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Pentecost, Vanuatu - Things to Do in Pentecost

Things to Do in Pentecost

Pentecost, Vanuatu - Complete Travel Guide

Pentecost Island in Vanuatu is renowned worldwide as the birthplace of bungee jumping, where the ancient ritual of land diving (Naghol) originated. This remote volcanic island offers visitors an authentic Melanesian cultural experience, with traditional villages, pristine beaches, and some of the most spectacular cultural ceremonies in the Pacific. The island's rugged interior features dense tropical forests, cascading waterfalls, and volcanic peaks, while its coastline boasts black sand beaches and crystal-clear lagoons perfect for snorkeling and diving. The island maintains strong traditional customs and is home to several distinct cultural groups, each with their own languages and rituals. Visitors can witness traditional ceremonies, stay in local bungalows, and experience village life much as it has been for centuries. The famous land diving ceremony takes place annually between April and June, drawing visitors from around the world to witness this death-defying ritual that inspired modern bungee jumping.

Top Things to Do in Pentecost

Land Diving (Naghol) Ceremony

Witness the original bungee jumping ceremony where local men dive from 100-foot wooden towers with only vines tied to their ankles. This ancient fertility ritual takes place in villages like Bunlap and Lonorore, with elaborate wooden towers constructed specifically for the ceremony. The experience includes traditional dancing, singing, and cultural explanations from village elders.

Booking Tip: Ceremonies run from April to June on Saturdays, costing around 5,000-8,000 vatu per person. Book through Port Vila tour operators at least one week in advance as village participation depends on weather and cultural protocols. Choose operators who work directly with villages and include cultural context.

Waterfall Trekking

Explore pristine waterfalls hidden in Pentecost's mountainous interior, including the spectacular Wailapa Falls and secluded cascades near Melsisi. These jungle treks offer opportunities to see native birds, tropical plants, and traditional garden sites. Most waterfalls feature natural swimming pools perfect for cooling off after the hike.

Booking Tip: Hire local guides for 2,000-3,000 vatu per day through village chiefs or guesthouses. Treks range from 2-6 hours depending on waterfall location. Best attempted during dry season (May-October) when river crossings are safer and paths less muddy.

Traditional Village Stays

Experience authentic village life by staying in traditional leaf houses and participating in daily activities like fishing, gardening, and food preparation. Villages like Bunlap, Lonorore, and Pangi offer homestay programs where visitors sleep in custom bungalows and share meals with local families. Activities include learning traditional crafts, joining fishing expeditions, and participating in evening storytelling sessions.

Booking Tip: Village stays cost 3,000-5,000 vatu per person per night including meals. Book through the Pentecost Island Tourism Office or directly with village chiefs, allowing 2-3 days notice. Bring gifts like rice, tinned fish, or school supplies as customary offerings.

Snorkeling and Diving

Explore pristine coral reefs and marine life around Pentecost's coastline, particularly near Melsisi and the southern beaches. The waters feature excellent visibility, diverse coral formations, and abundant tropical fish including parrotfish, angelfish, and reef sharks. Several sites offer easy beach entry for snorkeling, while deeper dive sites require boat access.

Booking Tip: Snorkel gear rental available at guesthouses for 1,000 vatu per day. Diving trips cost 8,000-12,000 vatu per dive through operators in Melsisi or arranged via Port Vila before arrival. Best conditions occur during calm season (April-October) with 20-30 meter visibility.

Traditional Fishing and Crabbing

Join local fishermen for traditional fishing expeditions using outrigger canoes and hand lines, or participate in nighttime crab hunting along rocky shores and mangrove areas. These activities provide insight into traditional subsistence methods while offering chances to catch dinner. Techniques include reef fishing, river fishing, and traditional fish trap construction.

Booking Tip: Arrange through village contacts or guesthouses for 2,000-4,000 vatu per person including equipment and guide. Morning fishing trips (5-9 AM) and evening crab expeditions (7-10 PM) offer best success rates. Participants typically keep a portion of the catch for meals.

Getting There

Pentecost Island is accessible via domestic flights from Port Vila (Efate) to either Lonoreo Airport in the south or Sara Airport in the north, with Air Vanuatu operating 2-3 flights per week on small aircraft. Flight time is approximately 45 minutes, costing 12,000-15,000 vatu one way. Alternatively, cargo boats and inter-island ferries operate irregular schedules from Port Vila, taking 8-12 hours and costing significantly less but requiring flexible travel dates. During land diving season (April-June), charter flights and special tour packages are available but must be booked well in advance due to limited aircraft capacity.

Getting Around

Transportation on Pentecost relies primarily on walking, local trucks, and small boats for coastal travel. Most villages are connected by walking tracks ranging from 30 minutes to several hours between settlements. Local trucks operate informal taxi services between major villages and airports, typically charging 500-1,000 vatu per ride but running on flexible schedules. For coastal areas, outrigger canoes and small motorboats provide transport between villages, especially useful during rough road conditions. Many visitors arrange transportation through their accommodation, as public transport schedules are irregular and depend on local needs rather than tourist timetables.

Where to Stay

Melsisi Village
Bunlap Village
Lonorore Village
Pangi Village
Sara Village
Wali Village

Food & Dining

Dining on Pentecost centers around traditional village meals featuring locally grown root vegetables, fresh fish, and tropical fruits. Most accommodation includes meals prepared by local families using traditional earth ovens (laplap) and featuring staples like taro, yam, breadfruit, and coconut crab when in season. Village stores sell basic supplies like rice, tinned fish, and biscuits, but fresh ingredients dominate the local diet. Visitors should expect simple, hearty meals with limited variety but exceptional freshness, as most ingredients are caught or harvested daily. Kava drinking is an important evening social activity in most villages, typically costing 200-500 vatu per shell.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Vanuatu

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

The Beach Bar

4.5 /5
(524 reviews)

The Stonegrill Restaurant

4.7 /5
(427 reviews)

Tamanu on the beach

4.7 /5
(214 reviews)
lodging spa

SWAGAT RESTAURANT NADI

4.6 /5
(208 reviews)

Three Pigs

4.5 /5
(167 reviews)
bar

Tanna Coffee

4.6 /5
(150 reviews)
cafe store

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Pentecost is during the dry season from May to October, which coincides with the land diving season (April-June) and offers the most reliable weather for outdoor activities. This period features less rainfall, calmer seas for water activities, and easier access to remote villages via walking tracks. The land diving ceremony season from April to June is the most popular time but requires advance booking due to limited accommodation. November through March brings higher rainfall, rough seas, and potential cyclone activity, making some areas inaccessible, though this period offers lush landscapes and fewer tourists for those seeking solitude.

Insider Tips

Bring cash in small denominations as there are no ATMs or card facilities on the island, and village purchases typically require exact change
Pack insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing as mosquitoes and sand flies are prevalent, especially during evening hours and in forested areas
Learn basic Bislama phrases as English proficiency varies significantly between villages, and showing effort to communicate in the local language is greatly appreciated by residents

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