Penama, Vanuatu Travel Guide

Discover Penama in Vanuatu: A blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventurous activities, offering an unspoiled paradise for every traveler.

Penama, a hidden gem in Vanuatu, is an archipelago that promises an authentic and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking natural beauty and cultural richness. Comprising the islands of Pentecost, Ambae, and Maewo, Penama is a paradise of lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant local traditions. Pentecost Island is world-renowned for its land diving ritual, an ancient tradition that is the precursor to modern bungee jumping. Visitors can witness this thrilling ceremony between April and June. The island also offers serene waterfalls and lush forests, perfect for hiking and nature walks. Ambae, often referred to as the 'Island of Paradise,' captivates visitors with its volcanic landscapes and spectacular views. Mount Lombenben, an active volcano, is a must-see for adventurous souls. Ambae's black sand beaches and crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and diving. Maewo is celebrated for its stunning waterfalls and traditional villages. The island's high rainfall has created a lush environment, making it one of the greenest islands in Vanuatu. Visitors can trek through tropical forests, swim in natural pools, and immerse themselves in the local culture by visiting traditional villages.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Penama.

Visit during April to June to witness the land diving ceremony on Pentecost Island.
Pack sturdy shoes for hiking, especially if you plan to explore the volcanic landscapes of Ambae.
Bring waterproof gear, as Maewo's lush environment often comes with sudden rain showers.
Carry cash, as ATMs and card payment facilities may be limited on the islands.
Learn a few basic phrases in Bislama, the local language, to enhance your interaction with locals.

Destinations in Penama

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Penama Province

Explore Penama: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Penama

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Lo-one

Explore the stunning natural beauty of Lo-one Park in Ambae, a serene haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Vanuatu.

Loonè beach

Experience the pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere of Loonè Beach, a tropical paradise in Duin Dui, Vanuatu, perfect for relaxation and adventure.

Best landmarks in Penama

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

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Evergreen Cascades Waterfall

Explore the breathtaking Evergreen Cascades Waterfall in Vanuatu, a natural wonder surrounded by lush landscapes and perfect for adventure seekers.

4.2

Nasama Resort

Discover the serene beauty of Nasama Resort in Port Vila, Vanuatu, where relaxation meets adventure in a tropical paradise.

4.4

Vanuatu National Museum

Discover the vibrant history and culture of Vanuatu at the Vanuatu National Museum, a must-visit attraction in Port Vila for all travelers.

4.0

Eden on the River

Explore the natural beauty and rich biodiversity at Eden on the River, the ultimate tropical escape in Vanuatu.

4.5

Best restaurants in Penama

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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The Beach Bar

Experience family-friendly dining at The Beach Bar in Vanuatu - where delicious cuisine meets stunning ocean views.

4.4

The Stonegrill Restaurant

Discover the unique dining experience at The Stonegrill Restaurant in Port Vila, where every meal is an interactive culinary adventure.

4.7

Tamanu on the beach

Experience fine dining at Tamanu on the Beach in Port Vila, where gourmet meals meet stunning ocean views and luxury accommodations.

4.7

Reefers Restaurant & Rum Bar

Discover authentic Vanuatu flavors at Reefers Restaurant & Rum Bar in Port Vila - a tropical dining experience with stunning views.

4.3

Best bars in Penama

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

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The Beach Bar

Experience the ultimate family-friendly dining at The Beach Bar in Vanuatu, where delicious meals meet stunning ocean views.

4.4

Waterfront Bar and Grill

Experience the vibrant culinary scene of Port Vila at Waterfront Bar and Grill, where local flavors meet stunning waterfront views for an unforgettable dining experience.

4.1

Reefers Restaurant & Rum Bar

Experience the vibrant flavors of Vanuatu at Reefers Restaurant & Rum Bar, a must-visit culinary destination in Port Vila.

4.3

Cafe Vila

Experience the vibrant flavors of Vanuatu at Café Vila, offering a diverse menu and stunning ocean views in Port Vila.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Penama

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Banyan Beach Bar

Experience tropical bliss at Banyan Beach Bar in Port Vila, where sunsets and cocktails meet for an unforgettable island adventure.

4.5

The Retreat Seaside Sports Bar & Resort

Experience vibrant island life at The Retreat Seaside Sports Bar & Resort, where relaxation meets entertainment in breathtaking Vanuatu.

4.4

Stone Lounge

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails of Stone Lounge in Port Vila, a must-visit destination for cocktail enthusiasts.

5.0

Club Lit

Discover the electrifying nightlife of Port Vila at Club Lit, where vibrant music and exciting atmosphere come together.

3.0

Best shops in Penama

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

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Fung Kuei Duty Free

Explore Fung Kuei Duty Free in Port Vila for unbeatable duty-free shopping, featuring liquor, watches, and unique gifts at great prices.

4.4

Tana Russet Plaza

Experience the vibrant shopping and dining scene at Tana Russet Plaza in Port Vila, your gateway to local culture and international brands.

4.2

Paris Shopping - Duty Free Vanuatu

Experience the best of duty-free shopping in Port Vila with an array of international brands and local treasures at Duty Free Vanuatu.

4.1

Pandanus Vanuatu Ltd

Explore the vibrant creations of Pandanus Vanuatu, where authentic craftsmanship meets unique souvenirs in the heart of Port Vila.

4.8

Explore Penama on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Penama, mapped for you.

Penama Essentials

Penama, located in the central part of Vanuatu, can be accessed primarily through air and sea. The main entry point is Sara Airport on Pentecost Island, which receives flights from Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila and Pekoa Airport in Luganville. There are also small airstrips on Maewo and Ambae islands. For sea travel, ferries and cargo ships operate between Port Vila, Luganville, and the islands of Penama. It is advisable to check the schedules in advance as they can be irregular.
Transportation within Penama is limited but manageable. Local transport includes small boats, trucks, and minibuses. On Pentecost Island, there are trucks and four-wheel drives that serve as taxis. Roads can be rough and are often unpaved, so renting a vehicle with a local driver is recommended for exploring the islands. Walking is also a common way to get around within villages.
The official currency of Vanuatu is the Vatu (VUV). Credit cards are rarely accepted, especially on the outer islands like those in Penama. It is essential to carry sufficient cash. ATMs are available in larger towns like Port Vila and Luganville, so it is advisable to withdraw enough cash before traveling to Penama. Some local markets and businesses may accept Australian dollars, but this is not guaranteed.
Penama is generally safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is vital to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night and be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but petty theft can occur, so remain vigilant. It is also wise to respect local customs and traditions to avoid any cultural misunderstandings.
In case of emergency, the local emergency number is 112. Medical facilities are limited on the islands, with basic health services available in the main villages. For serious medical emergencies, you may need to be evacuated to a hospital in Port Vila or Luganville. It is highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Pharmacies are scarce, so bring any necessary medications with you.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in villages and during traditional ceremonies. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and practices. Always ask for permission before entering churches or participating in ceremonies. Public Transport: Do be patient, as transport schedules can be irregular. Don't expect Western-style punctuality. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'hello' or 'halo' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Penama like a local, visit village markets where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with the locals, as they are friendly and open to sharing their culture and traditions. Don't miss the famous land diving ceremony on Pentecost Island if you visit between April and June. Participate in community events and traditional dances to immerse yourself in the local way of life. Also, consider staying in community-run guesthouses to support local tourism initiatives.

When is the best time to visit Penama?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Penama

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Penama. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHalo
  [ha-lo]
- GoodbyeTata
  [ta-ta]
- YesAe
  [ai]
- NoNo
  [no]
- Please/You're welcomePlis
  [plees]
- Thank youTenkyu
  [ten-kyu]
- Excuse me/SorrySori
  [so-ree]
- How are you?Yu ora?
  [yu ora]
- Fine. And you?Fain. An yu?
  [fine. an yu]
- Do you speak English?Yu tok English?
  [yu tok ing-glish]
- I don't understandMi no save
  [mee no sa-veh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi wantem luk menu, plis
  [mee wan-tem look menu, plees]
- I don't eat meatMi no kaek meat
  [mee no kayk meet]
- Cheers!Kia ora!
  [kee-ah ora]
- I would like to pay, pleaseMi wantem pei, plis
  [mee wan-tem pay, plees]
- Help!Help!
  [help]
- Go away!Go awei!
  [go ah-way]
- Call the Police!Kol polisi!
  [kol po-lee-see]
- Call a doctor!Kol dokta!
  [kol dok-ta]
- I'm lostMi los
  [mee los]
- I'm illMi sik
  [mee seek]
- I'd like to buy...Mi wantem bai...
  [mee wan-tem bye]
- I'm just lookingMi lukim nomo
  [mee loo-kim no-mo]
- How much is it?Hao mak it?
  [how mak it]
- That's too expensiveDat i tu ekspensive
  [dat ee too eks-pen-siv]
- Can you lower the price?Yu save daunem praes?
  [yu sa-veh down-em price]
- What time is it?Hao taem i?
  [how time ee]
- It's one o'clockI wan o'clock
  [ee wan oh-clock]
- Half past (10)Haf pas (10)
  [haf pas ten]
- MorningMoring
  [mor-ing]
- AfternoonAftanoon
  [af-ta-noon]
- EveningIvening
  [ee-ven-ing]
- YesterdayYestede
  [yes-teh-deh]
- TodayTude
  [too-day]
- TomorrowTumoro
  [too-mo-ro]
- 1Wan
  [wan]
- 2Tu
  [too]
- 3Tri
  [tree]
- 4Foa
  [foh-ah]
- 5Faef
  [fife]
- 6Siks
  [six]
- 7Sev
  [sev]
- 8Eit
  [eight]
- 9Nain
  [nine]
- 10Ten
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Wera a/da...?
  [we-ra ah/dah]
- What's the address?Hao nao adres?
  [how now ad-res]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Yu save shoem mi (long map)?
  [yu sa-veh show-em mee long map]
- When's the next (bus)?Hwen i next (bus)?
  [hwen ee next bus]
- A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket (go ....)
  [wan tee-ket go]

History of Penama

Penama, a province in Vanuatu, has been inhabited for thousands of years. Archaeological findings suggest that the Lapita people were among the first to settle in the area around 1500 BCE. They are known for their distinctive pottery and advanced navigation skills, which allowed them to traverse the vast Pacific Ocean.
The first Europeans to arrive in Penama were Spanish explorers in the early 17th century. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that European missionaries and traders began to establish a more permanent presence. This period marked significant changes in the local culture and social structures due to the introduction of Christianity and new economic activities.
From the mid-19th to the early 20th century, Penama, like many other parts of Vanuatu, was affected by the practice of blackbirding. Islanders were often coerced or deceived into laboring on plantations in Australia, Fiji, and other Pacific islands. This period had a lasting impact on the population and social fabric of the region.
In the late 19th century, Penama became part of the Anglo-French Condominium, a unique colonial arrangement where both Britain and France jointly governed Vanuatu, then known as the New Hebrides. This dual governance led to complex administrative challenges and cultural influences from both colonial powers.
During World War II, Vanuatu, including Penama, was strategically significant for the Allies. American troops established bases and airfields, bringing with them new technologies and infrastructure developments. The presence of American forces also had social and economic impacts on the local communities.
The push for independence in Vanuatu gained momentum in the 1970s. Penama played a role in this movement, contributing to the formation of political parties and the eventual declaration of independence on July 30, 1980. The transition to self-governance brought about new opportunities and challenges for the people of Penama.
Penama is rich in cultural heritage, with a vibrant tapestry of traditions, languages, and customs. The province is known for its traditional dances, ceremonies, and the practice of land diving on Pentecost Island, a ritual that has garnered international attention. These cultural practices continue to be an integral part of life in Penama, preserving the identity and history of its people.