Simbu River

Simbu

A significant river system cutting through the highland terrain, the Simbu River offers scenic beauty and is central to the region's ecology and traditional life. The river valleys provide opportunities for hiking and experiencing pristine highland landscapes.

Things to do

• Simbu River Gorge Hiking — Trek through dramatic river gorges with towering limestone cliffs and cascading waterfalls along the main Simbu valley.
• Kundiawa Market Visit — Experience the vibrant highland market in Kundiawa town where local communities trade fresh produce, crafts, and traditional goods.
• Sinasina Hot Springs — Explore natural thermal pools heated by geothermal activity in the Simbu highlands near Sinasina village.
• River Crossing at Kauma — Navigate traditional rope and vine suspension crossings used by local villagers to traverse the Simbu River.
• Highland Forest Bird Watching — Observe endemic Papua New Guinea bird species including birds of paradise in the pristine montane forest surrounding the river valleys.
• Traditional Village Homestays — Stay in Simbu villages like Kerowagi to experience daily highland life, including traditional cooking methods and ceremonies.

Food to try

• Kaukau (Sweet Potato) — The staple carbohydrate of Simbu highlands, typically steamed in bamboo or roasted over open fires with coconut milk.
• Pit-Pit (Sago Grubs) — Protein-rich larvae harvested from rotting palm logs, considered a delicacy and eaten raw, grilled, or smoked in traditional ceremonies.
• Taro and Greens Soup — A nutritious highland soup made with locally grown taro leaves, wild greens, and often enriched with pork or fish.
• Mumu (Earth Oven Feast) — Ceremonial dish where pork, taro, greens, and sweet potato are wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in underground pits for hours.
• Sago Pudding — Traditional dessert made from sago starch mixed with coconut cream and wrapped in sago leaves, served after major celebrations.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Clan Territories — Always ask permission from village elders before hiking or entering specific river valley areas, as land is communally owned by clans with deep ancestral significance.
• Dress Conservatively — Wear long pants and shirts in villages to show respect for traditional customs; exposing limbs is considered inappropriate in most Simbu communities.
• Participate in Sing-Sing Season — If visiting during festival periods, attend local sing-sing gatherings where clans demonstrate traditional dress, dances, and customs rather than viewing as a spectator.
• Exchange Gifts Appropriately — Bring practical gifts like salt, tobacco, or tools rather than money, as direct cash gifts can disrupt traditional reciprocal exchange systems valued in Simbu society.

Nearby

• Kundiawa — 9 km
• Highland Coffee Plantations — 12 km
• Keglsugl Village (Eastern Highlands) — 23 km
• Crater Mountain Wildlife Management Area (Eastern Highlands) — 38 km