Things to Do in Pentecost Island

Pentecost Island sits in the northern part of Vanuatu's archipelago, a place that feels genuinely untouched by mass tourism. The island is most famous for being the birthplace of bungee jumping - though here it's called land diving and involves young men leaping from wooden towers with only vines tied to their ankles. Beyond this spectacular ritual, Pentecost Island offers dense rainforests, black sand beaches, and traditional villages where life moves at the pace it has for centuries. What strikes you most about Pentecost Island is how authentic everything feels. There are no resort complexes or cruise ship ports here - just small guesthouses run by local families and a landscape that ranges from volcanic peaks to pristine coastline. The island's isolation means you'll need to plan ahead, but that same remoteness is exactly what makes it so special. You'll find yourself in a place where traditional Melanesian culture isn't performed for tourists but simply lived.

Dining on Pentecost Island centers around guesthouses and village meals, with most food featuring fresh local ingredients like tropical fruits, root vegetables, and seafood. You'll typically eat what's prepared that day - often including lap lap (the national dish cooked in earth ovens), fresh fish, and locally grown produce. Some guesthouses can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice, but options are limited. Village visits often include traditional meals, which tend to be highlights of any stay. It's worth noting that imported goods are expensive here, so meals focus heavily on what grows or lives on the island.

The ideal time for Pentecost Island is during the dry season from May to October, when rainfall is lower and humidity more comfortable. However, if land diving is your main interest, you'll need to visit between April and June when the ceremonies take place - this overlaps with the end of the wet season, so expect some rain and higher humidity. The wet season from November to April brings heavy rainfall and cyclone risk, though the landscape is at its most lush. Weather can be unpredictable year-round, so pack for both sun and rain regardless of when you visit.