West Sepik Province, also known as Sandaun Province, lies in the north-west of Papua New Guinea, stretching along the northern coast and sharing borders with Indonesia’s Papua Province, as well as East Sepik and Enga. Covering approximately 36,300 km², it’s one of the country’s largest and most remote provinces.
The landscape is defined by vast rainforests, rugged mountain ranges, river systems and coastal plains. This remote gem is home to the headwaters of the Sepik River, one of Papua New Guinea’s longest and most culturally significant waterways, sustaining communities far beyond its borders.
Sandaun is a region of remarkable cultural diversity, with more than 100 distinct ethnic groups. Traditional bilas (ceremonial body adornment) remains central to cultural expression, identity and ceremony.
Agriculture underpins the local economy, with subsistence farming supporting most communities. Fertile soils and a favourable climate allow for the cultivation of staple crops including sweet potato, taro, banana and sago.
