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Southern Highlands
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Explore Papua New Guinea’s Southern Highlands for Lake Kutubu, mountain scenery, forest wildlife and carefully guided cultural encounters.

Southern Highlands Province occupies a rugged part of Papua New Guinea’s interior, south of the main Highlands spine and west of Gulf Province. Its landscapes rise from deeply folded valleys and grass-covered ridges to cloud forest, limestone country and remote lakes. Mendi, the provincial capital, is the principal administrative and commercial centre, while smaller settlements and rural communities are spread across terrain where roads can be slow and weather-dependent. The region is best approached as a destination for carefully organised travel rather than a place for an improvised itinerary.
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Lake Kutubu is the province’s most recognisable natural feature. Surrounded by forested hills and associated with the Kutubu Wildlife Management Area, it supports a remarkable range of birdlife and freshwater species. Canoeing, guided walks and community-based visits can provide a closer understanding of the lake environment, although arrangements should be made locally and expectations should remain flexible. To the west, the country around Mount Bosavi and the Kikori basin becomes increasingly remote, with forests, rivers and volcanic landscapes extending towards the provincial boundary and neighbouring Gulf Province.
Southern Highlands communities speak several languages and maintain distinctive forms of social organisation, gardening, ceremonial exchange and dress. Sing-sing performances, when arranged through local communities or cultural programmes, are occasions of considerable importance rather than staged entertainment alone. Visitors should use a reputable guide and ask permission before photographing people, ceremonies, homes or gardens. Bilum weaving, shell ornaments and locally grown sweet potatoes, greens and other garden produce reflect both everyday life and regional craftsmanship.
The province’s modern history has also been shaped by roads, Christian missions, provincial administration and the petroleum industry around Lake Kutubu. Oil development introduced new infrastructure, employment and environmental pressures, while community organisations and conservation initiatives have sought to protect land and water. In Mendi and the larger settlements, markets and public institutions offer a practical window onto contemporary Papua New Guinea; beyond them, travel becomes more dependent on local knowledge, four-wheel-drive vehicles and community relationships.
Southern Highlands is not a conventional sightseeing circuit. Its appeal lies in the combination of highland scenery, significant waterways, forest ecology and the opportunity to encounter communities on their own terms. Travel plans should allow extra time for road delays, weather and local arrangements, and should prioritise security advice from established operators and current authorities.

When is the best time to visit Southern Highlands?

Best: June–August · 24–25°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January26250
February26230
March25200
April25180
May25170
June (best)24150
July (best)24140
August (best)25150
September25170
October25200
November25220
December26240

Getting to and around Southern Highlands

How to get there

Most visitors reach Southern Highlands by air through Mount Hagen Airport in neighbouring Western Highlands Province, which is a practical gateway to Mendi and the southern Highlands road network. Flights to Mount Hagen generally connect through Papua New Guinea’s larger aviation hubs, especially Port Moresby. From Mount Hagen, travel continues by road and should be arranged with a recognised operator. Mendi has an airport, but scheduled services and operating arrangements can change, so confirm availability before relying on it. The Highlands Highway provides the principal overland approach, although road conditions and security can affect journeys.

Transportation

Travel within the province is challenging and distances are deceptive because mountain roads can be rough, winding and slow. A pre-arranged four-wheel-drive vehicle with an experienced local driver is the most practical option for reaching Lake Kutubu and rural districts. Public motor vehicles and buses operate on some routes, but services, comfort and security are variable and may not suit independent visitors. Avoid travelling after dark, do not accept unsolicited lifts, and allow contingency days for weather, road damage or local disruptions. Movement on lakes and rivers should be organised through local operators with suitable safety equipment.

Top city travel guides in Southern Highlands

The cities of Southern Highlands, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Southern Highlands

Southern Highlands attractions are primarily landscape- and community-based rather than concentrated in formal visitor complexes. Lake Kutubu is the province’s leading natural focus, offering forested shores, freshwater habitats, birdwatching and guided canoe or village experiences arranged through local partners. The surrounding Kutubu Wildlife Management Area is important for its biodiversity and for the role of customary landowners in conservation. Around Mendi and the province’s valleys, visitors may encounter highland gardens, market life, churches, mountain viewpoints and community-organised cultural presentations. The western and southern districts lead towards remote forest, river and volcanic country associated with the Mount Bosavi and Kikori landscapes, although access is demanding and some areas require specialist arrangements. Walking, wildlife observation and photography are possible, but neither trails nor facilities should be assumed to match those of established parks elsewhere. The province’s most rewarding experiences depend on local permission, a knowledgeable guide and sufficient time for weather and road delays. Visitors should distinguish Southern Highlands from neighbouring Hela and Western Highlands, whose better-known attractions are not part of this province.

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Best landmarks in Southern Highlands

Lake Kutubu is Southern Highlands’ defining geographical landmark, a broad highland lake whose forested margins and surrounding hills create a marked contrast with the province’s open grassland ridges. Its importance is ecological, cultural and economic, linking customary land, conservation initiatives and the petroleum industry. Mendi’s role as the provincial capital is represented less by a single monumental building than by its concentration of government offices, churches, markets and roads serving the surrounding valleys. The Highlands Highway is another significant human landmark: a difficult but vital corridor connecting Southern Highlands with the wider interior of Papua New Guinea. In the remote west, Mount Bosavi’s volcanic mass and the forested headwaters of the Kikori system form a powerful natural presence, although approaches and exact administrative boundaries require careful local confirmation. Village churches, mission compounds, cultivated slopes and community meeting spaces are also important visual markers of the province’s modern history, but they are working places rather than open-air monuments and should be visited only with permission.

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Explore Southern Highlands on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Southern Highlands

Dining in Southern Highlands is practical, local and closely linked to markets, gardens and the availability of supplies. In Mendi, hotels, guesthouses and small eateries provide the most dependable places to eat, while rural travel usually involves meals arranged through accommodation or community hosts. Sweet potato, taro, bananas, greens and other garden produce form the basis of many highland meals, often accompanied by rice, tinned goods or meat when available. Around Lake Kutubu, freshwater fish may be part of local food culture, but visitors should follow conservation rules and should not assume that wild-caught fish is available at every lodge or village. Roadside markets offer seasonal produce rather than a fixed regional menu. Papua New Guinean staples such as mumu-style earth-oven cooking may be encountered during community events, but arrangements and preparation vary. Carrying approved snacks is sensible for long journeys, and visitors should discuss dietary needs in advance because remote kitchens have limited supplies.

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Best bars in Southern Highlands

Southern Highlands has little conventional nightlife, and evening activity is concentrated in Mendi, hotel dining rooms, guesthouses and local pubs rather than dedicated club districts. In smaller settlements, social life generally centres on family, church, community and market routines, with occasional music or cultural gatherings arranged locally. Visitors may find bottled drinks and simple refreshments in established accommodation, but opening arrangements and supplies are changeable. Alcohol should be consumed discreetly and with awareness of local sensitivities, particularly outside commercial hotels. There is no reason to travel after dark in search of entertainment: security, road conditions and limited lighting make daytime planning more sensible. A community sing-sing or organised cultural programme can provide a more meaningful evening experience than a bar, provided it is attended by invitation or through a responsible operator and participants’ consent and customary protocols are respected.

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Best nightclubs in Southern Highlands

Southern Highlands has little conventional nightlife, and evening activity is concentrated in Mendi, hotel dining rooms, guesthouses and local pubs rather than dedicated club districts. In smaller settlements, social life generally centres on family, church, community and market routines, with occasional music or cultural gatherings arranged locally. Visitors may find bottled drinks and simple refreshments in established accommodation, but opening arrangements and supplies are changeable. Alcohol should be consumed discreetly and with awareness of local sensitivities, particularly outside commercial hotels. There is no reason to travel after dark in search of entertainment: security, road conditions and limited lighting make daytime planning more sensible. A community sing-sing or organised cultural programme can provide a more meaningful evening experience than a bar, provided it is attended by invitation or through a responsible operator and participants’ consent and customary protocols are respected.

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Best shops in Southern Highlands

Shopping in Southern Highlands is centred on Mendi and other district centres, where open markets and small shops provide fresh garden produce, basic goods, clothing and household supplies. Rural markets are useful for seeing the region’s agricultural economy, but stock and trading days vary, so they should not be treated like permanent tourist markets. Bilum, the handwoven string bag found across Papua New Guinea, may be available through local sellers, along with woven items, shell ornaments and other handmade products; ask about origin and pay a fair price rather than treating bargaining as a contest. Fresh sweet potatoes, greens, bananas and seasonal produce are more realistic regional purchases than packaged souvenirs. Visitors should buy crafts directly from makers or reputable community organisations where possible and check local rules before carrying plant, animal or archaeological materials out of the country. Mendi’s shops are primarily practical, and specialist gifts may be easier to find in larger Papua New Guinean cities before or after visiting the province.

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Southern Highlands essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Papua New Guinean kina (PGK), used throughout Southern Highlands Province. Card payments and reliable cash machines are largely confined to major towns and established hotels or businesses, while rural areas generally operate on cash. Carry small kina notes for markets, local transport and modest purchases, but keep money discreet and divide essential funds between secure locations. Foreign currency exchange is more practical in major national centres than in remote parts of the province. Confirm payment arrangements with an operator before travelling, particularly where accommodation or guided activities are community based.
Safety
Visitors should take security seriously and obtain current advice before travelling. Opportunistic theft, disputes, road incidents and periods of local tension can affect parts of the Highlands, while conditions may change quickly. Travel with a reputable organisation, keep valuables out of sight, avoid isolated urban areas and do not walk alone after dark. Roads present additional risks through poor surfaces, overloaded vehicles, landslips and unpredictable traffic. In rural country, steep ground, fast-flowing water, limited communications and changing weather require proper equipment and a guide. Follow instructions from local authorities, accommodation providers and community leaders.
Emergency Situations
Papua New Guinea’s national emergency arrangements apply in Southern Highlands; commonly published numbers are 112 for police, 111 for ambulance and 110 for fire, but visitors should confirm the current arrangements locally because network coverage and response capacity vary. In a serious incident, contact the nearest police post, health facility, hotel or tour operator as well as the relevant emergency service. Remote rescue resources are limited, and medical evacuation can involve considerable delay and cost. Comprehensive travel insurance, including evacuation cover, is strongly advisable, and travellers should carry copies of passport, insurance and emergency contacts.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly and neatly in villages, churches and public offices, and ask before entering gardens, homes or community spaces. Request permission before taking photographs, especially during sing-sings, funerals, church events or discussions involving customary matters. Do not touch ceremonial objects or assume that a public performance removes the need for consent. Bargain gently where it is customary, pay agreed guides promptly and respect local land and water rules. Tipping is not a universal obligation, but a fair, clearly agreed payment for guiding and transport is appropriate. Avoid political arguments, public displays of wealth and unnecessary discussion of clan disputes.
Local Tips
Plan Southern Highlands as a small number of substantial journeys rather than trying to cover the province quickly. Mendi is useful for supplies and local arrangements, while Lake Kutubu requires advance coordination and realistic expectations about facilities. Ask whether a proposed cultural visit directly benefits the participating community and whether photography is permitted. Market produce varies with season, and locally grown food may be available even when imported supplies are limited. A basic phrase in the relevant local language, patience with changing schedules and willingness to follow community guidance will make travel more respectful and workable.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloGude[goo-deh]
GoodbyeLai[lie]
YesEm[em]
NoNogat[noh-gaht]
Please/You're welcomeYumi likim[yoo-mee lee-keem]
Thank youTenkyu[ten-kyoo]
Excuse me/SorrySori[soh-ree]
How are you?Yu orait?[yoo oh-rite]
Fine. And you?Orait. Yu?[oh-rite. yoo?]
Do you speak English?Yu tok Inglis?[yoo tok ing-lis?]
I don't understandMi no inap long[mee noh ee-nahp long]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi laik lukim menu, plis[mee like loo-keem meh-noo, plees]
I don't eat meatMi no kaika mit[mee noh kai-kah meet]
Cheers!Salim[sah-leem]
I would like to pay, pleaseMi laik payim, plis[mee like pie-im, plees]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help!]
Go away!Go we![go weh!]
Call the Police!Kolim Polis![koh-lim poh-lis!]
Call a doctor!Kolim dokta![koh-lim dok-tah!]
I'm lostMi lus[mee loose]
I'm illMi sik[mee seek]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Mi laik bai...[mee like bye...]
I'm just lookingMi soim luk[mee so-im look]
How much is it?Hamamas em?[ha-mah-mas em?]
That's too expensiveEm i tumas[em ee too-mas]
Can you lower the price?Yu ken lukautim prais?[yoo ken loo-kah-oo-tim price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wanem taim?[wah-nem time?]
It's one o'clockEm i wan klok[em ee wan clock]
Half past (10)Haf pas ten[haf pahs ten]
MorningMoning[moh-ning]
AfternoonAftanun[ahf-tah-noon]
EveningIvin[ee-vin]
YesterdayYestide[yes-ti-deh]
TodayTude[too-deh]
TomorrowTumoro[too-moh-roh]
1Wan[wahn]
2Tu[too]
3Tri[tree]
4Foa[foh-ah]
5Faiv[fah-eev]
6Siks[siks]
7Sev[sev]
8Eit[eit]
9Nain[nain]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wea na/wan...?[weh-nah/wahn...?]
What's the address?Wanem adres?[wah-nem ah-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Yu ken soim mi (long map)?[yoo ken so-im mee (long map)?]
When's the next (bus)?When em next (bus)?[wen em neks (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket (go ....)[wahn tee-ket (go ....)]

History of Southern Highlands

Ancient Highland Settlement and Agriculture

The Southern Highlands forms part of the long-settled interior of New Guinea, where communities developed intensive gardening systems suited to steep valleys, fertile volcanic soils and high rainfall. Sweet potato became especially important to highland food production, supporting dense rural populations alongside taro, bananas, greens and locally adapted crops. Much of the early history survives through oral traditions, clan relationships, land tenure and ceremonial exchange rather than monumental architecture. Archaeological research elsewhere in the New Guinea Highlands has demonstrated the great antiquity of managed landscapes, while Southern Highlands communities retain living agricultural knowledge shaped over many generations.

First Patrols and Colonial Administration

Australian patrol officers and missionaries entered the interior during the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries, extending outside authority into areas that had previously been governed through local clans and alliances. Contact was uneven and often followed difficult mountain routes. Patrol stations, mission establishments, airstrips and roads gradually connected parts of the province with the wider administration of the Territory of New Guinea and later Papua and New Guinea. Mendi grew in importance as an administrative centre, but colonial influence did not erase local languages, land systems or customary political authority.

Missions, Schools and Social Change

Christian missions played a major role in shaping modern Southern Highlands society, establishing churches, schools and health services while introducing new forms of literacy and administration. Conversion was neither uniform nor culturally simple: local communities adapted Christianity within existing systems of kinship, ritual and leadership. Educational institutions and government services expanded after the Second World War, helping connect remote districts to national political life. Churches remain prominent in many settlements, and the province’s contemporary culture reflects the continuing interaction between customary obligations, Christianity, education and wage employment.

Independence and Provincial Identity

Papua New Guinea became independent from Australia in 1975, and the Southern Highlands became part of the new nation’s provincial system. Independence brought greater local representation and new expectations concerning roads, schools, health care and control of natural resources. Mendi developed as the province’s political and administrative centre, while rural communities continued to organise much of daily life through clans, churches and customary landholding. Elections and public leadership have sometimes been contested, illustrating the importance of both national institutions and local networks in provincial affairs.

Kutubu Oil and the Resource Economy

The discovery and development of petroleum around Lake Kutubu transformed the southern Highlands economy from the 1990s. Commercial oil production brought roads, air transport, employment and royalties, but also raised difficult questions about landowner benefits, environmental protection and the distribution of resource wealth. The lake and surrounding forests became closely associated with both extraction and conservation, making the area a prominent example of the opportunities and tensions created by large-scale resource projects in Papua New Guinea. Resource operations and their supporting infrastructure remain part of the province’s modern landscape.

Conservation and Community Development

The forests, rivers and wetlands of Southern Highlands support species and habitats of international ecological importance, particularly around Lake Kutubu and the wider Kikori basin. Conservation initiatives have increasingly involved local landowners and communities, whose customary rights are central to decisions about forests, fisheries and development. These efforts reflect a broader shift from viewing remote landscapes solely as sources of timber or minerals towards recognising their ecological, cultural and economic value. The balance between resource development, improved services and environmental stewardship remains an important part of the province’s present history.

Southern Highlands in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Southern Highlands, Papua New Guinea

Discover the best of Southern Highlands with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed guides to attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Unlock the secrets of Southern Highlands, Papua New Guinea with Evendo. Your ultimate travel companion, offering detailed guides to attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more, all for free!

  • History of Southern Highlands
  • Essential travel information
  • Local advice to enhance your visit
  • User-friendly navigation
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no additional costs

Imagine embarking on a journey to the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, a land of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Evendo is your indispensable travel companion, designed to help you make the most of your trip. From the towering peaks of Mount Giluwe to the serene shores of Lake Kutubu, our app covers all the must-see attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and experiences.

Discover the vibrant Huli Wigmen at Tari Basin or explore the historical wonders of Mendi Town. Savor local delicacies at top-rated restaurants like the Highlander Hotel Restaurant, or immerse yourself in the local nightlife at popular bars and nightclubs. Evendo provides detailed information on each location, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it incredibly easy for you to plan and organize your trip.

With Evendo, you can effortlessly book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience. The app's intuitive interface and 'Near Me' feature allow you to explore what's around you, no matter where you are. Plus, our curated local tips ensure you experience Southern Highlands like a true local. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use, with no hidden costs or in-app purchases. Download Evendo today and start your unforgettable journey!

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