Dreaming of an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Malekula Island in Malampa Province might be Vanuatu’s best-kept secret. As the second largest island in Vanuatu, Malekula offers travelers an incredible mix of cultural diversity with over 30 distinct languages spoken, pristine reefs for snorkeling, and hidden historical sites to explore.
When you visit Malekula, you’ll step into one of the most culturally rich destinations in the South Pacific. The Vanuatu Tourism Office highlights the island’s unique appeal – from traditional villages to secret cannibal sites that tell the story of the island’s fascinating past. The locals are welcoming, ready to share their customs and way of life with curious visitors.
Your journey through Malampa Province will reward you with natural beauty at every turn. Hike through lush rainforests, swim in crystal-clear waters, or simply connect with communities that maintain their ancient traditions despite modern influences. Malekula truly offers an authentic Vanuatu experience that more touristy islands cannot match.
How to Get to Malekula
Getting to Malekula Island is easier than you might think! As part of Vanuatu’s Malampa Province, this cultural gem is accessible through multiple transportation options.
By Air: Air Vanuatu flies daily (except Saturdays) to Norsup Airport from both Port Vila and Santo. This is the fastest way to reach Malekula.
You can take a direct flight from Port Vila to Malekula, which is quite convenient if you’re arriving from international destinations like Australia. The flight from Brisbane or Sydney to Port Vila only takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours!
Flight Schedule:
- Flights to Malekula: Almost daily
- Flights to nearby Ambrym: Three times weekly
- Remember to reconfirm your flight times with Air Vanuatu’s domestic agent
From Other Islands: If you’re exploring Vanuatu’s outer islands or coming from New Caledonia, you’ll typically connect through Port Vila first.
Getting Around Malekula: Once on the island, pick-up trucks and vans are the main transportation. Simply flag down vehicles to ask where they’re headed. For transfers between islands within Malampa Province (including Ambrym and Paama), local boat services are available, though schedules can vary based on weather conditions. The Malampa Travel Call Centre can help arrange accommodation and transportation around the island, making your visit smoother.
What to See in Malekula
Malekula Island offers a treasure trove of cultural and natural attractions. As one of Vanuatu’s most culturally diverse islands, you’ll find secret cannibal sites nestled within its lush interior. The mountainous, forest-covered landscape makes for excellent jungle walking and bird watching opportunities. You can explore hidden cannibal sites tucked away in the bush for a glimpse into the island’s fascinating history. For water lovers, Malekula is surrounded by pristine reefs perfect for snorkeling and diving adventures. The crystal-clear waters reveal a vibrant underwater world waiting to be explored.
Don’t miss the chance to take the Dogs Head Walk with Malampa Travel, one of the most popular activities on the island. They can also arrange guides for various treks. The Small Nambas tour provides an authentic cultural experience where you can learn about traditional customs and way of life. This is arranged through Malampa Travel in Lakatoro, the island’s main town.
While on Malekula, consider visiting Wala – a beautiful location highlighted by visitors. A trip to nearby Nanda Blue Hole would also be worthwhile for its stunning blue waters. For the adventurous, Malampa Province offers access to the active volcanoes of neighboring Ambrym island – Mt Marum and Mt Benbow. A volcano trek provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking thrills.
History of Malekula
Malekula, the second largest island in Vanuatu, has a rich history that stretches back many centuries. The Ni-Vanuatu people inhabited this culturally diverse island long before any European contact occurred. When you visit Malekula today, you’ll be walking on land with deep indigenous roots. The original inhabitants developed complex societies with unique customs and traditions that have persisted despite outside influences. European explorers first sighted the island during their Pacific voyages, marking the beginning of outside contact. This encounter would eventually change island life in many ways, though much of the traditional culture remained strong.
The island is home to various tribal groups including the Big Nambas. This tribe earned their name from the large nambas (traditional penis sheaths) worn by men, distinguishing them from other groups like the Small Nambas. Malekula’s past includes practices that may seem challenging to modern visitors. The island was known for ritual cannibalism, and today you can visit secret cannibal sites that provide glimpses into this aspect of their history. Over time, missionary influence changed some traditional practices on the island. However, unlike other places where indigenous culture was completely overtaken, many parts of Malekula remain unaffected by western ways.
The island’s complex history has created an incredible linguistic diversity. When you travel around Malekula, you’ll encounter communities speaking from the over thirty distinct languages that developed across this remarkable island.
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