Kundiawa

A smaller highland town serving as an important cultural and economic center between Goroka and Mount Hagen. The town provides access to authentic village experiences and traditional highland communities.

Things to do

• Kundiawa Market — Visit the bustling local market where highland communities trade fresh produce, crafts, and traditional items in a vibrant social hub.
• Asaro Mudmen Village — Trek to nearby Asaro to witness the famous mudmen tradition where locals cover themselves in clay and perform ceremonial dances.
• Simbu Province Museum — Explore artifacts and displays showcasing the cultural heritage and history of the Simbu (Chimbu) people.
• Highland Village Walks — Take guided walks through surrounding villages to experience traditional highland life, architecture, and daily customs firsthand.
• Kaindi Lookout — Hike to the scenic overlook above Kundiawa for panoramic views of the Simbu Valley and surrounding mountain ridges.
• Local Handicraft Studios — Visit artisan workshops where locals create bilums (woven bags), carvings, and traditional adornments for purchase.

Food to try

• Kaukau and Greens — Sweet potato cooked with locally gathered leafy greens is a staple dish in highland communities around Kundiawa.
• Sago with Bush Meat — Sago prepared with wild game such as cassowary or possum provides traditional protein in highland cuisine.
• Taro Root Dishes — Taro is steamed or boiled and served as a carbohydrate base, often accompanying vegetables from village gardens.
• Highland Pit-Pit — Fresh corn cobs roasted or boiled and served as a simple, satisfying staple in local markets and village meals.
• Coconut Milk Stews — Vegetables and local proteins simmered in coconut cream represent a richer traditional preparation method.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sing-Sing Customs — Ask permission before photographing people or ceremonies, as many highland groups maintain strict protocols about image capture.
• Learn Basic Tok Pisin — While English is spoken, using Tok Pisin greetings and phrases shows respect and aids communication in rural villages.
• Dress Conservatively — Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially when visiting villages or attending cultural events.
• Exchange Gifts Appropriately — Small gifts like salt, rice, or money are customary when visiting village hosts, though overgifting can create uncomfortable obligations.

Nearby

• Goroka — 7 km
• Goroka (Western Highlands) — 8 km
• Goroka Produce Market — 8 km
• Eastern Highlands Rainforest — 9 km