Hela
Hela lies in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, a province of steep mountain valleys, the Tari Basin and the enduring traditions of the Huli people. Its remote landscapes and elaborate cultural ceremonies make it one of the country's most distinctive destinations.
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About Hela
Tari is the capital of Hela Province and the main town of the Papua New Guinea highlands, set at about 1,675 metres above sea level in the Tari Basin. It is the centre of Huli country, a region shaped by strong customary traditions and one of the most distinctive cultural identities in Papua New Guinea.
Hela Province was created in 2012 from part of the former Southern Highlands Province, and Tari has since served as its administrative and commercial hub. The town remains small, with government offices, banks, markets and a highland airfield connecting it to the rest of the country.
The surrounding Tari Valley is best known for the Huli wigmen, whose elaborate ceremonial wigs, face paint and sing-sing performances attract cultural travellers. Visitors also come for highland landscapes, birdlife and lodges with views over the valley, while Mount Sisa and the Tari Gap provide scenic destinations nearby.
Markets in and around Tari bring together highland produce, while the local Huli language is widely spoken alongside Tok Pisin and English. The town is a gateway for travellers exploring Hela Province, including communities around Tari-Pori, Koroba-Kopiago and Komo-Magarima districts.
For business visitors, Tari and Hela Province sit within the wider PNG LNG project area, giving the town regional economic significance alongside its cultural role. Travel to Tari generally combines flights into Tari Airport with road journeys that depend on highland conditions.
Hela Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit
The drier months from May to October are the most reliable time to visit Tari, when highland roads and airstrips are easier to use. Rain is common throughout the year, so travel plans should allow for weather delays.
How to Get Around
Tari is small enough to explore on foot, while local PMV buses and taxis serve the town and nearby villages. Distances to outlying communities are best covered by four-wheel-drive vehicle or arranged transport.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Tari is limited but includes guesthouses and lodges in and near the town, with more established highland lodges in the surrounding valley. Staying near the centre gives easy access to the airport, market and government offices.
Food & Drink
Local meals in Tari centre on highland staples such as sweet potato and seasonal vegetables, often with pork on special occasions. Small markets, guesthouses and simple restaurants provide food, while bottled water is essential.
Ground Transportation Services in Hela
Airport Transfers
Arrange transport between Tari Airport (TIZ) and guesthouses, lodges, government offices and other points in Tari and the surrounding highlands.
Hourly Chauffeur
Book a private driver by the hour for meetings, site visits, cultural excursions and flexible travel around Tari and nearby communities.
Car Rental
Rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle in Tari for independent travel, keeping in mind that highland roads can be rough and weather-dependent.
Bus & Group Transfers
Charter a minibus or bus for groups, project teams, events, airport pick-ups and cultural visits across the Tari area.
Frequently Asked Questions
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