Caving in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea's deep cave systems boasts massive chambers, cascading waterfalls, and underground streams, providing challenging opportunities for professional cavers. There are also many smaller caves suitable for general expeditions.
East New Britain Muruk Cave was recently discovered by French caver, Jean-Pean Sounvier, and is one of the world's most traversed caves. At 1123m deep and 17km long, it is thought to be the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Southern Highlands In the limestone regions of the Southern Highlands the Mamo Kananda (54.8km) is reputed to be one of the world's longest, caves while nearby Atea Kananda is the country’s second longest at 34.5km. There are also many caves in the Wasi Falls region at the eastern end of Lake Kutubu, some of which were used as ancient burial sites.
Bougainville This steep, jungle-clad island in the North Solomons is home to Benua Cave on the Keriaka Plateau, which is said to have the world’s largest cavern (4,500,000 cubic metres).
Simbu There are several burial caves near the provincial capital of Kundiawa which house warriors killed in tribal battle. The Nambaiyufa Amphitheatre near Chuave has ancient rock paintings and the nearby Keu Caves can also be visited with a guide.
Morobe A scenic drive along the Bulolo highway, turning off at Mumeng, will lead to the Avilu caves and Avadedu burial ledges, above the Gangwe River. These have been proclaimed a National Cultural Reserve and are well worth a visit.
Western Province The Lukwi Caves, 18km along the Okma Road, make an interesting excursion. A small waterfall covers the entry to the main tunnel, which opens into a narrow gorge.
Eastern Highlands A cave near the village of Lufa has interesting cave paintings and the village also makes a good base for climbing Mount Micheal (3380m).