Hanuabada Village

An historic coastal Motu village on stilts, home to the indigenous Motu people with a history dating back centuries. It offers visitors insight into traditional waterfront living and cultural practices, though access requires respectful arrangement.

Things to do

• Walking tour of stilt houses — Navigate the wooden walkways between traditional houses built on stilts over the water to observe authentic Motu architecture and daily life.
• Canoe paddling experience — Learn traditional paddling techniques and navigate the shallow waters around the village as the Motu have done for centuries.
• Visit the village market — Browse local fish, coconuts, sago, and handicrafts sold by residents at the small waterfront marketplace.
• Fishing demonstration — Observe or participate in traditional hand-line and net fishing methods still used by Motu fishermen.
• Photography at sunset — Capture the silhouettes of stilted houses and traditional outrigger canoes against the Port Moresby harbor at dusk.

Food to try

• Fresh grilled fish — Locally caught fish grilled over coconut husks and served with sago or coconut rice, a staple protein of the Motu diet.
• Sago with coconut broth — Soft sago starch combined with savory coconut milk and fish or seafood, a traditional carbohydrate foundation of meals.
• Betel nut preparation — A stimulant social experience where areca nut, lime, and betel leaf are chewed together, commonly shared among villagers.
• Coconut-wrapped seafood — Fish or shellfish steamed inside coconut husks or leaves, infusing the seafood with subtle coconut flavor.
• Taro and cassava — Root vegetables boiled or steamed as side dishes, often accompanied by fresh seafood caught that morning.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrange visits through local guides — Hire a respectful local guide or arrange your visit through Port Moresby tourism operators to ensure appropriate access and community benefit.
• Respect photography customs — Always ask permission before photographing residents or their homes, as many Motu people value privacy and cultural sensitivity.
• Understand tidal living patterns — The village's daily rhythms are tied to tides and fishing seasons, so visit during daylight hours and be prepared for wet conditions.
• Learn basic Motu greetings — Greeting residents with simple Motu phrases like 'Moiaiaa' (hello) shows respect and enhances your cultural immersion.

Nearby

• Koki Market — 1 km
• Freedom Square (Central) — 1 km
• Village Craft Market (Central) — 1 km
• Port Moresby (Central) — 1 km