The District has four local level government (LLG) areas namely; Astrolabe Bay, Nahu Rawa, (Nankina, Yupna & Domung (NAYUDO) and Saidor (formerly Rai Kos).

The largest local government area is Saidor which has 42 wards.

Historically, Saidor was the base for the allied forces during World War II, while the Astrolabe Bay LLG area was known by the Ukrainian anthropologist and explorer Miklouho-Maclay who landed in the area in September 1871 on his boat - Vitiaz.

Today a memorial stands at Garagasi in Bongu village.

From Madang to the border, there are many fast running creeks and rivers and makes crossing difficult during wet season.