Things to do in Mt Hagen
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Mt Hagen Show
It's not as big as the Goroka Show, but the Mt Hagen Show is definitely a must-see. It's held annually, on the third weekend of August. The cheap 'general admission' won't allow you access to the singsing groups until much later, and then, only from the surrounding banks.
The two-day pass allows you to arrive early and see the groups dressing and donning their feathered headdresses. Vigorous impromptu performances at this time can be more powerful, even ribald, compared to the formal stuff dished up in the arena. Contrary to what you might fear, there's no general bird of paradise slaughter just before show time - the feather headdresses and costumes are extremely valuabl…
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Hagen market
The Hagen market is one of PNG's biggest and most varied (Saturday is the big day). It's the best place to buy bilums and Highland hats. There's also a vast range of fresh produce on sale and if you're lucky you may also see cuscus, pigs and birds trussed up on poles or in enclosures.
It's busy each day and thieves work the crowd. They're mostly kids working in tandem - one might distract you while another snatches a bag or wallet. The atmosphere in the market can be edgy, and the best way to make friends is to buy stuff.
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Trans Niugini Tours
Trans Niugini Tours is one of the main inbound tour companies in PNG, and organises tours and activities across the country. It's well organised, professional and rather expensive. Its packages include meals and activities and guests are ferried to their six eco-lodges by private aircraft and stay in absolute luxury.
The lodges are Tari's Ambua Lodge; the Sepik's Karawari Lodge and its boat the Sepik Spirit; Malolo Plantation Lodge north of Madang; Bensbach Wildlife Lodge in the Western Province; and Mt Hagen's very own Rondon Ridge.
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Hagen Club
Serves cold beer and good pub-style light meals during lunch, and cold beer and European dishes during dinner. The Mt Hagen Ball is held here to coincide with the show. Bring your tux, dancing shoes and see the manager for a ticket.
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Palmuri Restaurant
The Palmuri Restaurant offers delectable delicacies such as Mt Wilhelm trout and triple-stacked pancakes. An Asian style buffet is served every Saturday.
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PNG Eco-Adventure Tours
Another Hagen-based operation (locally owned) that offers tours to remote rural villages including Lake Kutubu. It can also organise Sepik expeditions.
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