Eastern Highlands Rainforest

Rainforest

The lush tropical rainforest covering the Eastern Highlands region is home to exceptional wildlife and plant diversity, including numerous bird species and endemic insects. Trekking through the highlands provides immersion in untouched natural landscapes.

Things to do

• Mount Wilhelm Trek — Hike to Papua New Guinea's highest peak (4,509 m) through alpine meadows and rainforest, offering panoramic views of the highlands.
• Crater Mountain Wildlife Observation — Explore this biodiversity hotspot home to birds of paradise, tree kangaroos, and rare endemic insects in pristine rainforest habitat.
• Goroka Show Cultural Performance — Attend this major annual festival (September) showcasing tribal sing-sings, traditional dances, and indigenous costumes from throughout the Eastern Highlands.
• Rainforest Canopy Walks — Navigate suspended bridges and platforms through the forest canopy to observe wildlife and epiphytic plants at close range.
• Baiyer River Sanctuary Birdwatching — Trek through protected rainforest reserves to spot multiple bird of paradise species, crowned pigeons, and other endemic avifauna.
• Indigenous Village Homestays — Stay with local Highlander families to experience traditional daily life, subsistence farming practices, and customary rituals.

Food to try

• Sago with Bush Meat — A staple dish featuring sago starch served alongside locally hunted game such as wild boar, tree kangaroo, or cassowary prepared with traditional cooking methods.
• Sweet Potato (Kaukau) Greens — Leafy greens from sweet potato plants cooked with coconut milk and served as a nutritious vegetable side dish common in Highland villages.
• Mumu Feast — Traditional earth oven cooking where meats, vegetables, and sago are wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked in an underground pit for ceremonial occasions.
• Freshwater Fish from Mountain Streams — Freshly caught indigenous fish species from the region's pristine rivers, typically grilled over open fires or steamed in leaf wrapping.
• Pandanus Fruit Preparations — Oil-rich pandanus fruit kernels are extracted and cooked into stews or served as a protein-rich accompaniment to starch-based meals.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sacred Sites and Taboos — Ask local guides about areas with spiritual significance or tribal taboos before entering, as violating these may cause offense to community members.
• Dress Modestly in Villages — Wear covered shoulders and knees when visiting inhabited areas, as revealing clothing is considered disrespectful in traditional Highland communities.
• Learn Basic Tok Pisin Greetings — Use phrases like 'Gutpela moning' (good morning) and 'Tenk yu' (thank you) to show respect and facilitate friendlier interactions with local residents.
• Participate in Gift-Giving Exchange — When invited to village gatherings or homestays, bring practical gifts such as batteries, salt, or school supplies, as reciprocal gift-giving is central to Highland social customs.

Nearby

• Goroka Produce Market — 2 km
• Goroka (Western Highlands) — 2 km
• Goroka — 2 km
• Kundiawa — 9 km