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Visit Haia
Haia village on a fine morning
Haia is located in the heart of the Pawaian tribal territory of the Crater Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Its allure is its close proximity to undisturbed rainforest and the biodiversity richness that comes with its low elevation.
Although a highlands village, Haia has a coastal feel and a wealth of Sago Palm trees. The Pawaian are semi-nomadic and live an almost subsistence lifestyle relying on the forest and their gardens for much of their needs. But their lives are slowly changing. They need an income for school fees and for health care and have expressed their desire to welcome tourists to their home.
Activities: Your days can be spent exploring the surrounding forests, rivers and waterfalls with an experienced guide, who will interpret the forest, its wildlife, birds, medicinal plants, and forest foods, and explain the traditional uses of forest resources.
Nimi river in Haia
Activity options
At the village you can:
- walk down to the river and enjoy a few hours fishing (the local way)
- taste produce from the village gardens and learn how vanilla is being grown for sale
- learn how to make bows and arrows and how they are used for hunting
- see how houses are constructed using forest materials
- explore the village - a photographer's dream with tropical trees, thatched houses and a back drop of forest covered mountains
- talk to teachers and students at the village school, sit in on a class and assist with an English lesson, or you do the learning, with a fun hour of mastering Tok Pisin.
- Learn how to cook sago (saksak) and other traditional foods.
- Learn how a bilum is made, collecting materials and dyes and then weaving a work of art, also an opportunity for female guests to spend time with local women sharing discussions about village life, raising children and other women's issues.
Whatever you choose to do the sounds of birds and crickets, the color of butterflies, plants and flowers, and the serenity of this peaceful village will surround you.
Accommodation is a traditional thatched house on stilts with, a river rock-pool nearby for bathing, a flush toilet, and spring water piped to the house. Bring breakfast and lunch supplies but an evening meal will be provided from local produce cooked the traditional way.
Guest house at Haia village.
3 Day 3 Night Package A 3 day 3 night visit (depart 4th day), including pre-visit dossier, accommodation, guides, evening meals, and all activities will cost K210.00. Flights from Goroka in the Eastern Highlands costs approximately K400.00 return. A special offer may be available for flights from Port Moresby to Goroka. RCF can provide reasonably priced accommodation in their newly refurbished transit house in Goroka. Provide accommodation and meal prices of the transit house here! - Put a link to the Administration page where details of the transit house will be given.
For details contact RCF, email: rcf@rcf.org.pg phone: (675) 732 3211 fax: (675) 732 1123