A Journey of Discovery : My First Visit to Madang’s Villages — A Highlands Visitor’s Story

As someone born and raised in the cool mountains of the Eastern Highlands, I’ve always known Papua New Guinea as a land of diversity — in language, in tradition, in landscape. But it wasn’t until I travelled to Madang Province that I truly understood how rich and beautiful that diversity is. I arrived in Madang Town on a clear morning, the air thick with the scent of salt and frangipani. Just stepping off the PMV, I could feel the difference — the sea breeze, the gentle smiles, and a pace of life slower than what I knew back home. But my real journey began when I left the town and traveled into the nearby rural villages along the coast.

First Stop : Bilbil 'Where Clay Tells Stories'

In Bilbil Village, I was welcomed like a cousin long lost. The women, laughing together in a circle, showed me how they shape traditional clay pots using techniques passed down through generations. I even tried to mold one myself — let’s just say theirs looked better. What struck me was not just the craftsmanship, but the pride they had in their heritage.

“Every pot holds more than food,” one elder told me.“ It holds our stories.”

That night, I stayed in a homestay powered by solar light. Simple, peaceful, and surrounded by ocean sounds — it was one of the most restful sleeps I’ve had in years.

Canoes and Coral in Yabob

The next day, I walked a short stretch to Yabob Village, where fishing is more than a skill, it’s a spiritual connection to the sea. I watched young boys paddle dugout canoes with ease, while elders mended nets and spoke of fishing taboos and ocean respect.

I was offered smoked fish, sago, and kulau (young coconut) by a host family; all fresh and prepared with genuine care. We shared stories by firelight, and they asked me about Goroka, our coffee, our songs, our chilly mornings. It felt good to share my world with them too.

Lessons from Riwo: Youth, Tourism, and Solar Power

In Riwo Village, I met Daniel — a young man using solar panels to support eco-tourism. He guided me to a coral reef restoration area just off the beach, explaining how the community protects their marine environment while hosting visitors.

“When guests come,” Daniel said, “we don’t change who we are — we share who we are.”

It inspired me. Back home, we have forests and mountains, but maybe we could learn something from Madang’s blend of culture and conservation.

What I Took With Me

Leaving Madang’s villages, I felt full — not just from the food or the warm sun, but from the spirit of community. The way people work together, welcome strangers, and celebrate their culture gave me a new appreciation for the richness of our country. I’ve traveled to many places in PNG, but Madang’s rural coast stays with me — in the sea breeze I still remember, in the clay pot I carried home, and in the hope that one day, I can return and bring others with me. My visit to Riwo and nearby villages was made even more meaningful thanks to the facilitation and local coordination by the Madang Rural Development Foundation (MRDF), whose community-based work ensured I could experience the region respectfully, safely, and with a deeper understanding of the people and projects shaping rural Madang.

Jackson Andapa, visitor from Eastern Highlands Province

Story documented and shared by the Madang Rural Development Foundation (MRDF) as part of the Madang Sustainable Tourism Initiative.