Simbu Province

Introducing Simbu Province

West of Goroka, Simbu’s mountains are much more rugged and steep, and the valleys are smaller and less accessible. Some of PNG’s highest mountains are in this region, including Mt Wilhelm (4509m) the highest of them all. There are vast limestone caves near Kundiawa and Chuave.

Simbu (pronounced chim-bu, and sometimes spelt that way) derived its name when the first patrol officers gave steel axes and knives to the tribespeople, who replied simbu – very pleased. Despite its rugged terrain, it’s the second most heavily populated region in PNG. The people have turned their steep country into a patchwork of gardens spreading up every available hillside. Population pressures are pushing them to even higher ground, threatening remaining forests and bird of paradise habitats. Most people in the province speak a similar language – Simbu dialects make up PNG’s second-largest language group.

Simbus are said to be avid capitalists who watch their coffee profits, and strong believers in payback – minor warfare is still common around Simbu and there’s a pervading eye-for-an-eye ethos. Kundiawa has a painted signboard at the police station that depicts a tribal battle.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009