the focus of your entire schedule. The other places to visit in Madang offer different ways to spend your stay.

Walking Paths, Markets and a Striking Memorial

A 2011 guidebook describes several parks in Madang with shady walking paths. This complements the cruises with another way to spend your time: rather than a half- or full-day excursion, a walk becomes a travel idea in its own right. For travellers who enjoy variety in their daily plans, this creates a contrast between the timeframe of an island trip and an interest in walking paths in parks.

Madang’s markets are also places to visit. They can be included in your plans as a separate reason to go out, alongside trips on the water and walks. The Coastwatchers’ Memorial at Kalibobo Point is 30 metres high. This named landmark adds another point of interest, distinct from the activities and markets. The combination makes it possible to experience Madang through more than one holiday theme.

Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Travel Rhythm

When looking for a holiday apartment in Madang, it may help to first decide what kind of mix of activities you want each day. Consider whether you would like to plan a full- or half-day cruise and how important walking paths, markets or the memorial are to your trip. This way, you can start your search with the experiences that interest you, rather than with an accommodation type that, on its own, does not say anything about your holiday.

Madang combines a clearly defined scenic setting with a variety of reasons to visit: island cruises offer two timeframes, while the parks, markets and memorial appeal to different interests. If you are looking for a holiday apartment as a base for your trip, you can use these differences to organise what you want from your stay. Discover more destinations: Tufi, Kokopo, Hewiia, Matukar, Omili, Goroka, Kimbe, Rabaul.

For the main travel overview: Papua New Guinea.