Broke or not - Kokopo Town Market is a way to go!

It was my shopping time ! I got my backpack on my shoulders and started walking toward fruit section of the market . It was sunny lady . Ladies with their Mary blouse dresses were sitting on the benches and watching me closely , but still giving me space. They greeted me with they warm smile filled with reddish marks from betel nut chewing. But not here. Market was free from this habit and could result in fine for those who have decided to test newly implemented rules. 

kokopo fruit , vegetable and souvenirs market in Kokopo Town , East New Britain , Papau New Guinea

I wondered around and did my first stop for pineapple . 5 Kina per peace ( That's about 2 USD / 2,5 euro ) . From the same lady I also got passion fruit, avocado and some oranges. My bag started to feel little heavy , but still have space.


I walked up to coconut lady and asked her to o[open it on the spot so I can refresh my self before going to vegetable section . This momentarily joy cost me 1 Kina per coconut. ​

After I wandered trough mysterious vegetable section that I still half the time dont know what I am buying , but it taste and smell good and they sell it to eat, so all should be ok .




What a treat , baby tomatoes and a pile of them . About 2-8 of them cost 40 kina today . So .. I got all of them from the day for 10 kina . Got whole bag of them .


Every day prices is different depending of what is in the season . Sometimes the same thing can be up to 4 kina and other day just 1 kina . But still . Lets be fair- still a great price. ​

After filling my bag , I passed by jewellery and dress section . But this time not to dress shop , but to get Moringa oil that is mixed with coconut oil . This magical oil helps with dealing with mosquito . As the last thing you want is malaria !

It still amazes me that prices in market seem so low , but prices for flights , hotels , food and basically anything else is very expensive. Nearly as much as Australia sometimes and as there are only few options , you take it or leave it . But service quality feels like Asia standard, but price is western . Interesting experience. ​

Market is open Daily 6 AM till 6 PM , Of course all fresh veggies are in the morning . Although its still good around 4 Pm and those who are slowly packing up might give you little extra veggies with your purchase.
Overall market is a decent size . And takes about 1–3 hours. I normally get my shopping done in about 40 minutes . Just quick take and pay system ! But it could be fun to hang around a little!


There are many thing sold at this market , but highlight must be:


Buai ( Betel Nut )
Daka ( Mustard sticks )
Cumbung ( mineral lime )
Dried tabacco leaves
Sealed containers with home cooked foods.


Market itself is not blocked from any side. It is fully open to public. ​

I would recommend a visit  !


​Also from time to time market speakers come on . After many times of wondering I have at last found out about what are they saying . Turns out its a reminder to civid conduct , the closing times and the prayer to end the trading day !


Outside market on one side there is a car park and on both sides there are PMV stations . PMV is a local public transportation service.

If you wonder about safety .. We dont take shiny new camera of phone with you and  put it in everyone's face and you will be just fine ! People are kind and nothing like media makes PNG sound ! 

All i have met  have been kind and helpful and have not bothered me in any way ! There is crime of course , but where in the world there isn't ?

Betel nut !!

Powder to eat together with betel nut

My amazing refreshment station !!