About Kulkie United Tourism & Culture Centre
Preserving Heritage, Empowering Community, Welcoming the World
Kulkie United Tourism & Culture Centre is a 100% nationally owned tourism and cultural service provider based in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province. Established in 2019, the centre was created to promote, protect and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Highlands while supporting the growth of responsible tourism in Papua New Guinea.
With five years of experience working with local communities and cultural performers, Kulkie United has developed a strong reputation in cultural education, traditional demonstrations, and authentic visitor experiences. In 2023, the centre was formally registered with the National Cultural Commission (NCC) and the Certificate of Incorporation Act, strengthening its role as a recognised cultural tourism operator.
Working alongside skilled cultural custodians, the centre provides learning opportunities for both visitors and young people, helping to preserve traditional knowledge and share it with future generations. A dedicated local team maintains the centre’s grounds and prepares sites for cultural performances, ensuring a safe, welcoming and professional environment for guests from PNG and abroad.
Moses Wai
Managing Director/Founder
Kulkie United Tourism and Culture Center
From a picnic place to a cultural home — where heritage lives, and community leads.
Our Story
Kulkie United Tourism & Culture Centre began as a simple picnic area in 2019, located on the traditional land of Ruglamp Village in Mt Hagen. The place known as Kulkie is home to ancient stones, unique native trees and a naturally preserved landscape beside the Kim River — a setting that has long been valued by the local community as a place of gathering and reflection. The project took its first step toward tourism in 2021, when a visiting volunteer showed interest in the creek wall and surrounding environment. This moment helped founder Moses Wai, together with Jacob Wai, recognise the cultural and ecological potential of the site as a learning place for both travellers and researchers. What began as a picnic spot steadily grew into a cultural centre dedicated to heritage, storytelling and environmental appreciation. Over the last five years, the Centre has expanded with the support of local tribes, artisans, traditional performers and wider community groups. Its registration with national authorities — including the Commerce Tourism Society, PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, National Cultural Commission, Hagen City Commission, and the Western Highlands Provincial tourism departments — provided further recognition and opened the door to more visitors. Today, Kulkie United Tourism & Culture Centre remains 100% locally owned and community-driven. Cultural knowledge is shared by real custodians, not staged actors, allowing visitors to experience living traditions in their original environment. The natural surroundings are part of the heritage itself — making Kulkie not just a place to visit, but a place to connect, learn and belong. This is why we exist — to ensure that our heritage is not only remembered, but lived, shared and carried forward by the next generation.
Our Gallery
Experience Culture Through Images
Step into the world of the Kulkie United Tourism and Culture Centre through our gallery. Each photo tells a story—of heritage, identity, and the vibrant traditions of the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.
From powerful sing-sing performances to peaceful moments of cultural teaching, our gallery showcases:
