Madang Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Davird Kirkland Photography
Papua New Guinea’s northern coast is rich with unspoiled local villages, scenic beaches and tiny islands. Explore the township and dive among sunken warships.

Madang is a picturesque province and township on Papua New Guinea’s northern coast. Find active volcanoes, mountain peaks, valleys and fascinating cultures within the stunning coastal province. Explore sandy beaches and canoe along a coastline dotted with small islands.

Located on a scenic peninsula, the town of Madang has been called the “prettiest town in the Pacific”. Explore Madang township to see its beautiful harbour and island views. Hit the markets to try fresh tropical fruit and regional dishes. Visit the Madang Museum and Madang Visitor and Cultural Bureau to learn about the province’s different cultures and history. Madang endured intense warfare during World War II and fallen soldiers are commemorated at the Coastwatchers’ Memorial Beacon.

Take a diving tour in the still, blue waters around the islands. In Hansa and Bogia bays, 34 sunken warships offer a diver’s playground. Don’t miss Madang’s most famous dive sites, including Magic Passage and Planet Rock, a magnificent underwater mountain. Hammerhead sharks patrol the reefs and tropical fish flash through the coral. Beware of strong currents around the reefs of Bagabag Island.

Join a charter boat tour and catch your own seafood dinner or cruise around the shore in a rented canoe. If you are looking for a secluded getaway, head to Kranket, Siar and Samun islands, which offer great swimming, diving and picnic spots.

Hike along the famous Pacific Ring of Fire and see lakes in hollowed craters, smoking volcanoes and black-sand beaches. Less experienced trekkers can join a tour with an informative guide. See lush rainforest and brightly coloured orchids in Madang’s wilderness.

Domestic flights arrive at Madang Airport regularly and passenger boats connect Madang to Manus, Vanimo and Wewak. Lae, the second-largest city in Papua New Guinea, is just over 5-hours’ drive away. Explore Madang town by bus during the day. After dark, arrange a driver through your hotel, as there are no taxis. Visit Madang in August to experience the colourful Mabarosa Festival, celebrating unity among the provinces.

Madang Star International Hotel
Madang Star International Hotel
3 out of 5
Cnr Regina & Bauhinia Ave, Madang
The price is NZ$174 per night from 1 May to 2 May
NZ$174
per night
1 May - 2 May
Stay at this 3-star golf hotel in Madang. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Popular attractions Flying Fox Roosts and Madang Country ...
7.8/10 Good! (22 reviews)
"Close to CBD and friendly"

Reviewed on 29 Nov. 2023

Madang Star International Hotel
Madang Resort
Madang Resort
3.5 out of 5
Coastwatchers Ave, Madang
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Madang. Enjoy free parking, a marina, and a free beach shuttle. Popular attractions Flying Fox Roosts and Coastwatchers’ ...
7.8/10 Good! (56 reviews)
"The view to the neighbouring island (Karanget) was spectacular. Location of the resort is walking distance to madang town and is convinient."

Reviewed on 6 Oct. 2023

Madang Resort
Nambis Inn
Nambis Inn
3.5 out of 5
Section 32 Allotment 1 Petrea Street, Corner Coronation Drive, Madang, Madang
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$241 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
NZ$241
per night
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Madang. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Madang Museum and Machine Gun ...
8/10 Very Good! (3 reviews)
"I stayed at this hotel based on the reviews which I do not think are genuine. The contact number for the hotel on Expedia is wrong. It is for Tawali Resort which is owned by the same person. I tried messaging the hotel to give them my flight details for pick up. However when I landed no bus was there. ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2021

Nambis Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Madang

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
" "5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 20%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
30 Sep 2019

We really enjoyed the culture and friendliness of the people. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday with a difference we recommend it. The natural beauty around Madang is a definite highlight.

5/5 - Excellent

Tom
17 Jun 2019

Lovely people, great diving and island/village tour options

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
17 Jun 2019

The diving provided through the Madang Resort hotel is fabulous - They have an outstanding instructor/dive master called Nathan who can show you the best of Madang's underwater world

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
7 Feb 2019

Compared to other areas of PNG Madang is quite beautiful and safe if you follow the guidelines