Journey into the misty Eastern Highlands to meet the world-famous Asaro Mudmen — warriors who coat themselves in pale clay and ghostly masks — and experience a private sing-sing ceremony with local Highland tribes in their village. A UNESCO-level cultural moment.
What to expect
A private vehicle departs early for the Highland town of Goroka, ascending through coffee plantations and cloud-forest into crisp mountain air. At the Asaro village your host elder greets you before warriors don their iconic mud-encrusted masks in a private pre-ceremony ritual you are invited to witness up-close. The sing-sing itself — feathered headdresses, kundu drums, and chanted songs — is an overwhelming sensory experience. A traditional highland lunch follows, cooked in an earth oven (mumu).
Good to know
Best accessed from Port Moresby via a short domestic flight to Goroka (approx. 50 min); coordinate with your operator to align with ship's schedule. The Goroka Show festival (September) is the ideal timing if your itinerary aligns — book 3–4 months ahead for festival dates. Light jacket required; highlands sit at ~1,600 m altitude.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Papua — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.