Eastern Highlands
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Eastern Highlands

Eastern Highlands, Papua New Guinea

Nestled in the heart of Papua New Guinea, the Eastern Highlands region offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique experiences that will surely enchant any traveler seeking an off-the…

#Eastern Highlands#Papua New Guinea#Highlands region#Mountains#Cultural diversity
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Eastern Highlands.

Top Hotels in Eastern Highlands

Top Flights to Eastern Highlands

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Eastern Highlands.

Tours

Visit the J.K. McCarthy Museum

Explore the history and culture of the Eastern Highlands at this local museum.

Asaro Mudmen Village Tour

Experience the fascinating culture of the Asaro Mudmen and their traditional performances.

Shopping

Explore the Goroka Market

Discover a vibrant local market offering a wide variety of fresh produce, crafts, and traditional items.

Outdoor

Hike Mount Wilhelm

Challenge yourself with a hike up Papua New Guinea's highest peak, offering stunning views from the summit.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Eastern Highlands.

Currency
K | PGK | Papua New Guinean Kina
Population
Not Available
Languages
English, Tok Pisin, Gahuku, Siane

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Eastern Highlands.

What people love

The Eastern Highlands region of Papua New Guinea offers a unique and rewarding travel experience with several notable pros:

  1. Stunning Natural Beauty: Eastern Highlands is blessed with breathtaking landscapes, including lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and majestic mountains. Travelers can immerse themselves in the region's diverse flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

  2. Rich Cultural Heritage: The Eastern Highlands is home to a vibrant mix of indigenous tribes, each with its own distinct traditions, languages, and customs. Travelers have the opportunity to engage with local communities, witness traditional rituals and ceremonies, and gain a deeper understanding of Papua New Guinea's cultural diversity.

  3. Adventure Activities: The region offers a range of adventurous activities for thrill-seekers, such as trekking through rugged terrain, bird watching, and exploring remote villages. Travelers can also visit the famous Goroka Show, an annual cultural event showcasing traditional dance, music, and arts from various tribes.

  4. Authentic Cultural Experiences: Traveling to Eastern Highlands provides an opportunity to experience authentic village life and interact with locals who have preserved their traditional way of living. Visitors can participate in homestays, try local cuisine, and purchase handcrafted souvenirs made by skilled artisans.

  5. Off-The-Beaten-Path Destination: Eastern Highlands is relatively undiscovered by mainstream tourism, offering a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path travel experience compared to popular tourist destinations. Travelers seeking a unique and immersive journey will appreciate the unspoiled beauty and cultural richness of this region.

Overall, traveling to Eastern Highlands in Papua New Guinea offers an enriching and memorable experience for those seeking adventure, cultural exploration, and natural wonders.

What to know

Traveling to the Eastern Highlands in Papua New Guinea can come with several challenges and potential cons. Some of these may include:

  1. Safety Concerns: The Eastern Highlands region, like many parts of Papua New Guinea, has experienced instances of tribal conflicts, crime, and civil unrest. Travelers may face risks related to theft, assault, or kidnapping. It is important to stay informed about the current situation and take necessary precautions.

  2. Limited Infrastructure: The Eastern Highlands may have limited infrastructure compared to more developed regions. This could mean poor road conditions, unreliable public transportation, limited access to healthcare facilities, and basic amenities.

  3. Health Risks: Papua New Guinea is known for diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and tuberculosis. Travelers should take necessary health precautions, such as getting vaccinations and taking anti-malarial medication. Access to quality healthcare in remote areas may also be limited.

  4. Cultural Sensitivities: The Eastern Highlands is home to diverse indigenous communities with their own customs and traditions. Travelers should be respectful of local cultures and traditions to avoid inadvertently causing offense.

  5. Communication Challenges: English may not be widely spoken in rural areas of the Eastern Highlands, which could pose challenges for communication. It is advisable to learn some basic phrases in the local languages or have a translator/guide.

  6. Environmental Factors: The Eastern Highlands region is prone to natural disasters such as landslides and earthquakes. Travelers should be prepared for such eventualities and follow local advisories in case of emergencies.

It is essential for travelers to research thoroughly, stay updated on travel advisories, and consider these factors before planning a trip to the Eastern Highlands in Papua New Guinea.

Eastern Highlands Province is located in the central part of Papua New Guinea. It is known for its rugged terrain, cultural diversity, and significant historical events. Here is a detailed history and overview of Eastern Highlands:

  1. Early History and Indigenous Cultures:

    • The Eastern Highlands has been inhabited by indigenous tribes for thousands of years. The region is home to the Gimi, Asaro, and Huli people, among others, each with distinct languages and cultural practices.
    • The famous Asaro Mudmen, known for their clay-covered bodies and ghostly masks, originate from this region and are a significant part of the cultural heritage.

  2. Colonial Era:

    • In the early 20th century, the region began to come into contact with the outside world through colonial exploration and administration. The Australian administration, which governed Papua New Guinea, began to establish control over the Highlands.
    • The town of Goroka, now the capital of the Eastern Highlands Province, was established as a patrol post in the 1950s and grew into a significant administrative and commercial center.

  3. World War II:

    • During World War II, the Highlands regions, including Eastern Highlands, were strategically important. The Kokoda Track, though primarily in the Oro Province, had implications for the region as it was part of the broader campaign to control New Guinea.

  4. Post-War Development:

    • After the war, the region saw increased development. Infrastructure such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities were built, contributing to the development of Goroka and other areas.
    • Coffee cultivation became a significant economic activity in the region, with the Eastern Highlands known for its high-quality Arabica coffee.

  5. Independence:

    • Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia in 1975. The Eastern Highlands has since been an integral part of the nation, contributing to its cultural and economic landscape.

  6. Significant Landmarks:

    • Goroka: Known for the annual Goroka Show, which is one of Papua New Guinea's largest cultural festivals, showcasing the diverse cultures of the Highlands.
    • Mt. Michael: A notable geographical feature in the region.
    • Lufa District: Known for its caves and coffee plantations.
    • Asaro Valley: Famous for the Mudmen and their unique cultural practices.

  7. Modern Era:

    • The region continues to develop, with education and agriculture being significant focal points.
    • Challenges such as infrastructure development, healthcare, and maintaining cultural heritage in the face of modernization remain ongoing.

The Eastern Highlands Province is a region rich in cultural diversity and natural beauty, contributing significantly to the identity of Papua New Guinea.