Port Moresby Crowne Plaza advice needed

[Tawita]

Re lounge access. I fly through POM every couple of months (working in Bougainville). I am QF SG and have access to the Paradise Lounge if I am on a QF flight, either codeshare to BNE or SYD, or QF metal to CNS (QF and PX do not code-share on the POM-CNS sector).

 

[Virgin Bart]

They didn't see you and they can't prove a thing?

Great! So just confirming as a QF SG you get access for POM-CNS on QF metal with QF number?

 

[Tawita]

Yes, and the new Paradise Club in the revamped International terminal at POM is quite nice.

 

[Virgin Bart]

Yes, and the new Paradise Club in the revamped International terminal at POM is quite nice.

Great news, thank you! I will do a mini lounge report when I go in Q3.

 

[yo yo ma]

You are unable to get into the paradise lounge POM with QF status unless you are on a PX coded ticket...

Confirming with Tawita that you can access the new paradise lounge in POM with QF status but you must have a QF flight number. The new lounge (and airport as a whole) is a huge improvement on the old one - it is actually quite pleasant going there. There are a lot of new new shops, bars and eateries at POM airport. The artifacts/ souvenirs they sell are now of a high standard but you will need to declare the wooden ones when going through customs.

I agree that you should not travel around POM on foot - especially after hours (even if going a short distance.

 

[Virgin Bart]

Hi everyone! Following the conversation early this year I'm now four days out from my two days in Port Moresby!

Any last minute tips, or changes to the tips?

Could someone advise... Would a walk from HIX to Vision City Mall be safe during the day? I'm talking two people walking briskly, Google says 10 minutes past Sir John Guise Stadium...

And given I'm there for 38 hours now that's the only time we'll be leaving the hotel it seems. But that's ok, I've resigned to that.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Hi everyone! Following the conversation early this year I'm now four days out from my two days in Port Moresby!

Any last minute tips, or changes to the tips?

Could someone advise... Would a walk from HIX to Vision City Mall be safe during the day? I'm talking two people walking briskly, Google says 10 minutes past Sir John Guise Stadium...

And given I'm there for 38 hours now that's the only time we'll be leaving the hotel it seems. But that's ok, I've resigned to that.

Hi VB.

As you know, walking in POM is not what is advised. Having said that, walking in a group is usually no problems. I've certainly done the HI to Vision City walk without problem (in fact I've even climbed up the hill to the left to the coms towers, with a Hash House group, past all the peanut gardens), but be aware, the traffic lights on the corner of Vision City (cnr Waigani Drive and John Guise Drive) is a known car jacking spot so the odd unsavoury type may be loitering there. Also be aware that the walk does not take you past the stadium itself. You can see it, but the front entrance is around the other side of the block on Wards Strip. Vision City is the biggest shopping centre in POM but from an Aussie perspective, it's not all that exciting, just another shopping centre really. On the fence outside HI, you'll have a smallish selection of paintings, carvings and baskets which is worth a stroll (evenings is the best time to barter as the sellers would prefer to sell than pack up), but if you are there next Saturday morning (29/10), Ela Beach market is on and that is definitely well worth the effort. Excellent market with a large variety of things from paintings to cough gourds. From memory, it was about K2 to get in. I'd recommend it as for a short trip, that showcases PNG magnificently. Ela Beach itself is nice and there always seem to be something going on and mostly, the locals are very friendly, approachable and talkative. (The new int terminal at Jacksons also has a small gift shop with nice stuff, but more expensive than the markets).

If you want to take a cab, use the blue cabs ... slightly more reliable and they are lined up outside HI and in the cab rank at Vision City. Alternatively I've also used Expedient transport, which I've found to be excellent. Expedient may also be able to arrange a day trip up to Owers Corner (the start of the Kokoda Trail) if you want. The PMVs are not bad and very cheap, but I'd possibly not recommend them to someone unfamiliar with them ... they go by bus numbers and you don't want to find yourself driven to the wrong area! You may like to think about a day trip to Loloata Island for some snorkelling. The last time I went, the cost was K60 for boat trip, island use and lunch with boat transfer to local reefs which was enjoyable (not GBR standard though), but you'd have to ring to check the current rates, but they do pick up from POM. A big advantage of that trip would be that you'd get to see the settlements, villages and countryside. Also the waters just around the corner from POM are so much cleaner ... almost pristine.

As much as POM has rep for being dangerous, that doesn't really tell the full story. It can be dangerous, but most of the crime is opportunistic. Most of the bad crime is tribal related. On the other hand, the PNG people are very friendly and most like Australians (almost in a big brotherly type of way) and PNG has extraordinary diversity. As much as HI is a nice relaxing setting with nice gardens etc, I'd advise spending time out and about, but above all enjoy it!

 

[Virgin Bart]

Hi VB.

...

As much as HI is a nice relaxing setting with nice gardens etc, I'd advise spending time out and about, but above all enjoy it!

Thanks swanning _it, I'll certainly take your advice on board.

The funny (not actually funny) thing for me about all this, is that I actually normally do very little prep of this sort for holidays. And I've been to some pretty unique places. I guess this is a special beast.

At this stage I'm looking at probably going to the markets and the shopping centre. Far from what I'd normally do on holidays - I love strolling around and finding the hidden gems. But it seems my hands are tied given the situation there.

swanning_it, am I better off asking the hotel to arrange a taxi (or even a hotel driver) to take me HIX - market - Vision City - HIX? I'm a little concerned about getting a taxi from the markets. Or would the hotel arranged driver be just as unreliable and/or potentially dangerous?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Thanks swanning _it, I'll certainly take your advice on board.

The funny (not actually funny) thing for me about all this, is that I actually normally do very little prep of this sort for holidays. And I've been to some pretty unique places. I guess this is a special beast.

At this stage I'm looking at probably going to the markets and the shopping centre. Far from what I'd normally do on holidays - I love strolling around and finding the hidden gems. But it seems my hands are tied given the situation there.

swanning_it, am I better off asking the hotel to arrange a taxi (or even a hotel driver) to take me HIX - market - Vision City - HIX? I'm a little concerned about getting a taxi from the markets. Or would the hotel arranged driver be just as unreliable and/or potentially dangerous?

I can't really answer your question about the hotel help with a taxi, as I've never done that. I either have a rental or private car, or I occasionally catch a taxi or PMV. The blue taxi's are called Comfort Cabs and have the better reputation (they are actually legally registered as a taxi, unlike some of the others) however the car itself may, well, disappoint!

If you are planning on using the hotel shuttle to/from the airport, make sure you notify them that you require pick-up with the number of pax, flight number and time and date, as a booking does not mean they will automatically assume you need a lift. They also only send the pick-up if people are booked and with everything in PNG, unless the scrap of paper they're reading has your name on it, you don't get to ride! The shuttle is free however and very convenient. The run in from the airport will also give you a view of the John Guise stadium, just ask the driver to point it out.

You may wish to think about hiring a car. PNG road rules are like AU road rules, so it's no problem. You can also hire and drive on an Australian drivers licence for up to 3 months. Hertz will deliver the car to the HI for you for no additional fee, you just have to ask them. Possibly the only problem you may face is drivers who drive at about 5km per hour in any lane, but a car may give you the option of exploring (finding those hidden gems), but from the safety of a car. I'll also say I cannot ever recall feeling in danger or unsafe in PNG, but it just remains as a caution in back of your mind.

Possibly what a lot of people are a bit shocked over, is the amount of people on the streets. People in PNG generally don't sit at home, they're out and about and walking is the most popular method of getting around, hence you don't find too many places where others are not around.

Another thing to think about is the Nature Park/botanical gardens (comes highly regarded) which is not to far further along Waigani Drive and perhaps even the Aviat club for lunch (visitors are allowed, but not at the Yacht Club).

Also I think I led you astray with the cost of Loloata. I'm now thinking it was AU$60, not PGK60. Sorry for that.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Hey VB, how did the POM jaunt go? Hopefully you got out and about and saw a bit and can now say, "POM, been there, done that"!

 

[Virgin Bart]

Hey VB, how did the POM jaunt go? Hopefully you got out and about and saw a bit and can now say, "POM, been there, done that"!

Good morning from Darwin, just finishing up the same holiday that started with the trip to POM.

Well... I can say I've done my one and only trip to POM in my life! I'm very glad I went to "get it out of the system", but won't be going back.

Fascinating place. Individuals are so friendly, but unfortunately there are a lot of dodgey characters everywhere.

HIX is a decent enough hotel, with very good security and they're happy to call a safe taxi when needed. Breakfast has a few items and is ok to good.

Here's a story.. Was having a number of beverages at Reef Lounge on the way there when I got talking to the lounge attendant (lounge was empty the whole time).. turns out she was from POM and her husband was there at the time. Very kind Lady and the next day her husband took us on a tour of POM for a couple of hours and we had lunch. Unexpected pleasure, great people.

... And thank goodness that happened because otherwise we'd have been stuck in our compound the whole time me thinks!

 

[puppysparkes]

Good morning from Darwin, just finishing up the same holiday that started with the trip to POM.

Well... I can say I've done my one and only trip to POM in my life! I'm very glad I went to "get it out of the system", but won't be going back.

Fascinating place. Individuals are so friendly, but unfortunately there are a lot of dodgey characters everywhere.

HIX is a decent enough hotel, with very good security and they're happy to call a safe taxi when needed. Breakfast has a few items and is ok to good.

Here's a story.. Was having a number of beverages at Reef Lounge on the way there when I got talking to the lounge attendant (lounge was empty the whole time).. turns out she was from POM and her husband was there at the time. Very kind Lady and the next day her husband took us on a tour of POM for a couple of hours and we had lunch. Unexpected pleasure, great people.

... And thank goodness that happened because otherwise we'd have been stuck in our compound the whole time me thinks!

It looks like you could've had your choice of tour guides. I'm here till Wednesday.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Fascinating place. Individuals are so friendly, but unfortunately there are a lot of dodgey characters everywhere.

This sums it up nicely. Glad to hear you did get out and about. Did you get to Ela Beach markets? The funny thing is, the more time I spend in PNG, the more normal it feels and this place feels abnormal.

 

[Reise]

Good morning from Darwin, just finishing up the same holiday that started with the trip to POM.

Well... I can say I've done my one and only trip to POM in my life! I'm very glad I went to "get it out of the system", but

Been off the grid again for a while. Glad to hear your trip was moderately successful. Sorry that I wasn't in a position to show you the high (and maybe some low) lights. It's definitely not a holiday destination at this stage but if you can get out and about there are some places that allow you to forget the security considerations.

 

[Reise]

... The funny thing is, the more time I spend in PNG, the more normal it feels and this place feels abnormal.

I can totally relate to that. After many years in POM the available services improve (more restaurants, bars, cinemas, supermarkets incl. range carried, etc.) but the underlying security situation continues to be a concern. When you compare PNG with Fiji there is some much more potential in the former but the latter has a booming tourism industry that leaves PNG lagging so far behind that the dust has settled and it still hasn't arrived - the 2 big factors as I see them are security and cost of getting around in PNG (internal airfares and reasonable accommodation are overpriced when compared with what other places are offering).