The archipelago of Vanuatu is located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia, and surrounded by the islands of New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, and Fiji. Vanuatu is known for its superb diving and snorkelling, tropical islands, volcanoes, beaches, deep-sea fishing, dimly-lit kava bars, and friendly locals.
Religious sects revering a dead American soldier and England’s Prince Philip, active volcanoes, land-diving, cava bars, and a history of cannibalism… this is Vanuatu!
However, dig deeper and you will find interesting rituals such as the bizarre annual land-diving ceremony on Pentecost Island, a religious cult revering the dead US soldier John Frum, as well as another cult who follows England’s Prince Philip. The islands also have a rather dark history of cannibalism and murders of missionaries.
Vanuatu’s approximately 82 small islands of volcanic origin are shaped in a Y-formation. Well over half of these islands are inhabited, some with just a couple of families living in very basic huts. Tanna Island, one of the most southern islands and a 45-minute flight south of the capital, Port Vila, is known for its religious sects, black volcanic beaches, wild horses, and active Mount Yasur volcano.
These photos from the archives date back to 1997, taken on the islands of Efate and Tanna. The first photos are from the authentic Yakel tribal village on Tanna Island, followed by photos captured at the interesting Ekasup Cultural Village close to Port Vila on Efate Island. We end off with examples of the national language, Bislama.
Book your travel through Malampa Travel, Malekula Island, VANUATU
Blog post and photos by Peter who has been travelling almost full-time since 2005 and has been to over 122 countries. He visited several countries, such as Japan, more than 20 times. Peter is Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of GlobeRovers Magazine, an independent travel magazine focused on intrepid destinations.