Simbu Province,

an adventure at high altitude!

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Simbu Province

Climbing Mount Wilhelm

Heart of the Highlands and Land

of a Thousand Waterfalls

Simbu Province, located in the heart of Papua New Guinea’s Highlands, is a breathtaking region known for its rugged terrain, vibrant culture, and spectacular natural beauty. Often called the “Land of a Thousand Waterfalls,” Simbu is home to lush forests, dramatic mountain ranges, and vast valleys.

The towering peaks of the Bismarck Mountains dominate the landscape, offering a haven for trekkers and adventure seekers. The province is also famous for its rich cultural heritage, where traditional customs and rituals are still very much alive, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into the lives of the indigenous Chimbu people.

With its remote and unspoiled environment, Simbu is a hidden gem for those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. Whether it’s exploring the natural wonders, hiking the challenging terrain, or connecting with the local communities, Simbu promises an unforgettable journey.

Map of a coastal region in Papua New Guinea, showing towns, rivers, forests, and islands along the coastline.

Climbing Mount Wilhelm:

A Highlands Adventure and a Highland Welcome

 

In early 2023, a group of friends and I set out to tackle the challenge of ascending Mount Wilhelm, the highest peak in Papua New Guinea at 4,509 meters. In May 2024, I successfully gathered a motivated 6-person group to attempt the climb. Our journey began at Betty’s Lodge, located 2,800 meters in the Bismarck Mountains, where Betty, a resilient and creative woman in her sixties, welcomed us warmly. She had built the lodge from scratch and even started a trout farming operation to provide fresh fish for her guests, creating job opportunities for locals. Betty’s family now helps run the lodge, ensuring its success.

In November 2024, I returned for a solo attempt, this time with guide Ruben. After 12 hours of climbing over two days, I reached the summit of Mount Wilhelm, fulfilling a long-held goal.

The next day, I visited Ruben’s home and the village of Gembold, located just below Betty’s Lodge. The village, established by Catholic missionaries, offered a unique cultural experience. Meeting the villagers, especially the children, was a special moment and a rewarding addition to my adventure.

  • Trekking

    Trekking

  • Wilderness

    Wilderness

  • Mountain landscape

    Mountain landscape

  • Canoe on the lake

    Canoe on the lake

  • Cultural exchange

    Cultural exchange

  • Walking

    Walking

Group of five adults and one young girl outdoors in a lush, green hilly landscape with smoke rising from a fire in the background.
A white rectangular plate with pineapple slices, strawberries, tangerine segments, and a mint sprig, placed on a brown cloth on a wooden surface.
Three white calla lilies with yellow-orange centers surrounded by green leaves and purple hydrangea flowers.
Scenic view of a lush, terraced hillside garden with flowering plants, a tall palm tree, houses with metal roofs, densely forested mountains in the background, and a clear blue sky.
Logo with mountain outline and text 'Betty's Place' and 'Mount Wilhelm'

Betty’s Place

+675 7116 8969

Betty’s Place Mt Wilhelm

admin@bettyslodge.com

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In photos

Three smiling people, including a man with a colorful knit hat, a woman with short curly hair, and an older man with gray hair wearing a hat, standing outdoors in a lush, green environment with a makeshift wooden structure in the background.
Two men outdoors in a lush, green landscape with mountains in the background, one in a dark shirt and the other in a white shirt with a beanie, taking a selfie together.
A scenic view of a rural landscape with cultivated fields, colorful flowering bushes, and a tall palm tree, set against a backdrop of forested hills and mountains under a bright blue sky.
A lush green hillside with wildflowers, tall trees, and a small thatched-roof hut under a partly cloudy sky.
Group of hikers posing outdoors on a sunny day in a rural, terraced landscape with greenery and flowering bushes.
A group of people sitting on the grass outdoors near old train equipment, with mountains and a partly cloudy sky in the background. The group includes local villagers and a man wearing a colorful beanie and a shoulder bag, smiling at the camera.
An elderly woman with a headscarf and a backpack standing in a grassy area near a lake and mountains, barefoot, with a yellow duffel bag on the ground beside her.
Mountain landscape with rocky foreground, valleys, clouds, and a blue sky.
Group of 15 people standing outdoors on a hillside with trees and flowering plants in the background.
Six men sitting around a dining table in a wooden room, with bowls of soup, glasses of orange juice, and a flower arrangement as decorations.
A grassy hillside garden with blooming purple hydrangeas in the foreground and a wooden house on stilts surrounded by trees in the background.
Six plates of food on a stainless steel table, each with a serving of fish, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and green beans, in a room with wooden walls.
Group of eight men standing outdoors on a grassy hillside with green mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.

In video

A Mountain Challenge:

Summit of Mount Wilhelm and a Glimpse into Local Life

In May 2024, after ultimately failing to reach the summit due to altitude sickness, I had promised myself I would return to try again. The mountain had given me a valuable lesson in humility, which I accepted.

However, I was determined to take on the challenge of another ascent. I attempted this again in November of the same year, and this time, I succeeded, thanks to the precise guidance of my guide, Ruben.

The following day, I was happy to discover Ruben’s environment, his home, his neighbors, his family, and the village of Gembold, located just below Betty's Lodge, in the heart of Simbu Province.

In words

Group of seven men hiking near a waterfall, dressed in outdoor clothing with backpacks, trekking poles, and sunglasses, standing on a rocky trail with greenery around.

“To go even further…

“The sun finally breaks through on the horizon, and the sky is painted in shades of orange as the day begins to rise. Our brave climbing party is living an extraordinary early morning. At over four thousand meters above sea level, we have already made a strong ascent, and before us unfolds an absolutely magnificent landscape. […]

[…] It is exactly 1:02 a.m. when we set off on the trail. Darkness is complete, and our small group stretches into a single file, cutting through the night. […]

[…] The summit of Mount Wilhelm rises before me, barely veiled by a thin cloud that gently drifts away, allowing me to admire it in full clarity. I’m in awe—I can hardly believe my eyes. […]”