Things To Do
in Kundiawa

A highlands staple — boiled or roasted sweet potato often served with leafy greens; available everywhere, especially at family meals and market food stalls.

Must-Try!

Occasionally you can experience a village mumu — an earth oven roast of pork, sweet potatoes and vegetables — usually during special events or by prior arrangement in a village.

PNG highlands coffee is aromatic and served at cafés and guesthouses; try locally roasted beans sold at the Kundiawa market.

The most famous highland hike in PNG — ascents require multiple days, local guides and porters; views and montane ecology become increasingly dramatic with altitude.

Day hikes to nearby ridges and lookout points are accessible from town and offer excellent valley and terrace views without the logistics of a full mountain trek.

Small forest remnants and creeklines near Kundiawa provide opportunities for short nature walks focused on birdlife and montane plants; best with a local guide.

A small domestic airstrip serving light aircraft and charter flights; schedules can be irregular and subject to weather — useful for quick links to larger centres when available.

The nearest major Highlands airport (Mount Hagen) with more regular scheduled flights to Port Moresby and other regional centres; connect by road or charter from Kundiawa — road travel can take several hours depending on conditions.

Another regional airport (Goroka) serving scheduled domestic flights; useful as an alternative access point to the eastern highlands, though road transfer times to Kundiawa are significant.

The predominant ethnic group in the province, with distinct language(s) and cultural practices tied to clans and village identities.

Kundiawa attracts people from neighbouring highlands provinces for trade, work and government services, leading to a mix of Highlands languages and cultures in town.

Christianity is widely practiced and churches play a central role in community life, with several denominations active in the area.

Rugby is widely played and passionately followed across the highlands; local matches and community competitions draw strong local interest.

Community soccer is popular among youth and in schools, with informal games common in town open spaces.

While not a 'sport' in the Western sense, many traditional competitions, exchanges and ceremonial events involve displays of strength, dance and competitive showmanship tied to pig exchanges and cultural status.

Vegetarian options are plentiful if you base meals on root crops and vegetables from the market, but ask clearly in Tok Pisin or English; protein alternatives may be limited. Bring snacks and supplements if you need varied or specialist vegetarian foods.

Vegan dining requires planning: while vegetables and kaukau are common, many cooked dishes use butter or small amounts of meat flavouring; carry staples if strict vegan needs are required.

Gluten-containing processed foods are less common in rural Kundiawa, but cross-contamination and unclear ingredient lists are frequent. If you have serious allergies, bring needed supplies and medicines and explain restrictions to hosts in advance.