Things To Do
in Goroka
Goroka is a vibrant town located in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. It is known for its colorful cultural festivals and lively markets where local arts and crafts are sold. The town is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Goroka is also home to the University of Goroka, which attracts students from all over the country.
- "Mi likim yu" - I love you
- "Gutpela de" - Good day
- "Tenkyu" - Thank you
- "Sori" - Sorry
- "Yu stap gut?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Goroka Showground, where you can witness the vibrant local culture. Engage with local tribes and learn about their unique traditions and customs.
Visit the Papua New Guinea Coffee Museum to discover the country's rich coffee heritage. Enjoy tastings and find out how coffee is integral to the local economy.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Papua New Guinean cuisine. Experience the warmth of local hospitality and share stories with residents.
Take a hike to the wondrous Goroka Nature Park to see native flora and fauna. Birdwatching is popular here, so keep an eye out for unique bird species.
Set off on a guided tour to explore the beautiful surrounding hills. Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views.
Return to Goroka for a peaceful evening at your accommodation. Relax and reflect on the breathtaking sights of the day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural diversity with numerous indigenous tribes and languages.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and lush landscapes.
- Strong community spirit and hospitality of the local people.
- Opportunities for adventure tourism, such as hiking and bird watching.
- Unique festivals, like the Goroka Show, celebrating traditional customs.
- Limited infrastructure and healthcare facilities.
- Safety concerns related to crime and political instability.
- Challenges with reliable transportation and access to modern amenities.
- Environmental issues, such as deforestation and climate-related impacts.
- Economic reliance on agriculture can lead to vulnerability in global market fluctuations.
Best Activities in Goroka
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Attend the famous Goroka Show, a cultural event featuring traditional music, dance, and rituals of the indigenous tribes of the Highlands region.
Visit the Asaro Mudmen Village to witness the unique tradition of warriors adorned in mud masks and costumes, offering a glimpse into the local folklore and customs.
Explore Mount Gahavisuka National Park, known for its diverse wildlife, lush rainforests, and opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.
Enjoy a round of golf at the scenic Goroka Golf Club, surrounded by captivating mountain views and beautiful landscapes.
Tours
Uncover the best of Goroka with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Goroka
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and great photo opportunities.
Opportunity to take photos of the traditional mudmen and their unique masks and headdresses.
Hosts the annual Goroka Show with vibrant displays of traditional dance, costumes, and cultural performances ideal for photography.
Food in Goroka
Goroka Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Mumu is a traditional dish where meat, vegetables, and sometimes fruits are wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground oven. It's a must-try for a taste of authentic Papua New Guinean flavors. One can experience Mumu at local cultural events, guesthouses, or through special arrangements with indigenous communities.
Must-Try!
Sago, a starchy material extracted from the pith of various tropical palms, features prominently in many local dishes. Sago pancakes, sago porridge, and sago bread are popular choices. These delicacies can be found at local markets and some eateries.
Roast suckling pig is a festive dish often served at celebrations and feasts. It's a flavorful and tender dish that highlights traditional cooking methods. Look for it at local events and festivals or inquire at guesthouses for availability.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Goroka better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Goroka Market is a vibrant hub for local produce, fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices. Visitors can explore the market's colorful stalls to find a variety of street food such as grilled skewers, fresh fruits, and homemade snacks.
This market is an excellent spot to sample traditional and exotic fruits, local snacks, and freshly prepared dishes. It also provides insight into the unique culinary ingredients and flavors of the region.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Goroka, it is crucial to show respect for elders. This includes using proper titles and greetings when addressing them, and following their guidance and advice.
Gift-giving is an important cultural norm in Goroka. When visiting someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift as a gesture of appreciation and respect.
In public spaces, it is important to be mindful of cultural norms. This includes speaking and behaving respectfully, and being aware of local customs and traditions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Goroka with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Goroka
Ensure a smooth experience
In Goroka, Papua New Guinea, tipping is not a common practice. It is not expected or required in most situations.
Payment in Goroka, Papua New Guinea is primarily done in cash, and credit card acceptance may be limited. It is important to have sufficient cash on hand for most transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Goroka.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Goroka with pleasant weather, minimal rainfall, and famous Goroka Show held in September celebrating the local culture and traditions.
Expect heavy rainfall and warm temperatures, which may result in limited outdoor activities and travel disruptions.
These seasons offer a mix of weather. April to May is the transition to dry season with vibrant landscapes, and October to November has occasional rain and is good for bird watching.
Goroka at Night
Hiking in Goroka
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A prominent peak that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a challenging hiking experience.
Known for its challenging trails and beautiful vistas, Doma Peak is a favorite among adventurous hikers.
A lesser-known hiking destination that provides a moderate challenge and breathtaking views of the valleys below.
A network of scenic trails suitable for all experience levels, offering a glimpse into the local flora and fauna.
Trails within the Nature Park that allow for a leisurely hike through well-maintained paths surrounded by diverse wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Goroka through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Goroka by plane.
The largest international airport in Papua New Guinea, located in Port Moresby, approximately 400 km from Goroka.
An international airport located near Lae, about 250 km from Goroka, serving as a hub for regional and domestic flights.
An international airport located in Madang, approximately 250 km from Goroka, offering flights to various domestic and few regional destinations.
An airport in Mount Hagen, about 150 km from Goroka, serving domestic flights and connecting to some regional destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
An ethnic group primarily found in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, known for their vibrant culture and traditional practices.
The indigenous inhabitants of Goroka, with a mix of cultural backgrounds from various highlanders.
A prominent group from the Enga Province, known for their unique cultural practices and contributions to the region.
An ethnic group from the Eastern Highlands, known for their distinct languages and traditions.
Another group from the Eastern Highlands, recognized for their agriculture and market activities.
Various other smaller tribes and groups that contribute to the diverse demographic landscape of Goroka.
The Soul of Goroka
Discover the essence of Goroka through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby league is hugely popular in Goroka, with many local teams and competitions reflecting the passion for the sport.
Soccer is widely played, especially among the youth, with various leagues and tournaments organized throughout the year.
Athletics events are common in Goroka, particularly during school competitions and local sports festivals.
This sport has gained traction in Goroka and is often featured in local tournaments, attracting many participants.
Basketball is becoming increasingly popular among the youth, with courts available in schools and neighborhoods.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Goroka.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Papua New Guinean cuisine heavily features meat and fish, many restaurants and cafes in Goroka offer vegetarian and vegan options, such as vegetable curries, fresh salads, and tropical fruit plates.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find gluten-free choices in some restaurants and cafes, especially those that focus on using locally sourced ingredients and preparing dishes from scratch.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Goroka with these cultural adventures.
