Security and facilities at Madang

We plan to spend some time in Madang in June and have read some cautions about the city. What are the particular security concerns? Are there shops, ATMs, supermarkets that are safe near Madang Lodge? Are there any new seaside locations offering accommodations at reasonable, mid-priced levels?

there is a good (for PNG) variety of shops and supermarkets and several banks with ATMs - a 10-15 minute walk from the lodge

madang is one of the safer cities of PNG but take all the usual precautions - dont go walking out at night, avoid crowds, look act and dress inconspicuous, the first time you walk to the shops ask someone from the hotel to accompany you,

the hotel can arrange boat trips and the madang resort has a good PADI dive centre - the diving and snorkeling is amazing and there are plenty of islands with beaches - you can arrnage overnight homestays on the inhabited ones

the jais aben resort is about 30 minute drive up the coast and is kind of a beach resort (more mangrove than coral) but is OK if you want a change of scene even if just for a day

Thanks, Majordom. Why is it good for "the first time you walk to the shops ask someone from the hotel to accompany you,"?

so they can show you around and where to avoid of course - while most people are friendly and helpful being or looking lost in PNG can be to invite trouble - are you sure you are ready for PNG ?

also there is a nice fish fry market most days lunchtime in the park outside the entrance to the madang resort

Thanks again, Majordom.

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