Ambrym Island

Adventure Awaits on Vanuatu's Volcanic Island

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Are you looking for adventure and enjoyment in the South Pacific? Ambrym Island offers a wealth of opportunity for those with an adventurous spirit. This volcanic island has long been one of the star jewels in the beautiful crown of Vanuatu. Early European explorers remarked on the beauty of the islands, as well as the frequent volcanic eruptions. Today, several villages dot the volcanic slopes, with thick jungle in between. No roads cut through the jungle, making it an ideal place for true adventure.

What's To Do?

Ambrym Island is filled with things to do. However, if you want swimming pools and nightclubs, head to Port Vila on Efate. You won't find much in the way of modern convenience on Ambrym. The island is included with Malekula and several smaller neighbors in the Malampa Province. The islands main source of income is coconut plantations, though several villages exist by subsistence farming. The largest attractions (literally!) are Benbow and Marum volcanoes, both of which are located on the island. Exploring the calderas is one of the top excursions on the island, though this should only be undertaken with an experienced guide.

Another popular activity is witnessing native dances and ceremonies. The island is famous for sorcery and magic, as well as woodcarving and Rom dances. The residents of Ambrym follow tradition very closely, with most still speaking a native dialect. You'll also find French and Bislama spoken, as well as occasional English, though these are somewhat rare.

Where to Stay?

You will not find any hotels or resorts on Ambrym Island. If you travel to the area and intend to remain overnight, "guesthouses" are available for rent, or you can camp in several places. However, there is no fishing, hunting or other activities in the northern part of the island during the yam planting season, which runs from September 1 – December 31. If you visit during this time of year, you'll need to begin your tour from the south of the island.

Getting Around

There are no roads on Ambrym island, cutting through the jungle. The few tracks there are lead from the plantations to coastal settlements or docks. The thick, verdant jungle is almost untouched. Travel around the island is usually done by motorized canoes, though 4x4 vehicles do ply the tracks between plantations and shipping facilities. Walking is the dominant form of transportation in the inland portions of the island.

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Vanuatu Islands Articles

• Island Hopping - There's a plethora of islands in Vanuatu to explore in this 80+ island archipelago. These can be usually explored by air and cruises.
• Popular Islands - Each of Vanuatu islands is a beautiful paradise just waiting to be explored. Some of the most popular islands include Moso, Tann and Santo.
• Efate Island - Efate island was probably settled some 3,500 years ago by Lapita people. They named it Efate, meaning 'a place where we will settle'.
• Efate Tours - Some of the more interesting Efate tours include Cascades Waterfall, 'Round the Island tour, Aerial tour, and Ekasup Cultural Village tour.
• Epi Island - This quiet, lush garden island is the perfect place for families, hikers and backpackers. You can also visit Nikaura's Marine Protected Area.
• Erromango Island - Once the home to sandalwood forests, Erromango island is now adventurer's dream come true with caves and hiking trails.
• Malekula Island - For unspoiled beauty and an incredible array of history and culture, you must visit Malekula island, a favored destination by anthropologists.
• Pentecost Island - Sighted by Captain Cook in 1774 on the Day of Pentecost, this island is largely known by its Land Dive ceremony held annually in April and May.
• Santo Island - Vanuatu's largest Espiritu Santo island is well known for its scuba dvining sites, including WWII shipwrecks, snorkeling, sailing and hiking.
• Tanna Bungalows - Tanna island is probably one of the most favorite Vanuatu holiday destinations. Tanna provides a great location to relax or look for an adventure.