The Highlands  - Culture

The most densely populated and agriculturally productive region of PNG, the Highlands also has the most extensive road system in the country, many major towns, Kainantu, Mt Hagen, Mendi, and a culture that is equal parts traditional and modern. The Highlands were thought to be uninhabited until gold miners ventured up from the coast in the 1930s and discovered 100,000 people living Stone Age-style unaware of the outside world. 

Described by early visitors as the Papuan Wonderland, and they are still home to some of the most fascinating tribal cultures of New Guinea. The Highland region is composed of a long string of fertile valleys, each separated from its neighbours by imposing mountains. Although the Highlands are composed of many distinct regions, all of which are well worth investigating, the most fascinating of them is the Southern Highland area. The most densely populated and agriculturally productive region of PNG, the Highlands also has the most extensive road system in the country, many major towns, Kainantu, Mt Hagen, Mendi, and a culture that is equal parts traditional and modern. The Highlands were thought to be uninhabited until gold miners ventured up from the coast in the 1930s and discovered 100,000 people living Stone Age-style unaware of the outside world. The countryside is dramatic, with wide, fertile valleys, numerous rivers and craggy mountains. Highlights of the area include: handicrafts, intricately decorated bows and arrows, kina shells, basketry and coarse woollen goods; Mt Gahavisuka Provincial Park many walking tracks, picnic shelters and a range of exotic flora; Mt Wilhelm, the tallest mountain in the country great views from its 4500m/14,760ft summit; and Lake Kutubu an idyllic setting with picturesque surrounding country.

The area itself is spectacular, with lush vegetation, dramatic high mountain valleys, towering mountains, and the roaring headwaters of several rivers. The largest ethnic group are the Huli, whose Edenic territory in the Lavani Valley was discovered only in 1954. Like many of Papua New guinea's peoples, the Huli are distinguished by their unique forms of personal adornment--in this case, spectacular wigs fashioned of feathers, human hair, flowers, and the fur of the marsupial cuscus. The Mendi River, a popular spot for white water rafting, is also located in the Southern Highlands. Trips of two or three days can be arranged, but only for experienced rafters; the course includes 30-foot waterfalls and grade-five rapids.

The Eastern and Western highlands, while less remote, more developed, and somewhat less topographically overwhelming, nonetheless hold considerable attractions. In the Eastern Highlands lies Mount Wilhelm, Papua New Guinea's highest mountain (14,880 feet). Climbing Wilhelm is relatively easy; it can be done in two days, but three or four are recommended to allow for ample sightseeing. The trail begins at Kegsugl, in the middle of the island, and goes through a moss forest, past lakes and waterfalls, and by the remains of a World War Two-era American bomber plane. From the summit (which is usually snowy), there are spectacular views of both the north and south coasts of New Guinea. Also in the Eastern Highlands is the Wahgi River, which has earned an international reputation as one of the very finest white water rafting destinations in the world.

In the Western Highlands, a picturesque region of coffee and tea plantations, is the Baiyer River wildlife sanctuary. Home to the largest population of birds of paradise in the world, the Baiyer River sanctuary is a rich rainforest habitat, with an abundance of wildlife of all sorts. It is traversed by a large number of very well maintained trails, making it one of the most amiable locales for hiking in the highlands.