Do I need a visa for Papua New Guinea?

Yes, most foreign nationals require a visa to enter PNG. Tourist visas must be obtained in advance from a PNG diplomatic mission.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

No. Drink only bottled, boiled, or properly filtered water. Avoid ice in drinks.

What is the main airport for the Eastern Highlands?

Goroka Airport (GKA) is the main gateway, with regular flights from Port Moresby (POM).

Is English widely spoken?

English is an official language and is used in government and business, but Tok Pisin is the most common lingua franca in everyday life.

Can I use credit cards in Goroka?

Major hotels and some larger stores in Goroka may accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), but cash (Papua New Guinean Kina) is essential for almost all transactions outside the capital. ATMs are available but can be unreliable.

Yes, most nationalities require a visa. Apply online or on arrival at Port Moresby airport for a 30-day tourist visa (fee applies).

What currency is used?

Papua New Guinea Kina (PGK). Credit cards are accepted in Goroka hotels but cash is essential for markets and remote areas.

Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing for sun and insects, waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a sleeping bag.

Can I drink tap water?

No, avoid tap water. Use bottled or boiled water. Carry water purification tablets.

Limited ATMs in Goroka town; carry enough cash for remote areas. Banks may have long queues.

Is it safe to travel alone?

Solo travel is possible but recommended with a guide for safety and cultural insight. Join group tours for trekking.

What is the internet like?

WiFi is available in Goroka hotels but slow and unreliable. Mobile data (Digicel) works in towns; no coverage in remote valleys.

Can I visit tribal villages?

Yes, but always with a local guide. Respect customs and offer a small gift (e.g., betel nut, rice) as a courtesy.

What is the food like?

Local staples include sweet potato, taro, and greens. International food is limited to Goroka. Try mumu (earth oven-cooked pork).

Are there any health risks?

Malaria, dengue, and typhoid are risks. Use mosquito nets, repellent, and take antimalarials. Altitude sickness is rare but possible above 2,500m.

How do I get to Eastern Highlands?

Fly from Port Moresby to Goroka (1 hour) or drive 6-8 hours on rough roads. Flights are more reliable.

Eastern Highlands - Travel destination image

Eastern Highlands

ProvincePapua New Guinea, Oceania

Eastern Highlands is a STATE in Papua New Guinea, Oceania.

The Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea is a breathtaking region of misty mountains, lush valleys, and vibrant cultures. Nestled in the heart of the country's rugged interior, it offers travelers an authentic and adventurous escape. The provincial capital, Goroka, is famous for its annual Goroka Show, one of the largest cultural festivals in the South Pacific, where dozens of tribes gather in spectacular traditional dress. Beyond the festivals, the region is a trekker's paradise. The Daulo Pass offers stunning panoramic views, while the Asaro Valley is home to the legendary 'Mudmen' known for their unique clay masks. Coffee plantations blanket the hillsides, and you can tour local farms to see the process from bean to cup. The Eastern Highlands is less visited than other parts of PNG, providing a more intimate experience with its welcoming Highland communities, whose rich traditions of storytelling, bilum (string bag) weaving, and singsing (ceremonial singing and dancing) remain strong. It's a destination for those seeking cultural immersion amidst dramatic, cool-climate scenery.

Best time to visit Eastern Highlands

May to October (the drier season). This period offers the most stable weather for trekking, cultural visits, and travel on Highland highways. The world-famous Goroka Show is typically held in September, making it a peak cultural event. The wet season (November to April) brings heavy rains, which can cause landslides, make roads impassable, and increase mosquito activity.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Partly cloudy
Temperature: 23°
Feels like: 25°
Humidity: 45%
Wind: 6 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Dry 23-28°C, end of dry

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Moderate

Last good trekking window

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

GKA

Goroka Airport

Domestic

5 km away

LAE

Lae Nadzab Airport

Domestic

120 km away

POM

Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport

International

450 km away

Getting around

"Public Motor Vehicles (PMVs - minibuses/trucks) are the primary form of public transport between towns and villages, but they are often overcrowded and unreliable. For flexibility and safety, hiring a 4WD vehicle with a local driver is highly recommended. Roads are often rough, unpaved, and require a high-clearance vehicle. There are no ride-sharing apps. Domestic flights connect Goroka to Port Moresby and other major centers via Airlines PNG and Air Niugini. Within Goroka town, walking or using registered taxis (arranged through your accommodation) for short trips is possible."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

5 Mbps

Mobile data

Fair

WiFi

Limited to Goroka hotels

Local SIM

Digicel SIM at Goroka airport from $5

Calling code

+675

Stay safe

Overall

7/10

Petty crime risk; avoid night travel. Tribal tensions can flare.

Night safety

5/10

Petty crime risk; avoid night travel. Tribal tensions can flare.

Transport

6/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Exercise a high degree of caution. Crime, including armed robbery, carjacking, and sexual assault, can occur. Avoid traveling after dark. Political and tribal conflicts can flare up unexpectedly; avoid large gatherings or demonstrations. Road travel can be hazardous due to poor road conditions, landslides, and criminal activity on highways; travel with a trusted local guide or in organized tours. Do not hike trails alone. Secure valuables and be discreet with cameras and phones. Always seek current, local advice on areas to avoid before traveling within the province."

Police

112

Ambulance

111

Fire

110

Tourist Police

Not available

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical facilities in the Eastern Highlands are very basic. The main hospital is Goroka Base Hospital, but serious conditions require medical evacuation to Port Moresby or Australia. Travelers must have comprehensive travel health insurance covering evacuation. Malaria is prevalent throughout PNG, including the Highlands; antimalarial prophylaxis is essential. Other recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and routine immunizations. Dengue fever is also a risk. Drink only bottled or boiled water. Be prepared for limited pharmacy supplies; bring a comprehensive personal medical kit including any prescription medications. Altitude sickness can be a concern in some areas."

Culture

Local customs

"Respect is paramount. Always ask permission before taking photographs of people or their property. Dress modestly, especially in villages. When visiting communities, it is customary to bring a small gift (e.g., store-bought food like rice or sugar) for the village leader. Handshakes are common. Avoid public displays of affection. Tipping is not a widespread custom but is appreciated for exceptional service. Be aware of 'wantok' system (obligations to one's extended family and clan), which is central to social life. Avoid pointing with your finger; use an open hand or your chin."

Tok PisinEnglishHiri MotuNumerous indigenous languages (e.g., Gahuku, Siane)

Costs and practicals

Currency

Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK) · K

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$5-10 | local meal at market $5, restaurant $10

Hotels

$40-80 | budget guesthouse $40, mid-range hotel $80

Local transport

$1-3 | PMV ride $1, taxi within town $3

Cost notes

Prices higher in remote areas due to logistics.

Timezone

Pacific/Port_Moresby +10:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

580,000

Area

11,200 km²

Government

Provincial Government within a unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

ISO code

EHG

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Östliche Hochlandprovinz, Восточное Высокогорье, 東部山岳州, Provinco Orientaj Altaj Teroj, Östliches Hochland, Eastern Highlands, Eastern Highlands Province, Східний Гайлендс, Rytų Aukštumos provincija, Истерн-Хайлендс, Hautes-Terres orientales, PG-EHG, GKA, Garoka, Goroka, New Garoka, goroka, gwrwka, jwrwka, Горока, جوروكا, گوروکا, गोरोका, গোরোকা, ਗੋਰੋਕਾ, ጎሮካ, ゴロカ

Capital CityMajor HubCulturalHikingCoffeeTribal FestivalsBirdwatchingOff the Beaten PathMountainsAdventure