Goroka & Eastern Highlands
The Papua New Guinea Highlands cover a vast area of high rugged terrain. It comprises of steep mountain ranges, deep valleys and large major river systems. It is divided into five different provinces with theor own cultural traditions and exotic headdresses which are derivitive of the stunning variety of bird species. The highlands is home to many different beautiful orchids, animals, insects and particularly the incredibly brilliant birds of paradise. Goroka, capital of the Eastern Highlands Province, offers numerous sights and adventures. Any sightseeing should include the McCarthy Museum, the Asaro Mudmen's village (Komunive) & Daulo Pass, Mt Gahavisuka National Park (for sightings of Birds of Paradise), the Raun Raun Theatre, Kainantu Pottery, and one of the many coffee factories. PNG Highlands Tours or PNG Japan Tours conduct guided 1/2 and full day tours in and around the Goroka region. With a history of gold mines and coffee plantations, Eastern Highlands has had more exposure to European influence than any other Highlands provinces. It has a history full of colourful characters- miners, missionaries, patrol officers, plantation owners. Traditional dress is seldom worn this days, although the Highlanders still live in village of neat clusters of low walled round huts built amongst the rolling kunai-grass covered hills. Goroka was a small outpost station in the 1950's, and now has developed into a well organised town with modern facilities and relaxed atmosphere. It is a major Highlands commercial centre of 25,000 people at an altitude of 1600 metres. It has a climate of perpetual spring. Today Goroka has become known for its annual show, held every September. It is a marvellous opportunity to gain an overview of PNG cultural diversity. The shows were first held in the 50's as a means of gathering together the different tribes and clans. At times there could be more than 40,000 painted warriors dancing to the beat of the Kundu drums. The scenario was an amazing success and grew from its original concept of a local get- together into a major tourist attraction. Amongst the performers are the legendary mud men of Asaro. Tribal folklore records that centuries ago the warriors of Asaro were defeated in a tribal fight "payback" raid, and, to make themselves look fierce in the process, covered their bodies with grey mud. According to legend, the ruse worked. Their enemies fled at the sight of these ghostly apparitions. The mud men recreate the drama at the Goroka shows and for hotel tour groups. The Raun Raun Theatre Company, based in Goroka is a highly acclaimed performing group which tours both nationally and internationally.
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