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Province · Highlands Region
Jiwaka
Jiwaka, the newest province of the Highlands, occupies the Wahgi River valley amid tea and coffee plantations, villages, and forested mountains.
In the photo: Wahgi Valley in the Sigri region
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The province
Get to know Jiwaka
Jiwaka was created in 2012 from lands that previously belonged to the Western Highlands. The name combines the initials of three peoples of the region: the Jimi, the Wahgi, and the Kambia. The capital is Kurumul, in the Wahgi River valley.
The Wahgi valley is wide and fertile, lying between the Kubor Range to the south and the northern mountains that descend toward the Jimi River valley. Tea and coffee plantations cover parts of the slopes, near Banz and Minj, two of the province’s main settlements.
The peoples of Jiwaka preserve the dances, feather headdresses, and body painting typical of the Highlands, and groups from the province perform at regional festivals.
The forests of the mountains surrounding the valley shelter birds-of-paradise and other Highland species.
The government of the United States advises against travel to this province. Before planning a trip, check the current travel advice from your government.
When to go
The climate is mild year-round, with warm days and cool nights due to the altitude. From June to September the weather is usually drier; between December and March showers are more frequent.
Getting there
Jiwaka lies on the Highlands Highway, between Chimbu and Mount Hagen. The nearest airport is Kagamuga, in Mount Hagen, with flights from Port Moresby.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Jiwaka
What does the name Jiwaka mean?
The name combines the initial letters of three peoples of the province: the Jimi, the Wahgi, and the Kambia. The province was created in 2012 from lands that previously belonged to the Western Highlands.
What is the capital of Jiwaka?
Kurumul, in the Wahgi valley, is the seat of the provincial government. Banz and Minj, also in the valley, are among the better-known settlements in the province, near the tea and coffee plantations.
How do you get to Jiwaka?
By the Highlands Highway, the road that crosses the Highlands, from Mount Hagen, whose city has the nearest airport with flights from Port Moresby.
Does any government advise against travel to Jiwaka?
Yes. The United States government advises against travel to the Highlands, except for the towns of Mount Hagen and Goroka, which includes Jiwaka. Always check the current travel advice from your country, which may differ.