Mendi
Mendi, the provincial capital of Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands, sits in a highland valley surrounded by rugged mountains and is known for its lively market, cultural diversity and role as a regional administrative hub.
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About Southern Highlands
Mendi is the capital of the Southern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea, set in the Mendi River valley at roughly 1,675 metres above sea level. The town is surrounded by steep cultivated hillsides, volcanic terrain and mountain views, with Mount Giluwe, the country's second-highest peak, rising to the east.
Historically a provincial administrative and trading centre, Mendi is home to the Mendi people, whose traditional language is Angal and whose culture is built around sweet potato gardens, pig husbandry and ceremonial exchange. Tok Pisin is widely spoken, and the town's Friday and Saturday market is a lively meeting point for produce, bilum bags and local crafts.
The surrounding Southern Highlands offer some of Papua New Guinea's most distinctive landscapes and cultural experiences. Visitors use Mendi as a base for climbing Mount Giluwe, canoeing and birdwatching at Lake Kutubu, and travelling west toward the Huli cultural region around Tari.
Coffee and fresh vegetables are important crops in the area, and Mendi functions as a small service and government hub for the province. Mendi Airport links the town with Port Moresby and other regional centres, while the Highlands Highway connects it by road with Mount Hagen, Lae and nearby highland towns.
For travellers, Mendi is best suited to adventurous visitors interested in highland culture, trekking and remote scenery. Local knowledge, careful planning and current travel advice are important when exploring the town and the wider Southern Highlands.
Southern Highlands Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit
The dry season from May to October is generally the most comfortable time to visit Mendi, with cooler highland weather and better road conditions for regional travel. The wetter months can make some highland roads and tracks more difficult, so check local conditions before setting out.
How to Get Around
Mendi is compact enough to explore on foot, while PMV buses, local taxis and private 4WD vehicles serve the town and surrounding areas. The Highlands Highway links Mendi with Mount Hagen, Lae and other highland centres, and Mendi Airport connects the town with Port Moresby and regional destinations.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Mendi is limited, with a small number of guesthouses, lodges and basic hotels in and around town. Travellers often combine a stay in Mendi with Mount Hagen or the Lake Kutubu area for more lodging choices.
Food & Drink
Mendi's market is the best place to find fresh produce, including sweet potatoes, vegetables, fruit and locally grown coffee. Small eateries and guesthouse dining rooms serve simple meals, and pork features in many local celebrations and feasts.
Ground Transportation Services in Southern Highlands
Airport Transfers
Book a private vehicle for the short journey between Mendi Airport (MDU) and guesthouses, hotels or other destinations in town and the surrounding Southern Highlands.
Hourly Chauffeur
Use a private chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel around Mendi, business visits, market trips and excursions to nearby valleys and viewpoints.
Car Rental
Rent a 4WD vehicle for independent travel around Mendi and the Southern Highlands, including the Highlands Highway and routes toward Mount Hagen, Lake Kutubu or Tari.
Bus & Group Transfers
Organise minibuses or charter buses for groups travelling between Mendi, Mendi Airport and regional destinations such as Mount Hagen, Lake Kutubu and Tari.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Airports in Papua New Guinea
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Bunsil Airport (BXZ)
Bunsil Airport is a small regional airstrip on Umboi Island in Morobe Province, serving the Bunsil area and surrounding island villages. Charter flights and local boat connections link the island with Lae, Nadzab and other parts of Papua New Guinea.
Bewani Airport (BWP)
Bewani Airport serves the town of Bewani and the surrounding West Sepik region as a small domestic gateway. From here, travellers can continue by road to the nearby regional centre of Vanimo and onward destinations in Papua New Guinea.
Bawan Airport (BWJ)
Bawan Airport is a small regional airstrip in Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea, serving remote highland communities and providing an essential air link where road access is limited. Most onward journeys continue by charter or community flights, with limited road connections toward Lae and nearby settlements.
Bulolo Airport (BUL)
Bulolo Airport is a small regional airfield serving the town of Bulolo and the surrounding Morobe Province of Papua New Guinea. It connects travelers with nearby mining and timber centres, Wau, and the provincial capital Lae, with local road transfers available from the town centre.