Discover the Hela Province
Thursday, 7 January 2021
Renowned as one of Papua New Guinea’s most spectacular destinations, Hela Province offers a mix of natural beauty and age-old tradition.
It also happens to be one of Papua New Guinea’s newest provinces, with a wealth of attractions to explore.
A long time in the making
Hela might be one of Papua New Guinea’s newest provinces, but the cultural identity entrenched here runs deep, and the notion of an independent region has been important to the people who live here for generations.
Formally established in 2012, the province comprises three districts that were previously part of the Southern Highlands.
The Huli people who reside in Hela are among the largest ethnic groups in Papua New Guinea, with recent estimates numbering the population at between 700,000 and 800,000 people. They share a belief that they all came from one common ancestor called Hela.
Their culture is unique, and traditions have been maintained, particularly when it comes to the people of the Tari Basin, who are renowned for their intricate wigs.
The Huli wig men
Hela Province remains one of the least developed regions of PNG and is home to ancient traditions including those of the Huli wig men.
This masculine cultural tradition starts at a young age when boys are first separated from their mothers at around seven or eight.
Once they reach their teens, the boys attend wig school where they can remain for up to a decade. Here they grow their hair for around 18 months under the tutelage of a wig master, while dining on a special diet, and learning the traditions of Huli life.
Ultimately, their hair is preened into a mushroom-like style that appears like a toreador’s hat. Once complete, it is cut away and then stitched to a light wooden frame before being decorated with shells, iridescent bird feathers and other items. The result is a highly valued wig that is worn by tribesman every day or utilised for special occasions.
A place of incredible beauty
The backdrop for the traditions of Hela Province is a landscape of incredible beauty. Endless mountains and rugged terrain are punctuated by swollen rivers, but softened by the delicate petals of orchids, bird song and the smiles and spirit of the colourful locals.
Among the natural attractions is the picturesque Tagari River. Running through the Tari valley, it is highly regarded as a destination for white water rafting.
Meanwhile, birdlife in Hela Province abounds, with accommodation providers like Ambua Lodge specialising in bird watching tours.
Paga Hill Estate is a world-class, master-planned estate in the heart of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The waterfront site is the first comprehensively planned multi-use development in Papua New Guinea to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors alike.
The all-inclusive development will include vibrant public spaces and waterfront promenade, luxury hotels, residential apartments, restaurants, retail, commercial space, a Trade, Exhibition & Cultural Centre, restoration of WWII relics, marina precinct and a nearby international cruise liner terminal.
About Paga Hill Estate
Paga Hill Estate is a world-class, master-planned estate in the heart of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The waterfront site is the first comprehensively planned multi-use development in Papua New Guinea to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors alike.
The all-inclusive development will include vibrant public spaces and waterfront promenade, luxury hotels, residential apartments, restaurants, retail, commercial space, a Trade, Exhibition & Cultural Centre, restoration of WWII relics, marina precinct and a nearby international cruise liner terminal.
