Kundiawa

The capital of Chimbu Province, Kundiawa is a highland town surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and traditional communities. The town provides access to some of the region's most pristine mountain scenery and authentic cultural village experiences.

Things to do

• Kundiawa Market Visit — Explore the vibrant local market where highland communities sell fresh produce, traditional crafts, and local goods in an authentic setting.
• Simbu River Gorge Trek — Hike through dramatic mountain scenery along the Simbu River valley with opportunities to spot traditional villages and lush highland vegetation.
• Visit Traditional Sing-Sing Villages — Experience authentic Highland communities practicing traditional customs, crafts, and subsistence agriculture in villages surrounding Kundiawa.
• Mount Wilhelm Day Excursion — Take a guided trip toward Papua New Guinea's highest peak to experience alpine forest, mountain panoramas, and cool highland air.
• Kundiawa Town Walk — Stroll through the provincial capital to see the local government buildings, school, hospital, and understand modern Highland administrative life.
• Gembogl Valley Scenic Drive — Drive through one of Chimbu's most picturesque valleys to witness traditional taro gardens, sweet potato fields, and mountain vistas.

Food to try

• Kaukau (Sweet Potato) — The staple carbohydrate of the Highlands, typically steamed or roasted and served at most meals in traditional villages.
• Taro Root Dishes — Young taro leaves cooked with coconut milk or served as a boiled root vegetable, a nutritious local favorite.
• Pit Cooked Pork (Mumu) — Traditionally prepared meat and vegetables slow-cooked in an underground pit, often reserved for festivals and special gatherings.
• Highland Greens and Leafy Vegetables — Fresh seasonal greens including kumu leaves and other indigenous vegetables grown in mountain gardens and served steamed.
• Sago from Lowland Markets — Processed sago root brought from lower regions, prepared as a starch side dish or baked into local bread products.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Ceremonial Gatherings — Ask permission before photographing or attending sing-sings and traditional ceremonies, as these are sacred community events with specific protocols.
• Dress Modestly in Villages — Wear long pants and covered shoulders when visiting traditional communities to show respect for local customs and values.
• Learn Basic Tok Pisin Phrases — While English is spoken in town, learning simple Tok Pisin greetings greatly enhances interactions with villagers who speak local Chimbu languages.
• Practice Gift-Giving Etiquette — Bring small gifts like pens, notebooks, or modest trade goods when visiting villages, presenting them respectfully with both hands.

Nearby

• Simbu River — 9 km
• Highland Coffee Plantations — 17 km
• Keglsugl Village (Eastern Highlands) — 21 km
• Crater Mountain Wildlife Management Area (Eastern Highlands) — 46 km