Things to Do in Tari, Papuanewguinea

Tari is the capital of Hela Province in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, situated at an elevation of approximately 1,600 meters above sea level. This remote highland town serves as the gateway to some of PNG's most spectacular cultural experiences and natural wonders, including the famous Huli wigmen culture and the pristine wilderness of the surrounding mountains. The region is renowned for its traditional singsing festivals, where elaborately decorated tribal groups perform ancient dances and ceremonies. The town itself is relatively small but strategically important as a hub for the region's oil and gas industry, while also maintaining its role as a cultural center for the indigenous Huli people. Visitors to Tari can experience authentic Melanesian culture, witness traditional wig-making ceremonies, explore stunning highland landscapes, and participate in some of the most authentic cultural exchanges available in Papua New Guinea. The area offers a rare glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Top Things to Do in Tari

Huli Wigmen Cultural Experience

Visit traditional Huli villages to witness the famous wigmen who grow elaborate wigs from their own hair, often taking up to two years to cultivate. Observe traditional ceremonies, learn about ancient customs, and participate in cultural exchanges with local communities. This is one of PNG's most iconic cultural experiences, offering insight into one of the world's last remaining stone-age cultures.

Booking Tip: Book through established cultural tour operators in Mount Hagen or Port Moresby, expect to pay $200-400 per day including guide and village fees. Best arranged 2-3 weeks in advance, and always respect photography restrictions and cultural protocols.

Traditional Singsing Festival Participation

Attend or participate in traditional singsing festivals where multiple tribal groups gather to perform ceremonial dances, display elaborate costumes, and compete in traditional competitions. These festivals showcase the rich cultural diversity of the Southern Highlands with participants wearing bird of paradise feathers, shells, and intricate body paint. The atmosphere is electric with drumming, chanting, and spectacular displays of traditional artistry.

Booking Tip: Major festivals occur during dry season (May-October), with costs around $150-300 per day. Contact local cultural centers or tour operators at least one month ahead as these events can draw international visitors and accommodation fills quickly.

Highland Trekking and Nature Walks

Explore the pristine highland wilderness surrounding Tari through guided treks that reveal stunning mountain vistas, unique highland flora, and diverse birdlife including birds of paradise. Trek through traditional gardens, visit remote villages, and experience the dramatic landscape changes from valley floors to mountain ridges. The region offers some of PNG's most accessible highland trekking with moderate difficulty levels.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local guides for $50-100 per day, bring warm clothing as temperatures can drop significantly at altitude. Best during dry season, always trek with experienced local guides familiar with weather patterns and cultural protocols.

Traditional Craft and Wig-Making Workshops

Participate in hands-on workshops learning traditional Huli crafts including string bag weaving, tool making, and the fascinating process of wig cultivation and styling. Learn about the cultural significance of various crafts and their role in daily life and ceremonies. These workshops provide intimate cultural exchange opportunities and create meaningful souvenirs.

Booking Tip: Arrange through village contacts or cultural tour operators, typically $75-150 per workshop session. Best combined with village stays, book 1-2 weeks ahead and confirm materials and duration of workshops.

Bird of Paradise and Wildlife Watching

Experience some of the world's most spectacular birdwatching in the highland forests around Tari, home to several species of birds of paradise, bower birds, and other endemic species. Early morning and late afternoon excursions offer the best opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The region's biodiversity extends beyond birds to include unique highland mammals and reptiles.

Booking Tip: Best during dry season with early morning starts (5-6 AM), expect $100-200 per day with experienced birding guide. Bring binoculars and camera with telephoto lens, book guides through eco-lodges or specialized birding tour operators.

Getting There

Tari is accessible via Tari Airport, which receives regular flights from Port Moresby and Mount Hagen on Airlines PNG and other domestic carriers. The flight from Port Moresby takes approximately 1.5 hours and offers spectacular views of the Southern Highlands. Road access is possible but challenging, with the journey from Mount Hagen taking 4-6 hours on rough highland roads that can become impassable during wet season. Most visitors fly in due to the convenience and reliability compared to overland travel.

Getting Around

Local transportation in Tari consists primarily of PMVs (Public Motor Vehicles), small buses and trucks that serve as shared taxis, and hired vehicles through guesthouses or tour operators. Walking is common within the town center, but visits to cultural sites and villages require arranged transportation with local guides. Most cultural experiences and trekking activities include transportation as part of tour packages. Renting vehicles independently is not recommended due to road conditions and the importance of local knowledge for navigation and cultural protocols.

Where to Stay

Tari town center

Ambua Lodge area

Cultural village guesthouses

Mission stations

Government guesthouses

Eco-lodge accommodations

Food & Dining

Dining options in Tari are limited but authentic, focusing on traditional highland cuisine including sweet potatoes, taro, locally grown vegetables, and occasionally pork from ceremonial feasts. The town has a few small restaurants and trade stores selling basic supplies, while most cultural tour experiences include traditional meals prepared in earth ovens or over open fires. Guesthouses and lodges typically provide meals as part of accommodation packages, often featuring a mix of traditional PNG dishes and simple international fare adapted to local ingredients.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Tari is during the dry season from May to October when roads are more accessible, weather is more predictable, and cultural festivals are most frequent. This period offers clearer mountain views, better trekking conditions, and easier access to remote villages. The wet season (November to April) can bring heavy rains that make transportation difficult and some areas inaccessible, though the landscape is lush and green. Temperature remains relatively stable year-round due to the highland elevation, with cool nights and warm days.

Insider Tips

Always arrange cultural visits through proper channels and respect local customs - never photograph people without permission and be prepared to pay reasonable fees for cultural experiences

Bring warm clothing including a jacket and long pants as highland temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night and early morning

Cash is essential as ATMs and card facilities are extremely limited - bring enough PNG Kina in small denominations for village fees, crafts, and tips

Things to Do in Tari