Pentecost is a lush,
mountainous island but
is particularly wellknown
nowadays for its
"Naghol" (land-diving)
which is one of the
most spectacular and
impressive rituals in the
whole of the Pacific.

The island stretches North to South over some 60 km. The chain of mountains, dominated by Mount Vulmat (947 m) marks the dividing line between the humid, rainy eastern coast and the more temperate western coast.

Naghol: spectacular
land-diving

It takes place when the yams  are ripe for the picking, in April/May, also the time of the  year when the vines reach their maximum strength. Pentecost
men take this jump in memory of Tamalie, victim of his wife's cunning, but it is also a ceremony to ensure a good crop of yams in the following year.
According to custom, the men fertilise the earth upon touching it with their shoulders.
The very first jump was initiated by Tamalie's wife who refused to consumate the marriage and ran away, with her husband in hot pursuit.
Endeavouring to escape from him, she climbed to the top of a banyan tree, then threw herself into the void when her husband tried to grab her. Tamalie followed her down, but killed himself on landing, whereas she got up unscathed, having tied herself to vines by her feet.
Ever since then, the custom has been a man's prerogative.
Every year, the men from Bunlap build a huge tower made of vines and timber around a tall tree with its branches lopped off. These towers can reach up to 35 m.
It is not unusual to see children jumping from the lower platforms. As a rule they have been circumcised and they enter the adult male world through this ceremony.
Pentecost is also known for its traditional dancing. The circumcision ceremony is followed by the all-male dance of “Taltabwan”. The women's
dance of the “Sowahavin” is more particularly practised in Central Pentecost. The women wear red mats for skirts.

Accommodation

There are no hotels on the island, but there is no problem finding a traditional fare or a guest room:
• Catholic mission, 38191,
• Nangol Bungalows, Southern
Pentecost, 38444
For more information, contact
the local tour operators

Famous American
novelist James A.
Michener called it the
most beautiful island in
the world and
it still is.

The island of Bali Hai as featured in the epic film “South Pacific”, Ambae is the last frontier.
Don’t expect television, internet, fax, phone lines, restaurants, bars, shopping or even electricity but experience the friendliest people on earth.
Their culture and customs are legendary; many are still living as their ancestors did centuries ago.

In East Ambae Chief Godrington Tari and his family are waiting to welcome you on their Vanue Sites and Cultural Tour. Learn the way of village life and see for yourself the biggest custom grave in Vanuatu some 50 metres square.
Or simply relax in an en-suite room at Tui Lodge in the Provincial Saratamata and meet the friendly locals on a walk to the beautiful volcanic harbour at Lolowai.
Ambae is a volcanic island with two lakes occupying the twin volcanic craters - one blue, one yellow, one cool, one hot. The terrain is rugged covered with jungle. There are pathways everywhere but the roads are in
poor condition so it is difficult to get around.
Dans l’Est Ambae le chef Tari Godrington Join Chief Gabriel of South Ambae in a walk to the top of Manaro Volcano listed in the top 10 most active
volcanos in the world.
 

Accommodation

Contact the local tour operators . You migt have to call the following bungalows yourself or simply show up. You will pay the bungalow or guest
house owner directly in Vatu.
• Paradise Garden House, 5405417
• Provincila Guest House, 38430
• Tui Lodge 5379267
• Provincila Guest House, 38430
• Tui Lodge 5379267