5 THRILLING THINGS TO DO IN THE HIGHLANDS OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA

The New Guinean Highlands, also called the Central Cordillera, are spanning across the whole island of New Guinea, from the head to the tail and they are the highest mountains of Oceania, with their peaks often covered with ice. The part that belongs to Papua New Guinea is known as the Bismarck Range with the highest peak Mt Wilhelm (Enduwa Kombuglu, 4509 m). Its sharp summit is towering over the vast alpine tundra, jungles, valleys, lakes and coffee plantations.

The Bismarck Range

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN THE HIGHLANDS OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA

1.GOROKA

Deep gorges and rushing rivers of the Highlands are home to GOROKA – a small town characteristic of ancient caves, dense rainforest and tropical waterfalls, with the best trekking opportunities in The Central Cordillera.

This is the starting point of the challenging four-day climb to Mount Wilhelm. Many travellers come here to witness the glorious Goroka Festival. It is the oldest carnival in the country to celebrate the spirit of Papua. (see TOP PAPUAN FESTIVALS)

The Goroka Highglands, a hill tribe village

2.THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS 

In the Southern Highlands there lies the TARI BASIN, providing access to the spectacular Tari Valley with animist tribes that inhabit the jungles of the highland plateau. This is one of the most authentic parts of Papua where tradition means more than anything and the local people are still living in the way like their ancestors used to hundreds of years ago.

Huli tribal villages can be visited for their spirit dance performances and skull caves, Tagari River is ideal for rafting and the entire Tari Basin region is stuffed with wildlife, hence jungle trekking, eco-tourism and wildlife watching are in the spotlight.

Jungle trekking in the Tari Valley

3.LAKE KUTUBU 

The Kutubu Lake is also well-worth of visiting for its remarkable fauna and flora, ethnic communities and beautiful landscape. It is the biggest lake in Papua and it features a distinctive ecosystem. Visitors can encounter here some of the rarest wildlife on our planet, such as the Tree Kangaroo, Cassowary and Singing Dingo. The legendary Bird of Paradise is the highlight for all nature lovers.

New Guinean Tree-kangaroo

4.THE WESTERN HIGHLANDS

MT HAGEN, in the western part of the Highlands, is the third biggest city of Papua. This cultural hub offers nice markets selling colourful traditional clothing.

The annual costume festival ‘Mt Hagen Show’ is held every August where all neighbouring tribes meet and present amazing handmade outfits while dancing and singing together to remind themselves of the big day of Papuan Independence in September 1975. This event is considered as the visually most impressive but also the most expensive. (see TOP PAPUAN FESTIVALS)

The famous Mt Hagen Show

5 HIGHLIGHTS IN THE PAPUA NEW GUINEA HIGHLANDS (BRIEF SUMMARY)

1. Visit the cultural festival in Goroka with the longest tradition on the island. Watch the dramatic gathering of more than 100 tribes and the big fest celebrating the Independence of Papua New Guinea.
2. Join the 4-day expedition to the summit of  Mount Wilhelm. There are various local and Australian guided tours departing from Goroka on a regular basis.
3. Take part in the legendary Mt Hagen Show and feast your eyes on the surreal Papuan costumes and their fascinating dance.
4. Spend a day or two by Lake Kutubu and enjoy some of the best wildlife spottings in the world. There is a wide range of birds and rich fauna and flora, including the world`s rarest species near extinction. However, watch out for the Cassowary Bird that might be fatal to people when provoked.
5. Visit the Huli tribes and their skull caves in the Tari Valley where you can also enjoy some of the best jungle trekking opportunities in PNG.

Papuan Cassowary

NOTE

It is always advisable to inquire about the safety situation in PNG, due to the presence of criminal gangs and tribal conflicts.

Malaria pills and vaccination against the Yellow Fever is strongly recommended and some countries such as Australia even request all visitors get immunized prior to the entry to PNG.

WHEN TO TRAVEL

Papua New Guinea has an unpredictable weather and heavy rains can occur at any time.

Generally, the most pleasant time of the year to visit is during the dry months which are between May and October and most festivals take place within this period, and there are the best conditions for hiking and trekking.

HOW TO GET THERE

There are two Australian airlines that fly into Port Moresby from overseas – Virgin Australia and Qantas.

Air Niugini is the national carrier of Papua New Guinea and you will need to use their services to get to Goroka or Mt Hagen.

For all international flights check out www.skyscanner.com or www.momondo.com