A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Visit a tribal village of the Asaro Mudmen. They earned the name “mudmen” centuries ago when, according to Asaro legend, their warriors went to battle covered with grayish-white chalk in order to look like ghosts and intimidate their enemies. Their dance technique of advancing slowly with graceful movements was also designed to scare off rival tribes.
After watching a demonstration of the Asaro war dance, go into a village family home and participate in a mumu, a traditional feast. The menu usually includes chicken or pork, yams, sweet potatoes, taro and bananas, which are mixed together and sealed tightly inside banana leaves, flavored with coconut, and then cooked on red-hot rocks for several hours.
Held in mid-September, during the national independence celebrations, the Goroka Show is the premier cultural event in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, with over 100 tribes as participants. It features energetic dancing, unique tribal rituals, and traditional music.
Named for an Australian soldier, the J.K. McCarthy Museum contains World War II relics, unique cultural artifacts native to Papua New Guinea, and a series of photographs dating from the 1930s, taken by the first foreigners to enter these highlands.
Climb Mount Wilhelm, the highest mountain in all of Papua New Guinea at just under 15,000 feet (4,572 meters). Because of the mountain’s height, climbers will find themselves faced with temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) – despite the fact that they are in such close proximity to the equator. At the summit, high above the clouds, take in the birds-eye view of the surrounding highlands.
Held in the first weekend in May, the Papua New Guinea Coffee Festival offers displays on gold and silver prospecting in the region, a sing sing, or traditional tribal gathering, and information on coffee cultivation, roasting, and preparation. Needless to say, samples of high-quality coffee are plentiful at this event.
A well-regarded group that debuted to national and international acclaim, the Raun Raun Theater is New Guinea’s premier performing group. Established amidst the turmoil of the 1970s, the Raun Raun Theater proved instrumental in creating a national identity and narrative, weaving together village plays, folk theater, and incorporating masks and critiques of the Australian colonial occupation.
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.
Venture into wild Papua New Guinea on this comprehensive 14-day adventure. This getaway is all about remote natural locations and exotic tribal culture. Flit between trekking in the Sepik Region and catching breathtaking views from the Highlands for an unforgettable experience.
A cultural phenomenon and delight - the Goroka Festival - is unlike any other festival in the world. Papua New Guinea showcases its wide variety of traditions during this 14-day adventure. Meet local chieftains and observe traditions including wild authentic dances when attending the colorful cultural show.
Gear up for the adventure of a lifetime on this 14-day exclusive itinerary through the stunning, natural country of Papua New Guinea. Begin with a thrilling canoe trip and finish with plenty of time for relaxing on the pristine white sands. Meet the folkloric Asaro Mudmen and learn about an incredibly remote culture.
The Bird of Paradise is the best hotel in Goroka, and while hardly posh, it is relatively clean and comfortable. It has 52 rooms, cable TV, IDD telephones, laundry, room service, an outdoor heated pool and gym. The Lahani Restaurant offers exotic dishes such as crocodile, buffalo, venison, and pigeon as well as fresh Highland vegetables and fruit. The hotel also has a more casual café with outdoor dining, the Deck Bistro, and a bar called Birdy's Piano bar. The Bird of Paradise is conveniently located in the center of town near the J.K. McCarthy Museum, Raun Raun Theatre and Mount Gahavisuka Provincial Park, an 8,000-acre park featuring walking trails, a scenic lookout, and a variety of native flora and fauna. Amenities include an outdoor heated pool, game room, fitness center, on-site squash club, business center and broadband Internet access. The hotel is only five minutes from the Goroka Airport (GKA).
Multi-Country Specialists
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
The Asaro Mudman tribal people took us where no tourists had been before, down through their lands to the source of the clay they use to make their tribal masks.
