Papua New Guinea Highlands
Home to the most spectacular faces in the Pacific
Nestled deep in the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea are tribes and cultures that remained hidden from the outside world until their discovery in the mid-1900s. This mountainous region is home to expansive agricultural communities, rich mineral reserves, and more than 200 spoken languages - the highest concentration of tribes anywhere in the country.
The Papua New Guinea Highlands is a birdwatcher’s paradise, where vibrant species such as the Southern Crowned Pigeon can be found among breathtaking landscapes. The region is also home to the iconic Asaro Mudmen, Bonemen, and Huli Wigmen - known for their striking ceremonial dress, elaborate human hair wigs, and the Huli people's deep cultural connection to pigs.
This unique blend of nature and culture creates a truly captivating experience in the heart of the Niugini Highlands.
Melanesian Journeys offers carefully crafted itineraries that take you beyond the surface - immersing you in traditional village life, cultural performances, and the spectacular natural world of the Highlands. Let us guide you through one of Papua New Guinea’s most storied and soul-stirring regions.
Activities
A photographers and cultural lovers dream, traveler’s to the PNG Highlands will enjoy:
Birdwatching
Photography Tours
Exclusive cultural experiences, like the Huli Wigmen or the Asaro Mudmen.
Accommodation
We have carefully selected the finest lodges in the Papua New Guinea Highlands for our tours.
Each option offers warm hospitality, central locations, and stunning views across gorges and valleys - all perfectly positioned to explore the many wonders of the region.
Navigating the Highlands
A flight from Port Moresby to either Goroka or Mt. Hagen takes you straight into the heart of the Papua New Guinea Highlands.
Once you arrive, you can embark on various adventures to explore the unique offerings of the Highlands.
Huli Wigmen
The Huli Wigmen of the Southern Highlands are renowned for their elaborate wigs made from human hair, which are worn during ceremonial dances. These striking wigs, along with brightly painted faces and intricate body decorations, symbolize social status and spiritual power. The Huli perform captivating rituals and dances to honor their ancestors and mark important life events, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into their unique culture. Melanesian Journeys facilitates exclusive, private encounters with the Huli Wigmen, allowing guests to experience this incredible tradition up close.
Mud Men
The Mud Men of the Asaro Valley are famous for their striking appearance, with their faces and bodies covered in white clay, creating an otherworldly look. These warriors perform dramatic dances wearing masks made of mud and vegetation to intimidate enemies and honor their ancestors. The Mud Men’s traditions are deeply rooted in their connection to the land and their spiritual beliefs. Melanesian Journeys offers exclusive opportunities to meet the Mud Men, providing guests with a rare, intimate experience of this captivating cultural practice.
