Papua New Guinea

80 Senses: #78 - The Goroka Show in Papua New Guinea

Published 28th Jun. 2021

Reading time

PNG is PDG (pretty damn good). Papua New Guinea is as close as you can get to frontier travel in this day and age. The interior of the country (the Highlands) remained completely uncharted until the 1930s when gold prospectors who had assumed the area was uninhabited due to the rugged terrain found over a million people still living a virtually stone age lifestyle.

 

Sing-sing us a song

Things are changing fast, but outside the main cities, traditional life and culture still prevails in the villages and it is fascinating to see. Very considerately (for visitors), there is a strong tradition of gatherings or 'sing-sings' where various tribes meet up to show off their particular dances and idiosyncratic ceremonial costumes.

 

Go to Goroka

The biggest and best of the sing-sings is the Goroka Show, which takes place in the Eastern highlands in September every year and features more than 100 tribes. Seeing the hugely colourful costumes and snazzy dance moves is a highlight of any trip to this dazzling country.

Why visit Papua New Guinea with Original Travel ?

Travelling with us means enjoying a trip that has been meticulously crafted by our team of experts, each knowing their specialised country like the back of their hand. Tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind, we can customise itineraries based on your taste, be that an architecture aficionado, a food fanatic or an environment enthusiast. Working hand-in-hand with local Concierges and guides, we’ll uncover spots perfect for you. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, our curated experiences are supported by an array of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline and an app full of recommendations.

Enquire now

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Papua New Guinea

You might also like

Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip

Your Votes Made It Happen

Your Votes Made It Happen

Thanks to you, we’ve once again been voted one of the world’s top tour operators in this year’s Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. Nearly 300,000 readers in the UK cast their votes for travel experiences they’ve adored the most – from hotels and airlines to destinations and tour operators – and to be named as one of the best in the business means the world to us.  We’re particularly proud because this recognition comes directly from you, the travellers we craft truly tailor-made trips for.

Our Guide to the Okavango Delta Flood Season

Our Guide to the Okavango Delta Flood Season

Flooding might conjure thoughts of chaos and suspended travel, but in the Okavango Delta, floods are a celebrated part of nature's cycle. And in 2026, that cycle is in full swing, with high rainfall and strong flooding making for a truly promising season. But why is flooding so beneficial to the Delta, and how exactly does this effect travel in 2026? Read on for the answers to all these questions and more.

Just back: Charlie’s Research Trip to Nicaragua

Just back: Charlie’s Research Trip to Nicaragua

Charlie, one of our Latin America specialists, spent six weeks exploring the top spots and lesser-trodden treasures of Nicaragua. He spent four weeks travelling around the mainland before venturing to the Corn Islands – an under-the-radar gem. From hiking around the volcanoes near Leon to kayaking through the mangroves of Las Isleta’s, it was a trip packed with highlights. Intrigued? Read on to find out more about Charlie’s adventure in Nicaragua.