Things To Do
in Bulolo
Bulolo is a small inland town in Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea, surrounded by rainforest-covered hills and agricultural land. It grew around gold dredging and timber industries and still shows relics of its mining past along the Bulolo River. The town functions as a service centre for nearby plantations and mining operations and offers access to birdwatching and mountain scenery.
Visitors come for nature, local culture, and to explore WWII and gold‑rush history in the Wau–Bulolo area.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Bulolo and settle into your accommodation. Take some time to acclimatize and enjoy the tropical surroundings. A leisurely breakfast will prepare you for the adventures ahead.
Explore the local market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and perhaps sample some traditional dishes. Take a stroll along the Bulolo River and enjoy the stunning natural scenery. Engage with the friendly locals to learn more about their way of life.
Dine at a local restaurant that offers traditional Papua New Guinea cuisine. As the sun sets, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Unwind and reflect on your day's adventures before heading back to your accommodation.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a guided hike through the Bulolo Valley. Discover the unique flora and fauna while learning about the area's history from your knowledgeable guides. Capture the breathtaking views as you trek along the scenic trails.
Visit local villages in the valley to meet the inhabitants and observe traditional crafts being made. Participate in a cultural exchange where you can try your hand at weaving or carving. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the stunning landscape.
Return to your accommodation and relax after a rewarding day. Later, enjoy dinner while discussing the rich culture and history you experienced throughout the day. Wind down under the starry sky, listening to the sounds of the forest.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🚌Short shared ride / PMV fare | $0.50-2 |
| 🏨Basic guesthouse room | $15-40 |
| ⛽Petrol (per liter) | $1.20-1.60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic off-the-beaten-path experience with rich local culture
- Excellent birdwatching and rainforest scenery nearby
- Interesting mining and WWII heritage sites
- Friendly local communities and opportunities for village visits
- Limited tourist infrastructure and medical facilities
- Unreliable card payments and limited ATMs; need to carry cash
- Roads can be rough and affected by heavy rain
- Fewer dining and nightlife options compared with bigger towns
- "Gutpela moning" - Good morning
- "Tenkyu tru" - Thank you very much
- "Plis" - Please / Excuse me
- "Yu stap gut?" - How are you?
- "Mi no save" - I don't understand / I don't know
Places to Visit in Bulolo
Visit one of these nice places.
Photograph reflective pools, rusting mining equipment and the river valley — evocative landscapes that show the town’s gold-mining past.
Scenic viewpoints along the road to Wau reveal layered rainforest-covered ridges and townscapes; best at sunrise or late afternoon for warm light.
Candid photos of market stalls, local produce, and daily activities capture authentic community life — ask permission before photographing people.
Early-morning hides and forest edges near Wau are excellent for photographing birds-of-paradise and colourful endemic species — bring a telephoto lens.
Abandoned equipment, old roads and memorials from the wartime and gold-rush eras create atmospheric compositions for history-minded photographers.
Food in Bulolo
Bulolo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
An earth-oven feast of meat, sweet potato (kaukau), taro, and greens slow-cooked on hot stones; you might be invited to a mumu at a village or see it at special events.
Must-Try!
Starchy staples (kaukau/sweet potato and taro) served with locally caught river fish or grilled/roasted chicken — common everyday fare in Bulolo.
Sago is eaten in various forms (dumplings, puddings) in parts of PNG; expect simpler sago-based sides rather than elaborate dishes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central market sells fresh vegetables, root crops, fruits, occasional smoked fish and ready-to-eat snacks; it’s the best place to try local produce and observe daily life.
Scattered roadside stalls serve grilled meats, boiled kaukau, and small snack items — ideal for quick, informal tastes of local cooking.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly 'Gutpela moning/gutpela apinun' (good morning/afternoon) in Tok Pisin or a handshake; show polite interest in names and family.
Always ask permission before photographing people or private property; many communities expect to be consulted first.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting villages or church events; avoid exposing clothing and remove hats in some formal or sacred contexts.
Small gifts of food or practical items are often welcomed in villages; coordinate visits through local authorities or guides and observe village-specific customs.
Safety
Tipping in Bulolo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not widely expected but small tips for helpful guides, drivers, or exceptional service are appreciated; round up fares or leave PGK 2–10 depending on service.
Cash in Papua New Guinean kina (PGK) is the primary payment method in Bulolo. Credit/debit card facilities and ATMs are limited or absent; withdraw cash in Lae or carry enough PGK. Mobile payments are uncommon in rural areas, so prepare with cash and small notes.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
(December–February) Expect warmer temperatures and heavier rainfall; some unsealed roads and trails may become muddy or impassable, and river levels rise — pack rain gear and waterproof bags for equipment.
March–May bring a mix of rain and drier spells; bird activity remains good and the landscape is lush after wet months — good time for nature walks if rains ease.
June–August is generally drier and slightly cooler, especially at higher elevations; this is often the best window for hiking, clearer skies, and easier road travel.
September–November is transitional with variable showers; wildflowers and agricultural activity increase, but expect occasional rain and sticky conditions.
Bulolo at Night
Hiking in Bulolo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of tracks linking historic goldfields, WWII sites and rainforest viewpoints — great for short walks or multi-stop heritage tours with a guide.
A steeper trail rising into higher forest with good vantage points for birdwatching and sweeping views over the valley; best with a local guide and proper gear.
A riverside track that follows sections of the Bulolo River and passes old dredge sites and scenic pools; expect uneven terrain and occasional muddy stretches.
Short interpretive walks around abandoned dredge ponds and mining relics; historically interesting and good for photography with local context from a guide.
Airports
How to reach Bulolo by plane.
A small local airstrip near Wau providing limited charter and occasional scheduled flights; useful for access to the Wau–Bulolo area but subject to weather and service availability.
The nearest major airport serving Lae with scheduled domestic flights and road connections to Bulolo; travelers often fly into Nadzab/Lae then travel by road to Bulolo (several hours).
A regional airport in Eastern Highlands Province used for domestic connections; an alternative route depending on travel plans but farther from Bulolo than Lae.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The population is primarily Papua New Guinean from a mix of local language groups and neighbouring highland and coastal communities, with Tok Pisin widely used as the lingua franca.
Bulolo hosts workers involved in forestry, agriculture and mining, and a small number of expatriates and company staff who live in or near the town.
Small business communities, including Chinese-run shops and eateries, provide retail and food services to the town.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby league is widely followed across Papua New Guinea and local communities enthusiastically support matches and regional competitions.
Local soccer is popular for youth and community teams, with informal matches commonly organized in open fields.
Netball is played by women and girls in communities; rugby union also has local participation and school-level competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bulolo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited to root vegetables, salads, coconut-based dishes, and rice; bring snacks and protein supplements if you need reliable vegetarian meals.
Vegan dining can be challenging due to common use of fish sauce, dried shrimp, and limited vegetable variety — plan ahead, explain needs in Tok Pisin or English, and carry staples.
Ingredient labeling is rare and cross-contamination common; if you have severe allergies, bring emergency medication and pre-packed safe foods.