Making the most of Pentecost Island
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
As cruise ships are not able to dock here you will be tendered ashore.
Panngi has a jetty capable of receiving cruise ships, which make occasional visits during the land-diving season.
Vanuatu (previously known as the New Hebrides Islands) is an archipelago nation consisting of 83 islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean, north of New Zealand and east of Australia.
Pentecost Island is one of the 83 islands in the Vanuatu groups, lying 190km's due north of the capital Port Vila. It is a lush, mountainous island which stretches North to South over some 60km.
There are no towns on Pentecost - most of the islanders live in small villages and grow their own food in small gardens. Parts of Pentecost remain relatively untouched by Western influences, and local traditions are strong.
Pentecost Island is most famous for being the spiritual birthplace of the extreme sport of bungee jumping, originating in an ages old ritual called the Gol (Bislama nanggol), or land diving. Between April and June every year, men in the southern part of the island jump from tall towers (around 20 to 30 meters) with vines tied to their feet, in a ritual believed to ensure a good yam harvest. The ritual is also now used to show acceptance into manhood.
Sand drawing is another interesting custom of the island. Symbolic figures are drawn in the sand in one complete movement, without lifting a finger.
Money
The local currency is the Vatu (VT), which is worth approximately 1 US cent or 0,7 Euro cents.
Tipping is not expected in Vanuatu, nor is haggling or bargaining.
Staying connected
There are three official languages: English, French and Bislama.