Adventure #236

v a n u a t u
VANUATU:
TAKE THE LEAP
INTO PENTACOST
2938KMS
Distance from New Zealand
3HOURS 15MIN
By air from Auckland
15.4493"S.
167.5954"W.
GPS Location
319,000
Population
Pentecost Island in Vanuatu is
known around the world for Naghol,
a land-diving ritual conducted by
the men of the island and open for
visitors to see between April and
June. There are three key sites
where this takes place, and the tour
you take will impact which site you
visit (though similar rites, each site
is slightly different in its setting). It’s
what the popular activity of bungee
jumping is based on, and brings
people to witness it year after year.
Beyond Naghol, Pentecost has
much to offer year-round, from
cascading waterfalls and rich
cultural diversity. You’ll be exposed
to the traditional way of life, from
kava tastings to experiencing the
warm hospitality of locals in village
guesthouses that are scattered
along the island’s coastline.
How to experience Naghol
Naghol, otherwise known as land
diving, is a rite of passage for the
men of Pentecost Island. It's the
inspiration for modern-day bungee
jumping and is what Pentecost
is famous for. We’ve compiled a
quick cheat sheet to help you with
planning your trip, whether it be as a
day trip or multi-day visit.
Naghol, or land diving, Pentacost Island
Vanuatu is a country in
the southwestern Pacific
Ocean, consisting of a
chain of 13 principal and
many smaller islands.
Adventure activities:
• Cultural activities
• Exploring
• Diving
• Fishing
• Surfing
• Sailing
• All water-based sport
• Biking
• Hiking
Best time to visit:
Vanuatu weather is
typically great all year
round however conditions
are generally at their best
from April to October when
the weather is fine and
temperatures are warm
yet comfortable, averaging
between 18 degrees
Celsius and 28 degrees
Celsius.
10.00am Pentecost Island
What is Naghol, and when is it?
Locals say that Naghol started from
a time when a woman was running
from her husband and was chased
to the top of a coconut tree. She
jumped off (with vines attached
to her legs) and survived and he
followed, yet did not survive. Naghol
marks the start of the yam harvest
season, with the better jumping
resulting in better yams. It's not
specifically a ceremony that occurs
for tourists, though it draws visitors
from around the world to witness the
marvel that is Naghol.
Tours to Pentecost Island to
experience Naghol take place on
Saturdays in the months of April
to June. These day tours coincide
with the rite of passage taking place
(because the vines are strong for the
ceremony to take place after the wet
season).
Why take a tour?
A tour will make your Naghol
experience far smoother. Tours will
depart in the early morning from
Port Vila (some also depart from
Luganville) to fly you to Pentecost,
where you'll then be driven to one
of the sites for the land diving.
Many tours will also include lunch.
The tours will also ensure that
appropriate fees are paid by a 'fixer'
from your tour company to the
traditional land owners where you
are observing Naghol.
Check out Vanuatu Eco Tours who operate a fantastic 3 day/2 night tour to the Naghol:
www.vanuatuecotours.com/tours/pentecost-vanuatu-land-diving/
Day Trips are operated by: www.airtaxivanuatu.com and www.unity-airlines.com
For further information please visit: www.vanuatu.travel
Enjoy the warm hospitality of
the locals
Hiking Diving Culture
Volcanos
Go explore at vanuatu.travel
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