Malakula and Pentecost are destinations for families who want to trade resort pools for genuine cultural encounters and raw adventure. These islands are less developed than Efate or Santo, offering a glimpse into the traditional 'kustom' lifestyle that defines the archipelago.
Pentecost Island is world-famous for Naghol (land diving), which takes place between April and June. During this yam harvest ritual, men jump from tall wooden towers with only vines attached to their ankles. It is a spectacular sight for older children and teenagers, providing a powerful lesson in tradition and bravery. Outside of the diving season, the island remains a quiet place of waterfalls and simple villages, where life has changed little over the decades.
Malakula, the second-largest island, is known for its tribal diversity. Families can visit the Big Nambas and Small Nambas cultural centres. These are not theme parks but educational experiences where local guides explain history, including the island's cannibalistic past (long since ended), traditional dances, and sand drawing—a UNESCO-recognised art form. The snorkeling around the Maskelyne Islands off the southern tip of Malakula is superb and often includes clam gardens maintained by the local community.
Practical Travel: Travel here requires planning. Accommodation is mostly in basic bungalows or guesthouses, which are clean but lack hot water or air conditioning. Electricity may be limited to generator hours. Roads are often unsealed tracks. These islands are best for families with older children who are comfortable with rougher travel and interested in anthropology or history. Mosquito protection is critical here.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Home to the world-renowned Nagol (land-diving) on Pentecost, a globally unique cultural spectacle that inspired modern bungee jumping. While April is wet, it is the essential start of the Nagol season, followed by Malakula's tribal festivals in the drier shoulder months.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Offers raw, authentic immersion into Melanesian wilderness and ancient tribal territories through rugged trekking trails. Peak months provide the most stable trail conditions and lower humidity, while the heavy rainfall from January to April makes remote exploration difficult and muddy.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
A living museum for families to learn about complex kastom traditions, ancient tribal hierarchies, and the Big Nambas culture. The drier months are ideal for visiting remote villages and engaging with community elders without the disruption of severe tropical storms.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Stunning, untouched coastlines and turquoise waters offering high marine biodiversity and authentic canoe experiences. It lacks the luxury resort infrastructure of the Maldives, and the peak sea conditions are concentrated in the driest months when visibility is highest and the risk of cyclones is minimal.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Provides a profound 'digital detox' and peaceful seclusion far from commercial tourism, though it lacks high-end westernized spa facilities. The drier, cooler months offer the most tranquil environment for outdoor meditation and reconnecting with nature.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Excellent for active families seeking off-the-beaten-path sea kayaking, snorkeling, and jungle hiking. Peak conditions align with the southern winter (June-Sept) when temperatures are comfortably warm and rainfall is at its annual minimum.
Attractions (30 total)
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Big Nambas Cultural Tour
Mae
Families can explore an authentic custom village to witness the unique dances, drumming, and ancient rituals of the Big Nambas people.
Visit website →Small Nambas Cultural Tour
Rano
This immersive rural experience lets families participate in traditional weaving, fire-making, and vibrant custom dances within a forest village setting.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Bunlap Custom Village
South Pentecost
A world-famous traditional village where families can witness a lifestyle unchanged for centuries and the birthplace of the Nagol land diving ceremony.
Visit website →Small Nambas Cultural Village
Lakatoro
An immersive cultural site where families can learn about the unique traditions, custom dances, and craftsmanship of the Small Nambas people.
Big Nambas Cultural Area
Tenmaru
Located on the Dog's Head peninsula, this area offers families a rare look at the historic stone platforms and powerful tribal heritage of the Big Nambas.
Wala Island Cultural Area
Lakatoro
A popular offshore destination where families can explore ancient ceremonial sites, historic burial grounds, and witness vibrant traditional performances.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Bunlap Traditional Village
South Pentecost
The historical birthplace of the Nagol land diving tradition, featuring a preserved cultural landscape of ancient village structures and diving sites.
Amelbati Cultural Site
Tenmaru
The historic ancestral home of the Big Nambas tribe, showcasing ancient stone-walled ceremonial sites and traditional communal architecture.
Visit website →Yalo Cave
Leviamp
A major archaeological site featuring limestone caverns adorned with over a thousand years of traditional charcoal rock art and petroglyphs.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Malakula Cross-Island Trek
Losinwei
40km challenging 3-day jungle trek traversing the 'Dog's Head' from Losinwei to Tenmaru. Features significant elevation gain (~1,000m), dense rainforest, and multiple river crossings. Guide is mandatory through the Malampa Tourism Office. Equipment rental is not available; hikers must be self-sufficient. (malampatravel.com)
Visit website →Pentecost Waterfall Trek
Pangi
8km moderate 4-hour return hike from the village of Pangi to the multi-tiered cascades of South Pentecost. Features rainforest walking and multiple river fords. Elevation gain is minimal but paths can be slippery. This route is a popular excursion for visitors during the land diving season. (vanuatu.travel)
Visit website →Big Nambas Cultural Trail
Mae
12km moderate full-day hike through the northern highlands. Takes approximately 5-6 hours with an elevation gain of 400m. The route visits historic 'nasaras' (sacred ceremonial sites) and abandoned tribal villages of the Big Nambas people. Guided via local village chiefs. (malampatravel.com)
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Maskelyne Islands
Lamap
A stunning tropical archipelago featuring pristine white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and traditional outrigger canoe excursions in crystal-clear waters.
Visit website →South Pentecost Land Diving Sites
Pangi
The world-famous location of the Nagol ceremony, featuring impressive traditional wooden towers constructed on scenic tropical hillsides overlooking the ocean.
Visit website →Uri Island Marine Conservation Area
Lakatoro
A protected natural sanctuary near the provincial capital offering guided walks through lush mangrove forests and exceptional snorkelling in diverse coral gardens.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Naghol Land Diving Sites
South Pentecost
This world-famous site features soaring traditional wooden towers where the ritual of land diving is performed to ensure a bountiful harvest and prove courage.
Malampa Cultural Centre
Lakatoro
The central museum of Malakula, providing families with a comprehensive look at the diverse tribal histories, traditional artifacts, and cultural heritage of the Malampa province.
Visit website →Rano Small Nambas Cultural Site
Rano Island
An iconic cultural landmark where families can witness the unique dances and traditional customs of the Small Nambas people in a historic island setting.
Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Nagol Land Diving Sites
South Pentecost
Witness the legendary traditional ritual where local men leap from high wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles, a breathtaking cultural adventure.
Visit website →Losinwei Cascades
Losinwei
A natural outdoor activity site where visitors can hike through the rainforest to reach multi-tiered waterfalls and pristine freshwater swimming holes.
Small Nambas Cultural Center
Lakatoro
Engage in a unique outdoor cultural experience featuring traditional custom dances, fire-making demonstrations, and jungle skills with the Small Nambas tribe.
Visit website →Major International Festival / Cultural Event
Nagol (Pentecost Land Diving)
South Pentecost
Occurs every Saturday from April to June. A centuries-old ritual where men jump from wooden towers up to 30 meters high with tree vines tied to their ankles to ensure a bountiful yam harvest. Known globally as the inspiration for modern bungee jumping, it attracts international documentary crews and travelers. The event is family-friendly for observation, though it is a sacred cultural ceremony requiring respectful behavior and local guides.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Wala Island
Norsup
A stunning offshore island offering pristine white sand beaches and exceptional snorkeling in crystal-clear waters populated by vibrant marine life.
Visit website →Loltong Bay
Loltong
A scenic and sheltered harbor on the coast of North Pentecost known for its calm waters and authentic Melanesian village atmosphere.
Gaspard Bay
Maskelyne Islands
A breathtaking coastal area famous for its underwater seagrass meadows which serve as a natural sanctuary for wild dugongs.
Visit website →Uripiv Island
Lakatoro
A peaceful community-managed island featuring a protected marine reserve with some of the region's healthiest coral gardens and secluded sandy shores.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Malakula Cultural Centre
Lakatoro
A fascinating community hub where families can discover the rich tribal history, traditional artifacts, and unique customs of the Big Nambas and Small Nambas people.
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Malampa Cultural Center
Lakatoro
The province's primary museum displaying traditional ritual masks, slit gongs, and intricate cultural artifacts from Malakula and Pentecost.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Ringi Te Suh Marine Conservation Area
Maskelyne Islands
A community-led marine park featuring a giant clam sanctuary and vibrant coral gardens perfect for snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
Visit website →Wiawi Conservation Area
Lakatoro
A community-managed sanctuary on the rugged west coast protecting nesting sea turtles and a vast expanse of primary tropical rainforest.
Visit website →