Since starting expat recruitment we make a point of jumping on a plane to Port Moresby as often as possible.
For those who aren’t too familiar with the area, Lae is typically known as Port Moresby’s unofficial younger brother and the gateway to the Highlands. As PNG’s industrial hub, it serves as the middle-man between the resources, produce and materials manufactured in Morobe, and the rest of the country.
There’s no denying that Lae gets a pretty bad wrap for the rain, state of the roads, safety concerns and lack of infrastructure. If you only go by what you read online, it’s easy to get caught up on the negative.
What we experienced didn’t match up to those stereotypes at all. Neither did the experiences of those we’ve spoken to about their time in Lae.
In reality, a life in a more remote industrial hub isn’t going to suit everyone. But for those up for a change in pace and ready to experience life in a different corner of the world, it might be time to open your mind and see it for yourself.
Get ready for the rain
What you may not expect is the sheer amount of greenery and the abundance of fresh produce that comes with a whopping 4,400 mm of rain every year.
While Port Moresby is blasted by dry winds that coat the city in a layer of dust, Lae’s surroundings are lush and vibrant. The fruit tastes sweeter and the air seems fresher.
If you can look past afternoon storms and a bit of mud on your shoes, the weather won’t concern you.
If you ever get the chance to visit the local market, we would highly recommend picking up a basket of fruit and veggies for a few Kina to bring back to POM.
Getting around Lae – the roads & safety in PNG
In terms of safety, Lae is like any city that is still developing and finding its feet. Common sense precautions and keeping on the straight and narrow will generally keep you out of trouble. The hotels, restaurants, expat housing compounds and malls are secure, and the drivers know which roads to travel down and how to get you from A to B safely.
Driving around, you get the feeling that the whole region is lying in wait. Some of the buildings and facilities could use repairs and a fresh coat of paint, but it’s unlikely to see much momentum before mining projects get the go-ahead or royalties flow into the region.
That being said, not everywhere is in need of a re-vamp.
For example, take Brian Bell Plaza. After burning down in 2014, re-opened and what strikes you is the obvious amount of time and effort they have put into not only rebuilding the plaza, but into setting a new standard for developments like this in Lae.
The centre is huge with high-quality fit-outs the whole way through. The range and quality of products inside are the same as what we would see in Australia. More developments like this one are likely to make Lae a more attractive place to live and work in Papua New Guinea.
Living and working in Lae
When we’ve asked around about what it is really like to live in Lae, it’s not uncommon to hear people prefer it to Port Moresby. We have heard someone sum it up best: In Port Moresby, the expat community can be centred on who you know and status, but in Lae it’s just about community.
The expat community is tight-knit, and everyone knows everyone. What this means is a strong sense of comradery and a sense of connectedness that is vital when you’re living away from your home country.
This being said, living as an expat in the region isn’t without its challenges.
One of the most obvious hurdles to overcome would be the decision on whether or not to bring your family. The quality of schooling is not as high as in Port Moresby and life has a slower pace. In POM there are multiple sports or professional clubs to join, a bowling alley, movie theatre, restaurants and malls but in Lae, life is a little quieter. Of the expats that bring their partners over, an important consideration is whether they are content with a quiet life, getting engaged in the tight-knit expat community or spending time volunteering or with a church group.
The reality is, Lae isn’t for everyone. And that’s okay.
In the future, the opportunities for Lae are mounting. The city is strategically placed as the gateway to the Highlands via the highway, which will open up avenues for business tourism, logistics and construction when projects like Wafi Golpu finally get the go-ahead.
If you are interested in opportunities up in Lae, or have lived in Lae and can share some constructive advice from your time there, We’d be keen to hear your thoughts, send us a message!