Papua New Guinea is a country rich in natural and cultural diversity, with many hidden gems waiting to be discovered by adventurous travellers. One of these gems is the Beaver Falls, also known as Wasi Falls, a spectacular group of waterfalls located near Lake Kutubu in the Southern Highlands Province. In this article, we will explore the history, culture, and attractions of this unique place, and provide some tips on how to plan your visit.
History of Beaver Falls
The Beaver Falls are situated in the territory of the Foe people, one of the many ethnic groups that inhabit the Highlands region of Papua New Guinea. The Foe have a long and complex history, dating back to at least 50,000 years ago, when the first human settlers arrived in New Guinea. The Foe have developed a sophisticated agricultural society, based on the cultivation of taro, sweet potato, and sago, as well as hunting and fishing. They have also maintained their traditional customs and beliefs, such as ancestor worship, spirit possession, and sorcery.
The Beaver Falls were named by Australian explorers who visited the area in the early 20th century, in search of gold and other resources. They were impressed by the beauty and power of the waterfalls, which consist of a series of cascades that drop over 100 meters to a limestone basin below. The largest and most impressive cascade is the Bisi Falls, which is about 90 meters wide. The explorers also noticed that the waterfalls were home to many beavers, which are native to New Guinea and are considered sacred by the Foe.
The Beaver Falls have been largely untouched by modern development, and remain a pristine natural wonder that attracts visitors from around the world. They are also a source of pride and identity for the Foe people, who regard them as a gift from their ancestors and a symbol of their connection to the land.
Culture of Beaver Falls
The culture of Beaver Falls is closely linked to the culture of the Foe people, who have a distinctive and diverse way of life. The Foe live in small villages scattered along the shores of Lake Kutubu and its tributaries, including the Wasi River that feeds the Beaver Falls. The villages are organized into clans, which are based on patrilineal descent and have their own leaders, elders, and rituals. The clans often cooperate and exchange goods and services with each other, but they also compete and sometimes fight over land, resources, and prestige.
The Foe have a rich and varied artistic tradition, which includes carving, weaving, painting, pottery, and music. They use natural materials such as wood, stone, clay, feathers, shells, and bones to create various objects for ceremonial and practical purposes. Some of their most famous artworks are the carved wooden drums called kundu, which are used for communication and entertainment. The Foe also decorate their bodies with tattoos, scarifications, ornaments, and paints to express their identity and status.
The Foe have a complex and dynamic religious system, which incorporates elements of animism, ancestor worship, Christianity, and syncretism. They believe that everything in nature has a spirit or essence that can be influenced by human actions. They also believe that their ancestors are still present and active in their lives, and that they can communicate with them through dreams, visions, or mediums. The Foe have adopted some aspects of Christianity since the arrival of missionaries in the 20th century, but they have also retained their own beliefs and practices.
The Foe have a strong sense of community and hospitality, which they extend to visitors who respect their culture and environment. They are eager to share their stories, traditions, and knowledge with those who are interested in learning more about them. They are also proud of their heritage and eager to preserve it for future generations.
Attractions of Beaver Falls
The Beaver Falls are one of the main attractions of the Southern Highlands Province, which offers a variety of natural and cultural experiences for travellers. The province is home to some of the highest mountains in Papua New Guinea, such as Mount Giluwe (4,368 meters) and Mount Hagen (3,800 meters), which offer stunning views and challenging hikes. The province also boasts several lakes, such as Lake Kutubu (the second largest lake in Papua New Guinea), Lake Kopiago (a crater lake), and Lake Tari (a sacred lake), which offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and birdwatching.
The Beaver Falls themselves are a sight to behold, with their roaring sound, misty spray, and rainbow colours. They can be reached by boat from Lake Kutubu, or by road from Mendi, the provincial capital. The best time to visit them is during the dry season (May to October), when the water level is lower and the visibility is higher. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and camping near the falls, or explore the surrounding rainforest, which is home to many plants and animals, such as orchids, ferns, parrots, hornbills, cassowaries, and beavers.
Visitors can also learn more about the culture and history of the Foe people, by visiting their villages and participating in their activities. The Foe are friendly and hospitable hosts, who are happy to show their guests their way of life. Visitors can witness their ceremonies and rituals, such as weddings, funerals, initiations, and festivals. They can also join them in their daily tasks, such as gardening, hunting, fishing, and cooking. Visitors can also admire their arts and crafts, such as carvings, weavings, paintings, pottery, and music. Visitors can also buy some of their products as souvenirs or gifts.
Tips for Visiting Beaver Falls
If you are planning to visit Beaver Falls, here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable and safe:
- Plan your trip in advance, and book your accommodation, transportation, and tours through a reputable travel agency or operator. You can find some options on the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority website.
- Obtain a visa, if required, and check the travel advice and health information for Papua New Guinea on the websites of your government and the World Health Organization .
- Pack light, but bring some essential items, such as insect repellent, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottle, flashlight, first aid kit, camera, and binoculars. You may also need some warm clothing for the high altitudes and cool nights.
- Respect the culture and customs of the Foe people, and follow their rules and guidelines. Ask for permission before taking photos or videos of them or their belongings. Do not touch or disturb their sacred sites or objects. Do not give money or gifts to children, as this may encourage begging or dependency. Instead, support their community projects or local businesses.
- Respect the environment and wildlife of Beaver Falls, and follow the principles of ecotourism. Do not litter or pollute the water or land. Do not feed or harass the animals. Do not collect or damage any plants or rocks. Stay on the designated trails and campsites. Leave no trace behind.
Conclusion
Beaver Falls is a unique place in Papua New Guinea that offers a combination of natural beauty and cultural diversity. It is a destination that appeals to travellers who are looking for adventure, discovery, and learning. By visiting Beaver Falls, you will not only enjoy a memorable experience, but also contribute to the conservation and development of this remarkable place and its people.
References
1: https://www.pagahill.com/2020/09/10/waterfalls-png/ 2: https://mapcarta.com/16545150 3: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Highlands_Province 4: https://www.britannica.com/place/the-Highlands 5: https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Highlands_%28Papua_New_Guinea%29 6: https://wikitravel.org/en/Highlands_%28Papua_New_Guinea%29 7: https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/bitstream/1885/203231/1/DPA%20Working%20Paper%2020203%20Sumb.pdf 8: https://papuanewguinea.travel/southern-highlands-province : https://www.papuanewguinea.travel/ : https://www.who.int/countries/png/en/ : https://www.google.com/maps/place/Beaver+Falls,+Southern+Highlands+Province,+Papua+New+Guinea/@-6.75991,143.62375