Mount Hagen: The Gateway to Papua New Guinea's Highlands

• HelloHalo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeNogat
  [no-gat]
• YesYes
  [yes]
• NoNogat
  [no-gat]
• Please/You're welcomePlis
  [plees]
• Thank youTenkyu
  [ten-kyu]
• Excuse me/SorrySori
  [so-ri]
• How are you?Yu stap gut?
  [yu stap gut]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Na yu?
  [gut. na yu]
• Do you speak English?Yu save toktok long Inglish?
  [yu save tok-tok long Ing-glish]
• I don't understandMi no save long dispela
  [mi no save long di-spe-la]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi laik lukim menu, plis
  [mi like loo-kim me-nu, plees]
• I don't eat meatMi no kaik kapul
  [mi no kai kap-ul]
• Cheers!Sampela hap
  [sam-pe-la hap]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi laik baim, plis
  [mi like baim, plees]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Go long hap!
  [go long hap]
• Call the Police!Kolim Polis!
  [ko-lim po-lis]
• Call a doctor!Kolim dokta!
  [ko-lim dok-ta]
• I'm lostMi lus
  [mi lus]
• I'm illMi sik
  [mi sik]

• I'd like to buy...Mi laik baim...
  [mi like baim]
• I'm just lookingMi tasol lukim
  [mi ta-sol loo-kim]
• How much is it?Em i stap long han?
  [em i stap long han]
• That's too expensiveEm i moa liklik
  [em i moa lik-lik]
• Can you lower the price?Yu inap kisim daun pris?
  [yu in-ap ki-sim down pris]

• What time is it?Em i wanem taim?
  [em i wa-nem taim]
• It's one o'clockEm i wan taim
  [em i wan taim]
• Half past (10)Long hap pastaim 10
  [long hap pas-taim ten]
• MorningMornin
  [mor-nin]
• AfternoonApinun
  [a-pi-nun]
• EveningEvenin
  [e-ve-nin]
• YesterdayI gat
  [i gat]
• TodayTede
  [te-de]
• TomorrowTomoro
  [to-mo-ro]
• 1Wan
  [wan]
• 2Tu
  [tu]
• 3Tri
  [tri]
• 4Fo
  [fo]
• 5Faiv
  [faiv]
• 6Sikis
  [si-kis]
• 7Seven
  [sev-en]
• 8Eit
  [eit]
• 9Nain
  [nain]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Em i stap we?
  [em i stap we]
• What's the address?Em i stap long adres?
  [em i stap long ad-res]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yu inap soim mi (long map)?
  [yu in-ap soim mi long map]
• When's the next (bus)?Nex taim (bas) bai kam?
  [neks taim (bas) bai kam]
• A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket long ...
  [wan tik-et long ...]

Mount Hagen has been home to indigenous tribes for thousands of years. The Melpa people are the primary inhabitants, known for their intricate social structures and unique traditions. These indigenous groups have lived in the fertile Wahgi Valley, cultivating sweet potatoes, taro, and other root crops, forming the backbone of their subsistence farming economy.

European explorers first made contact with the region in the early 1930s. Australian gold prospectors Mick Leahy and Michael Dwyer were among the first to explore the area, documenting their encounters with the native tribes. Their journeys were perilous and marked by significant cultural exchanges, which have been well-documented in their journals and photographs.

During World War II, the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, including Mount Hagen, were strategically important. The area served as a supply route and a staging ground for Allied forces. The presence of the military brought new infrastructure and exposure to the outside world, forever changing the socio-economic landscape of the region.

Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia in 1975. Since then, Mount Hagen has developed into a significant urban center in the Highlands, known for its markets and bustling trade. The city has grown rapidly, becoming a melting pot of different cultures and traditions from across the Highlands.

One of the most famous cultural events in Papua New Guinea is the Mount Hagen Cultural Show, which started in 1961. The show was originally initiated by missionaries and local leaders to promote peace among the warring tribes. Today, it is an annual event that attracts tourists from around the world, showcasing traditional dances, music, and costumes, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Highlands.

Mount Hagen is accessible primarily via Kagamuga Airport, located just outside the city. The airport has regular flights connecting to Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea. From Port Moresby, you can catch a domestic flight to Mount Hagen. Additionally, there are road connections from other provincial capitals, but these routes can be long and challenging due to the terrain and road conditions.

In Mount Hagen, public transportation options include PMVs (Public Motor Vehicles), which are mini-buses operating on fixed routes. Taxis are also available and are a preferred option for tourists. For those looking to explore the surrounding areas, renting a 4WD vehicle is advisable due to the rugged terrain. Always agree on a fare before starting the journey when using taxis or PMVs.

The official currency in Papua New Guinea is the Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK). While credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments, it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting local markets or smaller shops. ATMs are available in Mount Hagen, but it's wise to have some cash on hand as connectivity issues can sometimes affect ATM availability.

While Mount Hagen is generally safe for tourists, it is important to exercise caution. Avoid walking alone at night and be aware of your surroundings. Areas around the local markets and bus stops can be hotspots for petty crime like pickpocketing. It is advisable to travel in groups and avoid displaying valuable items openly. Always use reputable transportation services.

In case of emergency, dial 111 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Mount Hagen General Hospital is the primary medical facility in the area. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, including evacuation. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can buy over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, especially when visiting villages. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or cultural sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient when using PMVs. Don't argue with the driver or other passengers. Greetings: Do greet people warmly. Handshakes are common, but a smile and a nod are also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept hospitality graciously. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Mount Hagen like a local, visit the bustling Mount Hagen Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional crafts. Engage with the locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share insights about their culture. Don't miss the Mount Hagen Cultural Show, an annual event that showcases the vibrant traditional dances and customs of the highlands' tribes. For a unique adventure, consider hiking in the nearby Wahgi Valley, known for its stunning landscapes and coffee plantations.