Highlands Culture

There’s no denying that when people think of Papua New Guinea some of the defining images that come to mind invoke the spectacularly elaborate costumes, wigs, headdresses and body-paint of the Highlands’ cultures If you take in a vista of the Highlands it’s easy to understand how this terrain has spawned and maintained such a diversity of cultures, languages and customs. Rugged, harsh, impassable terrain has meant that even within quite small areas local villages have developed independent, distinctive traditions. And the Mt Hagen Show - one of the biggest in the country - is an explosion in celebration of this diversity. Our 11 day Highlands Culture itinerary gives you VIP access to this spectacular festival, as well as taking you to some of our favourite parts of Papua New Guinea. Starting in the tropical fjords of Tufi in Oro Province, we’ll explore local village life as it has existed for millennia, and paddle the fjords in outrigger canoes. Moving on to the stunning backdrop of Rabaul in East New Britain, we explore the rich history of the area, snorkel the Coral Triangle, discover the backdrop of Queen Emma’s empire in the Duke of York Islands, and even have the chance to hike the still-active volcano of Mount Tavurvur for those who are game. A visit to Port Moresby overnight helps us appreciate both the past history of this ancient land, as well as the rapidly-emerging future, before we visit the Highlands to get caught up in the excitement, colour and drama of the Mt Hagen Show.