Highlands Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, top things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local customs, safety and health tips, and transportation options to explore the Highlands region of Papua New Guinea.


Papua New Guinea has some of the world’s most diverse wildlife and fascinating indigenous cultures. With rugged terrains, lush rainforests, highland valleys, and snow-capped mountains, PNG’s Highlands region is a natural wonderland perfect for adventurers and nature lovers. This comprehensive travel guide to Highlands, Papua New Guinea, covers all the essential details you need to plan your trip, from a list of top places to visit and best things to do to local customs, safety tips, and transportation options.

Introduction to Highlands

The Highlands region is located in the center of Papua New Guinea on the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, which is the second-largest island in the world after Greenland. With a population of over 4 million people, PNG is one of the most culturally diverse countries globally, primarily due to its geographical isolation, which has led to the evolution of over 700 distinct languages and customs. The Highlands region’s major economic activity is agriculture, primarily coffee and tea cultivation.

List of Places to Visit in Highlands

The Highlands region has numerous attractions, from cultural museums and historical places to scenic mountains and valleys. Here are some top places to visit in the Highlands region:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Goroka Cultural Museum: This museum showcases the rich diversity of PNG’s cultural heritage through its impressive collection of traditional artifacts, including masks, drums, carvings, and various ceremonial items.
  2. Mount Wilhelm: This mountain is PNG’s highest peak at 4509 meters or 14,793 feet. It’s an excellent destination for hiking, nature walks, and climbing enthusiasts.
  3. Tari Basin: This basin is home to the Huli people, known for their unique dress, elaborate hairstyles, and traditional livings. Tourists can mingle with the locals, learn about their customs, and visit their villages.
  4. The Baiyer River Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is one of the largest wildlife areas in PNG, covering over 300,000 hectares. It’s home to various flora and fauna, including rare tree kangaroos, birds of paradise, and other endangered species.

Natural Attractions of Highlands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Lake Kutubu: This volcanic lake is a stunning sight and is home to many rare bird species.
  2. Mount Hagen: This mountain town is the commercial center of the Highlands, surrounded by lush tropical forests, serene rivers, and rugged landscapes. The town celebrates the famous Mount Hagen Cultural Show annually.
  3. The Sepik River: This river runs through the middle of PNG and is the longest river on the island. It’s known for its pristine waters, exotic flora and fauna, and traditional arts and crafts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Highlands

The Highlands region has many hiking and biking trails for nature lovers. Here are some popular routes:

  1. Mt. Wilhelm Hike: This hike is PNG’s most popular and takes about two to three days to complete.
  2. The Kassam Pass Trek: This trek takes you through some of the most picturesque mountain ranges in PNG.
  3. Kokoda Trail: This trek follows in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought the Japanese in World War II, making it a historic and challenging trail.

Best Things to Do in Highlands: Activities and Tours

  1. Coffee and Tea Tours: The region is famous for its world-renowned coffee and tea. Tourists can visit the coffee and tea plantations, learn about the production process, and taste the products.
  2. Attend the Hagen Show: This annual event brings together over 1,000 tribes from the Highlands to showcase their culture, music, and dance performances.
  3. Canoeing on the Sepik River: This activity will give you a first-hand experience of PNG’s unique wildlife and indigenous cultures.
  4. Fishing trips in Lake Murray: Lake Murray is home to hundreds of fish species, including the famous black bass.

Week-Long Itinerary for Highlands

Day 1 - Arrive in Mount Hagen, visit cultural museum Day 2 - Trek through Tari Basin, home of the Huli people Day 3 - Hike Mount Wilhelm Day 4 - Visit Baiyer River Wildlife Sanctuary Day 5 - Visit Lake Kutubu and birdwatching Day 6 - Canoeing and visit to Sepik River villages Day 7 - Depart from the airport

Food and Drink Scene of Highlands

The Highlands region has a unique food and drink culture that is a must-try for any visitor to the region.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Roast pork: This dish is a favorite among PNG locals and visitors alike.
  2. Mumu: This is a traditional cooking method of wrapping food in banana leaves and cooking it over hot stones.

Local Beverages

  1. PNG coffee and tea: These beverages are famous worldwide and are a must-try when in the Highlands region.
  2. Fresh fruit juice: PNG’s tropical climate makes it possible to grow many exotic fruits, making fresh fruit juice a must-try.

Where to Stay in Highlands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Highlands region has numerous accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels to luxury hotels. Some of the top-rated accommodations in the region are:

  1. Highlander Hotel Mount Hagen
  2. Walindi Plantation Resort
  3. Ambua Lodge
  4. Rondon Ridge

What to Buy in Highlands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Traditional masks and carvings: The Highlands region is known for its rich cultural heritage, and traditional masks and carvings make excellent souvenirs.
  2. Highland Coffee and Tea: PNG’s coffee and tea are renowned worldwide.
  3. Handwoven baskets and bags: The Highlands region is known for its intricate weaving, and you can buy many beautiful handwoven baskets and bags as souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Highlands

The Highlands region is famous for its unique cultural heritage and customs. Tourists are advised to dress conservatively when visiting traditional villages and take time to learn about the local customs and cultural practices.

Best Time to Visit Highlands

The best time to visit the Highlands region is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. The weather is cooler, and there are fewer bugs during this period. However, it’s essential to carry warm clothes as the temperatures can get quite chilly in the mountain areas.

Do’s and Don’ts of Highlands

Do:

  1. Respect the local customs and traditions
  2. Carry warm clothing, especially if you plan to visit the mountains
  3. Learn a few phrases of the local languages

Don’t:

  1. Take pictures of the locals without their permission
  2. Wear revealing clothing in traditional villages
  3. Engage in any illegal activity

Safety and Health

Safety in Highlands

The Highlands region can be prone to natural disasters like landslides and earthquakes. It’s essential to know the local weather patterns and take necessary precautions. It’s also advisable to travel with a reputable local guide and avoid traveling at night.

Health in Highlands

PNG has a high incidence of malaria, and it’s essential to take preventive measures when traveling in the Highlands region. Tourists are also advised to carry a first-aid kit and consult a doctor before traveling.

Getting to Highlands: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Highlands

The two main airports in the Highlands region are Mount Hagen Airport and Goroka Airport. Both airports have daily flights to Port Moresby, PNG’s capital city, and other major cities in the country.

Bus Stations Near Highlands

Buses are a convenient and cheap way to travel around PNG. The major bus station in the Highlands region is the Mount Hagen Bus Station, which has regular connections to other major towns in the region.

Other Options

Helicopter and charter flights are also available as transportation options for tourists traveling to remote areas in the Highlands region.

How to Get Around in Highlands

Taxis and car rentals are available in major towns in the Highlands region. However, it’s essential to use reputable taxi services and drivers.

Where to Go Next from Highlands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring the Highlands region, tourists can explore other parts of PNG, such as:

  1. The Sepik River
  2. The Kokoda Trail
  3. The PNG Islands

Conclusion

The Highlands region of Papua New Guinea is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers, with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique food and drink scene. Tourists are advised to plan their trip well in advance and take necessary precautions to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable experience in the region.

Performer at the Mt. Hagen Show, 2007 Performer at the Mt. Hagen Show, 2007 Asaro Mudmen from the Eastern Highlands Asaro Mudmen from the Eastern Highlands Mountains in Enga Province Mountains in Enga Province


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