Penama Province · Travel guide · Updated 2026

Penama Province: The Heartbeat of Vanuatu's Natural Beauty

Discover Penama Province in Vanuatu: A blend of natural wonders, rich traditions, and warm hospitality across the islands of Pentecost, Ambae, and Maewo.

Penama Province in Vanuatu is a paradise waiting to be discovered. Nestled in the Pacific Ocean, this province is made up of the islands of Pentecost, Ambae, and Maewo. Each of these islands offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Pentecost Island is famous for its land diving tradition, which is an incredible spectacle of bravery and skill. This centuries-old ritual involves men jumping from wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles. The best time to witness this awe-inspiring event is between April and June. Ambae Island is often referred to as the 'Island of Paradise.' It is known for its lush landscapes and the majestic Mount Lombenben, an active volcano. Hiking enthusiasts will find the trek to the volcano's summit both challenging and rewarding, offering panoramic views of the island and beyond. Maewo Island is renowned for its stunning waterfalls and freshwater pools. The island is perfect for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. The natural beauty of Maewo is complemented by the friendliness of its inhabitants, who are always eager to share their culture and traditions with visitors.

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Temperature

°C

Precipitation

Warmest monthsSep–Jun

Longest daylightJan–Dec

Driest periodJan–Dec

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Practical planning

Penama Province Essentials

Core city planning details in the same structured guide format used across the Country/Region page language.

How to Get There

Penama Province is located in the northern part of Vanuatu. The nearest airport is Sara Airport on Pentecost Island, and Lonorore Airport on Ambrym Island. To reach Penama, you can take a domestic flight from Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. Flights are operated by local airlines such as Air Vanuatu. From the airports, you can use boat transfers or small planes to travel between the islands in the province.

Transportation

The primary mode of transportation within Penama Province is by small boats, local ferries, and small planes. On land, local transportation includes trucks, minibuses, and taxis. Roads are often unpaved and can be challenging to navigate, so hiring a local guide is advisable. Renting a car is not common due to the terrain and road conditions.

Currency and Payment

The official currency in Vanuatu is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger businesses, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when traveling to smaller villages and remote areas. ATMs are available in larger towns, but it is prudent to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to more isolated locations.

Safety

Penama Province is generally safe for tourists. However, standard travel precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While crime rates targeting tourists are low, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. There are no specific high-crime areas in Penama Province.

Emergency Situations

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Local police stations are available in larger towns. For medical emergencies, there are health clinics in major villages, but for serious health issues, it is advisable to seek medical attention in Port Vila. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Do's and Don'ts

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in rural areas, to show respect for local customs. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful to drivers and fellow passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile or a slight nod. A handshake is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

Local Tips

To experience Penama Province like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional handicrafts. Engage with local villagers who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and traditions. Don't miss the land diving ceremony on Pentecost Island, a unique cultural event. Participate in local festivals and try traditional kava, a ceremonial drink made from the root of the kava plant.

History of Penama Province

Follow the city from Roman Londinium to its modern global identity through landmark moments that still shape the visitor experience.

Early Settlements and Indigenous Heritage

Penama Province, located in the northeastern part of Vanuatu, is rich in indigenous heritage. The province is primarily inhabited by the Melanesian people, who have settled in the area for thousands of years. The early settlers were skilled navigators and fishermen, and their traditional customs, languages, and practices are still evident today. The oral histories and legends passed down through generations provide a deep insight into the ancestral roots and cultural richness of the region.

European Exploration and Contact

The first known European to set foot on the islands of Penama Province was the Spanish explorer Pedro Fernández de Quirós in the early 17th century. He named the archipelago 'Austrialia del Espiritu Santo'. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the islands saw sporadic contact with European explorers and traders, which significantly impacted local societies. The introduction of new goods and the influence of European culture brought profound changes, but also led to conflicts and resistance from the indigenous communities.

Missionary Influence

In the mid-19th century, Christian missionaries arrived in Penama Province, determined to convert the local population. The introduction of Christianity was met with mixed reactions; while some communities embraced the new religion, others resisted, leading to periods of tension and conflict. Over time, however, the missionaries managed to establish schools, churches, and health services, which contributed to significant social changes in the province. Today, Christianity is a major religion in the region, coexisting with traditional beliefs and practices.

Blackbirding Era

The late 19th century was marked by the dark period of 'blackbirding', where many inhabitants of Penama Province were forcibly taken to work on plantations in Australia, Fiji, and other parts of the Pacific. This practice led to a significant loss of population and disruption of local societies. The traumatic memories of blackbirding are still remembered in the oral histories of the region, serving as a somber reminder of the exploitation faced by the islanders.

World War II Impact

During World War II, Penama Province, like much of Vanuatu, was strategically significant due to its location in the Pacific. The islands were used as a base by Allied forces, particularly the United States, which established military installations and airstrips. The presence of foreign troops brought new technologies, infrastructure, and cultural influences to the region. After the war, many of these installations were abandoned, but the wartime legacy remains visible in the form of relics and monuments scattered across the islands.

Road to Independence

Penama Province played a role in Vanuatu's struggle for independence from colonial rule. Before independence, the region was part of the Anglo-French Condominium, a unique colonial arrangement where both Britain and France jointly administered the islands. The push for self-governance gained momentum in the 1970s, leading to the establishment of the New Hebrides National Party, later known as the Vanua'aku Party. Vanuatu ultimately achieved independence on July 30, 1980, with Penama Province becoming an integral part of the new nation.

Cultural Revival and Preservation

In recent decades, there has been a significant emphasis on the revival and preservation of traditional culture in Penama Province. Efforts have been made to document and celebrate local customs, languages, and practices. Festivals such as the Back to My Roots Festival in Pentecost Island highlight traditional dances, music, and rituals. These cultural initiatives not only foster a sense of identity and pride among the local population but also attract visitors eager to experience the rich heritage of the province.

Phrasebook

Local Phrases about Penama Province

Browse practical local phrases by situation. Each group opens only when needed, keeping the guide tidy while preserving the full phrase set.

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Basics

HelloHalo
[ha-lo]
GoodbyeBubye
[bu-bye]
YesIa
[ya]
NoTale
[ta-le]
Please/You're welcomePlis
[plees]
Thank youTankiu
[tan-kyoo]
Excuse me/SorrySori
[so-ree]
How are you?Yu stap gut?
[yoo stap goot]
Fine. And you?Gut. Mo yu?
[goot. moh yoo]
Do you speak English?Yu save toktok long Inglish?
[yoo sa-veh tok-tok long in-glish]
I don't understandMi no save save
[mee no sa-veh sa-veh]

Eating & Drinking

I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi wantem lukluk long menu, plis
[mee wan-tem look-look long men-oo, plees]
I don't eat meatMi no kaikai mit
[mee no kai-kai meet]
Cheers!Manari!
[mah-nah-ree]
I would like to pay, pleaseMi wantem bayem, plis
[mee wan-tem bah-yem, plees]

Emergencies

Help!Helpem!
[help-em]
Go away!Go lusan!
[go loo-sahn]
Call the Police!Kolem Polis!
[kol-em po-lees]
Call a doctor!Kolem dokta!
[kol-em dok-tah]
I'm lostMi lusan
[mee loo-sahn]
I'm illMi sik
[mee seek]

Shopping

I'd like to buy...Mi wantem baem...
[mee wan-tem bah-em...]
I'm just lookingMi jas lukluk nomo
[mee jas look-look no-moh]
How much is it?Hao moa hemi costem?
[hao moh-ah hem-ee cost-em]
That's too expensiveHem i moa bigfala
[hem ee moh-ah big-fah-lah]
Can you lower the price?Yu save fo lukaotem praes?
[yoo sa-veh fo loo-kah-oh-tem price]

Time & Numbers

What time is it?I hao taim hemi nao?
[ee hao time hem-ee now]
It's one o'clockHemi wan taim
[hem-ee wahn time]
Half past (10)Hemi hapfala (10)
[hem-ee hahp-fah-lah (10)]
MorningMonin
[moh-neen]
AfternoonAftanun
[aftah-noon]
EveningIvinin
[ee-vee-neen]
YesterdayDei wea
[day way-ah]
TodayDei
[day]
TomorrowTamoro
[tah-moh-roh]
1Wan
[wahn]
2Tu
[too]
3Tri
[tree]
4Fo
[foh]
5Faiv
[fah-eev]
6Siks
[siks]
7Seven
[seh-ven]
8Eit
[ate]
9Nain
[nayn]
10Ten
[ten]

Transport & Directions

Where's a/the...?Wea hemi...?
[way-ah hem-ee]
What's the address?Adres hemi wea?
[ad-dress hem-ee way-ah]
Can you show me (on the map)?Yu save fo soem mi (long map)?
[yoo sa-veh fo so-em mee (long map)]
When's the next (bus)?Wea taim hemi nex (bas)?
[way-ah time hem-ee neks (bahs)]
A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket (long ....)
[wahn tee-ket (long)]