Adventure #238

v a n u a t u
How To Get There
Fly into Port Vila from Auckland.
From Port Vila you can fly directly
to Ambrym. If you’re in Santo or
Craig Cove, there are flights leaving
for Ambrym from there as well. To
get the best up-to-date information,
check out the schedules on:
www.airvanuatu.com.
VANUATU AMBRYM ISLAND
What To Bring
• Hiking boots and walking poles:
the hike up Benbow is long, and you
want to be comfortable!
• Pack snacks! Especially for the
hike. If you’re a sugar fiend or rely on
morning and afternoon tea to get you
through the day, you’ll be grateful to
have a few goodies up your sleeve
during the long days of exploring.
• Cash to buy hand-carved goods
from the remote villages.
The volcanic island of Ambrym, with
its old lava flow, unfathomably deep
craters, and friendly dancers, will take
your breath away, right from when you
fly in over Benbow Volcano.
Vanuatu’s outer island Ambrym, located
in Malampa Province in the centre of the
Vanuatu archipelago, has a population
of just over 7,000 and speaks several
languages: North Ambrym language in
the north, Southeast Ambrym language
in the southeast, Daakaka in the south,
Lonwolwol in the west, and Port Vato
in the southwest. This island’s tropical
vegetation and black sand is iconic and
will be sure to delight as you explore
the landscape in the back of a Ute or by
foot.
Things to do and top attractions in Ambrym
Climb to the Rim of Benbow Volcano
The sea of black lava plains and jagged volcanic rocks that extend from the base of
Benbow volcano right to its rim, is the terrain that calls keen adventurers across the
world. Benbow was once famous for its bubbling lava lake and the deep red glow
visible after dark from grand distances. However, due to an earthquake in December
2018 which displaced hundreds of locals, the bubbling lake can no longer be seen.
But don’t let this stop you! We promise that the spectacular views from Benbow and
the neighbouring volcanoes will take your breath away. This two-day hike across
volcanic soil starts with a 3-4 hour climb up to the campsite, where you’ll dump your
bags, before the four hour round trip up the volcano. You’ll camp the night, and the
following day will make your way back down the mountain. Your walking poles will
come in handy as you’ll be feeling it in your knees!
Kayak across Lonwok Lake crater
The Lonwok Lake Crater is so deep you could put a cruise ship right in the middle
and it would float. After a volcanic eruption in 1913 that swallowed the local
Presbyterian hospital, this crater now serves as a place to swim and kayak. You’ll
have to jump on a short boat ride to get there and pay an entry fee (every piece of
land is owned by someone in Vanuatu!), but the landowner will welcome you with
open arms.
Drink at the local kava bar
Kava, a ceremonial drink is made from the root of the kava plant. Each island in
Vanuatu (and sometimes, each village!) has slightly different kastom practices when
it comes to consuming kava. Make sure you stop by the roadside kava bars (you’ll
recognise them by the little light on the roadside), have a couple of shells and ask
about how they prepare their kava. Be careful though, kava has soporific effects and
too much can leave you feeling hazy. Kava is generally served around sunset, and
it pays to go early to get freshly prepared kava. If you’re staying at the Ocean Blue
Bungalows on Ambrym, we recommend the kava bar just around the corner.
Experience the Fanla Rom dance and black magic tour
Take a short boat trip to Ranon on Pentecost Island to experience the sacred
Fanla Rom Dance and Black Magic Tour. The ‘Rom’, or ‘masked’ dance is known
for its detailed masks, elaborate costumes, and lively music. Performed by special
sorcerers, this dance gives you a unique insight into the magic that’s stitched into the
hands of local men.
For more information on an Ambryn Adventure contact the following reputable
operators or www.vanuatu.travel/nz/3-days-on-ambrym-island
Vanuatu Ecotours – www.vanuatuecotours.com
Wrecks to Rainforest – www.wreckstorainforest.com
84//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#238