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Named ‘The Papuan Wonderland’ by explorers who
discovered these hidden mountain valleys in 1935, the Southern Highlands
contains lush, high valleys sandwiched between towering limestone peaks. The
region’s most remote area, it remains relatively undeveloped. Traditional
cultures thrive here, particularly in the Tari Basin, where the Huli and Duna
Wigmen are famous for their elaborately decorated wigs and body art. These
warriors have a great reverence for birds, imitating them in ceremonial dances
and decorating their wigs with feathers, flowers and cuscus fur. The province
contains the country's second-highest mountain, Mount Giluwe (4368m). Mendi is
the capital town of this mountainous country.
The headwaters of the
Kikori, Erave and Strickland rivers cross the province, beneath towering Mr
Giluwe. International caving expeditions have discovered caves of enormous depth
and length and anticipate further significant finds in areas yet to be
explored.
This cool alpine setting is the home of the Huli and Duna
Wigmen. Famous for their elaborate and colourful dress, these proud warriors
have great reverence for birds, imitating them in ceremonial dances and
decorating their wigs with feathers, flowers and cuscus fur. The wigs, are woven
from human hair, donated by wives and children. Everlasting daisies are
especially cultivated for use in the wigs, while their faces are painted with
yellow and ochre. The women, by contrast wear black for their wedding and coat
themselves with blue-grey clay when mourning.
Clans in the Southern
Highlands have a strong and intricate social system little affected by change.
It is one of the few places where the traditional way of life can be seen in
everyday living. Ceremonial rituals are strongly observed. Men and women can
still be seen wearing traditional dress, tending their gardens and pigs and
building their bush material huts. Visitors to the tribal wonderland of the
Southern Highlands can stay in a variety of accommodation from basic guest
houses to luxurious mountain lodges.
The beauty of this tranquil setting can be enjoyed
from the Lake Kutubu, situated on a ridge overlooking the lake. The Lodge, built
by the local people to allow visitors to observe traditional life in comfortable
surroundings is constructed of bush materials. Butterflies and Birds of Paradise
are common in this area. The Lodge will arrange tours to some of the beautiful
rivers and waterfalls nearby.
Things to see
Mendi: Built around the airport in a lush high valley between impressive limestone peaks, this small town has essential services. Huli, Duna and other tribespeople from this area are famous for their red and yellow face decorations and elaborately decorated wigs.Mendi Market: Fridays and Saturdays when the locals come to town is best. The market is located by the main highway north of town across the bridge and beside the river.
Artefacts: A shop near Mendi Bakery sells weapons, baskets and hand-loomed products.
Lake Kutubu: Butterflies and birds of paradise are plentiful around this beautiful, peaceful place and the friendly people live traditional lives. You can swim, visit villages or just enjoy the scenery. The closest airstrip is at Moro and is serviced by Airlines PNG from Port Moresby and Mount Hagen.
Tari: Saturday is when most Huli people come to market. Apart from a few trade stores, there is little else but the surrounding countryside. The people are interesting and there are many good places to stay, ranging from upmarket lodges to village guesthouses.
Wasi Falls Wildlife Management Area: Virgin rainforest here is rich in birds and wildlife. There are several waterfalls including the Wasi Falls, which plummet 100m, and many caves, some of which were used for burials. Tubo Lodge can organise birdwatching and wildlife tours. Enquire and book direct to Box 1628, Boroko, NCD, phone (675) 327 3286 / 323 9681 or mobile (675) 686 4524.
Things to do
Walking/trekking: Many people walk from nearby to Lake Kutubu and fly out from Pimaga. The longest route, from Nipa on the Tari-Mendi Road, takes three days and is fairly rigorous. Take a guide. Alternatively you can walk about 20km from Pimaga to Gesege Village and go by canoe to the lodge at Tage Point. Ambua Lodge and Lakwanda Lodge near Tari can organise hikes and tours.Mount Giluwe (4368m), the country’s second-highest mountain, is an old shield volcano with vast alpine grasslands. Ancient lava plugs form the two summits. It can be climbed from Palnol or Kopkop villages taking four days, or from near Tambul in Western Highlands Province. Kiburu Lodge at Mendi can organise walks and treks.
Mount Ialibu (3465m) and other hikes can be made from Ialibu, midway between Mendi and Mount Hagen. Ialibu has a cultural centre and museum, and accommodation built by the local people, the Imbonggu. Basket-making is a village industry here.
Birdwatching: There is birdwatching at Lake Kutubu and Wasi Falls. Ambua Lodge, surrounded by dense tropical rainforest, and Lakwanda Lodge, near Tari, also have good birdwatching.
Sightseeing tours: Ambua Lodge organises a range of guided tours. Walk along rainforest tracks to go birdwatching, take a trip down the river to see the waterfalls or go by 4WD to visit a village and watch a traditional ‘sing sing’. Kiburu Lodge, on the banks of the Mendi River, has a wide range of activities including cultural tours, mountain climbing and flora and fauna expeditions. Lakwanda Lodge offers orchid tours, skeleton cave tours, trekking, bush walking and other cultural activities.
Click here to view accommodation listing in the Southern Highlands Province
