Mendi, Papua New Guinea, is the provincial capital of the Mendi-Munihu District in the Southern Highlands Province. Despite being the provincial capital, Mendi is a relatively small town, built around an airport. It is located in a long green valley, surrounded by limestone hills and the Lai River running right alongside the town. Travelers usually use Mendi as a base to start their journey towards the Tari Basin or Lake Kutubu. However, you’ll get a strong feeling for the intricate social systems that define the Southern Highlands. This is one of the few remaining places where the traditional way of life can be seen in everyday living, making it an adventure seeker’s dream.

Airports in Mendi

1. Mendi Airport (MUD)

Mendi Airport is a small airport in Mendi, Papua New Guinea. It only services one airline, Air Niugini, which flies to Port Moresby. Tourists who are interested to fly to Mendi will first need to disembark at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby and then take a domestic flight to Mendi.

2. Jacksons International Airport (POM)

This airport is also known as Port Moresby Airport and is the largest and busiest airport in Papua New Guinea. It is the central hub for Air Niugini (the national airline of Papua New Guinea), as well as the central hub for PNG Air and Travel Air. Four airlines serve the airport: Air Niugini, Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Philippine Airlines. While the number of flights is limited, they do connect to international destinations that have frequent trips.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Mendi?

Traveloka is a travel search engine that makes it easy for travellers to find the cheapest flights to Mendi.All you need to do is key in the information in the search box, and the application will recommend the best trip according to your budget. It compares flight prices across some trusted airlines to help you to get the best possible deal. Use Traveloka’s price alert feature to be notified of flights in your desired price range to get the best flight price to Mendi.

When is the Best Time to Fly to Mendi?

Papua New Guinea, the country where Mendi is located, is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, having 852 known languages in the country. That being said, it is also one of the world’s least explored country. Indeed, Papua New Guinea is said to be home to many tribes which have never been in contact with the western civilization. Also, researchers believe there are many undiscovered species of plants and animals in the jungle. Weather is the key factor on when is best to visit Papua New Guinea. The wet season is between December and March and the dry season is between May and October. The monsoon rains in the wet season can cause transportation issues and small group tours and trekking expeditions tend to avoid this period.

What are the Top 3 Things to Do in Mendi?

1. Lake Katubu - According to legend, the lake was formed when a fig tree was cut down by a woman looking for water. The story goes that whatever the tree touched turned to water – hence the lake. The lake lies to the east of the Kikori River; into which it eventually drains. It is about 50 km southwest of Mendi. Within the vicinity of the lake, it is possible to visit the skull caves of Bebere and Kosame, where traditional burial rites are still observed. Apart from that, it is also possible to trek to Wasi Falls from Lake Kutubu via an overnight stop in the Foimeana village of Kantobo. Treks can be arranged through Tubo Lodge. Wasi Falls is the local name for a series of waterfalls that includes the Bisi Falls, the largest in Papua New Guinea, which plummet over 100 m into a limestone basin.

2. Tari Basin & Tari Gap - The Tari Basin and the Tari Gap are world renowned birding spots, and because the altitude ranges from 1700 m to 2800 m through a variety of habitats there is a high diversity of species. Tari is particularly blessed with many species of birds of paradise species including the King of Saxony and the Bluebird of paradise. Sir David Attenborough visited the area when making his documentary ‘Attenborough in Paradise’ (1996) and put the place on the maps for birdwatchers. The best of the birds can be seen between July and October when their plumage is at its zenith.

3. Wasi Falls - Located near Lake Kutubu is the popular destination of Wasi Falls. This idyllic spot can be accessed with the assistance of local guides and boasts a series of stunning waterfalls including the Bisi Waterfall, the largest in Papua New Guinea. Bisi Waterfall plummets over 100 m to a limestone basin below known as the Mubi River which navigates the Great Papuan Plateau.