Pentecost Island ,Vanuatu

🪵 Pentecost Island – Where Men Dive from Towers of Tradition

Land diving, lush villages, and untouched island life

Best for cultural travelers, photographers, and lovers of raw island life


🧭 Why Visit Pentecost Island?

Pentecost Island is one of the most culturally fascinating places in the Pacific. It's most famous as the birthplace of land diving (Naghol) — a dramatic ritual where men leap from tall wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles. This sacred act is the ancestor of modern bungee jumping.

But beyond the thrill, Pentecost offers travelers traditional villages, volcanic highlands, and unspoiled coastlines, free of crowds or commercial resorts. Life here moves with nature and ancient custom.


🌟 Top Things to Do on Pentecost Island

🪵 1. Experience the Naghol (Land Diving) Ceremony

  • Held every Saturday between April and June

  • Men jump from 20–30m tall wooden towers in a rite of passage and spiritual celebration

  • An incredible show of bravery, rhythm, and cultural pride

  • Visitors are welcome — but must respect protocols and local customs

🎥 Bring a camera, but don’t forget to watch with your heart too


🏝 2. Visit Traditional Kastom Villages

  • Stay in or tour through villages like Lonorore, Panngi, or Wali

  • Learn about tribal systems, yam festivals, and ni-Vanuatu daily life

  • Enjoy simple meals cooked in earth ovens and shared with local families

  • No internet, no electricity — just true connection


🥾 3. Hike the Highlands

  • Explore jungle-covered slopes and volcanic ridges

  • Local guides can lead treks to hidden lookouts or sacred caves

  • Often part of village tours or extended homestay experiences

🌿 Wild, green, and real


🌊 4. Swim in Hidden Coves and Waterfalls

  • While Pentecost isn’t known for white sand beaches, its coast has peaceful coves and natural freshwater pools

  • Perfect for a post-hike swim or meditation moment

  • Ask locals for directions to waterfalls or quiet riverbanks


🛏 Where to Stay

  • Village Homestays – The main and most authentic way to stay

    • Basic rooms, shared meals, and cultural storytelling

    • Available near land diving sites during festival season

  • Guest bungalows in Lonorore or Panngi

    • Limited amenities, but warm hospitality

Pentecost is not a luxury destination — it’s an experience destination


🍴 What to Eat

  • Island staples like yam, taro, laplap (baked root cake), fresh coconut, and seafood

  • Often cooked in earth ovens (umu-style)

  • Meals are shared and very natural — no additives, just organic living

🥥 Simple, healthy, and cooked with love


🚘 How to Get There

  • ✈️ Flights from Port Vila or Santo to Lonorore or Sara Airports (small airstrips)

  • 🛥️ Some island-hopping boats may include Pentecost as a stop

  • 🐾 Most exploration is on foot or by local dugout canoe

⚠️ No ATMs, no big shops — bring cash and supplies before arrival


🕰 Best Time to Visit

Season Why Go
April–June Land Diving Season – the highlight of the year
May–October Dry season, easier village access
November–March Rainier, fewer flights, but lush landscapes

📸 Best Instagram Spots

  • A man mid-air in a Naghol jump

  • Tower silhouettes at sunrise

  • Children paddling in dugout canoes

  • Handwoven mats drying under the sun

  • Misty highlands with mountain ridges