Named ‘The Papuan Wonderland’ by explorers who discovered these hidden mountain valleys in 1935, the Southern Highlands contains lush, high valleys sandwiched between towering limestone peaks. The region’s most remote area, it remains relatively undeveloped. Traditional cultures thrive here, particularly in the Tari Basin, where the Huli and Duna Wigmen are famous for their elaborately decorated wigs and body art. These warriors have a great reverence for birds, imitating them in ceremonial dances and decorating their wigs with feathers, flowers and cuscus fur. The province contains the country's second-highest mountain, Mount Giluwe (4368m). Mendi is the capital town of this mountainous country.

The beauty of this tranquil setting can be enjoyed from the Lake Kutubu, situated on a ridge overlooking the lake. The Lodge, built by the local people to allow visitors to observe traditional life in comfortable surroundings is constructed of bush materials. Butterflies and Birds of Paradise are common in this area. The Lodge will arrange tours to some of the beautiful rivers and waterfalls nearby.

Mendi: Built around the airport in a lush high valley between impressive limestone peaks, this small town has essential services. Huli, Duna and other tribespeople from this area are famous for their red and yellow face decorations and elaborately decorated wigs.

Mendi Market: Fridays and Saturdays when the locals come to town is best. The market is located by the main highway north of town across the bridge and beside the river.

Artefacts: A shop near Mendi Bakery sells weapons, baskets and hand-loomed products.

Lake Kutubu: Butterflies and birds of paradise are plentiful around this beautiful, peaceful place and the friendly people live traditional lives. You can swim, visit villages or just enjoy the scenery. The closest airstrip is at Moro and is serviced by Airlines PNG from Port Moresby and Mount Hagen.

Tari: Saturday is when most Huli people come to market. Apart from a few trade stores, there is little else but the surrounding countryside. The people are interesting and there are many good places to stay, ranging from upmarket lodges to village guesthouses.

Wasi Falls Wildlife Management Area: Virgin rainforest here is rich in birds and wildlife. There are several waterfalls including the Wasi Falls, which plummet 100m, and many caves, some of which were used for burials. Tubo Lodge can organise birdwatching and wildlife tours. Enquire and book direct to Box 1628, Boroko, NCD, phone (675) 327 3286 / 323 9681 or mobile (675) 686 4524.

Walking/trekking: Many people walk from nearby to Lake Kutubu and fly out from Pimaga. The longest route, from Nipa on the Tari-Mendi Road, takes three days and is fairly rigorous. Take a guide. Alternatively you can walk about 20km from Pimaga to Gesege Village and go by canoe to the lodge at Tage Point. Ambua Lodge and Lakwanda Lodge near Tari can organise hikes and tours.

Mount Giluwe (4368m), the country’s second-highest mountain, is an old shield volcano with vast alpine grasslands. Ancient lava plugs form the two summits. It can be climbed from Palnol or Kopkop villages taking four days, or from near Tambul in Western Highlands Province. Kiburu Lodge at Mendi can organise walks and treks.
Mount Ialibu (3465m) and other hikes can be made from Ialibu, midway between Mendi and Mount Hagen. Ialibu has a cultural centre and museum, and accommodation built by the local people, the Imbonggu. Basket-making is a village industry here.

Birdwatching: There is birdwatching at Lake Kutubu and Wasi Falls. Ambua Lodge, surrounded by dense tropical rainforest, and Lakwanda Lodge, near Tari, also have good birdwatching.

Sightseeing tours: Ambua Lodge organises a range of guided tours. Walk along rainforest tracks to go birdwatching, take a trip down the river to see the waterfalls or go by 4WD to visit a village and watch a traditional ‘sing sing’. Kiburu Lodge, on the banks of the Mendi River, has a wide range of activities including cultural tours, mountain climbing and flora and fauna expeditions. Lakwanda Lodge offers orchid tours, skeleton cave tours, trekking, bush walking and other cultural activities.