Mount Vulmat

Mount Vulmat is one of the most significant elevations on Ambae island in Vanuatu, reaching a height of approximately 1,496 meters. The mountain is part of the massive Ambae shield volcano, which is considered one of the most dangerous and active volcanic systems in the country. The terrain surrounding Mount Vulmat is characterized by a harsh volcanic landscape, frequently featuring crater lakes and fumarolic fields. The region is of global geological interest, as the Ambae volcano regularly forces the evacuation of the entire island population, most recently in 2017 and 2018. The slopes of the mountain are covered with fertile volcanic ash, allowing for rapid regeneration of tropical flora once activity subsides. Due to its altitude, a moist microclimat prevails at the summit, favoring dense rainforests that are home to endemic birds like the Ambae monarch. The mountain also holds deep spiritual significance for the locals, who often associate it with ancestral spirits and traditional lore.

Nearby cities

Ifira Island Traditional Village

A historic village on Ifira Island in Port Vila harbour that has maintained its cultural autonomy for centuries.

Big Nambas Territory

The territory of the Big Nambas in northern Malakula, once feared for its warrior and ritualistic past.

Fanla Village

An ancient village on Ambrym considered the most important center for traditional magic and the Rom dance.

Small Nambas Territory

The historical residential areas of the Small Nambas tribe in southern Malakula, known for their unique culture.

History & landmarks

Port Vila City Hall

The City Hall is the administrative center for the municipal government of the capital, Port Vila.

Nagol Towers (Pentecost)

These temporary wooden towers are built annually for the land diving ritual on Pentecost Island.

Pentecost Land Diving Site

The traditional sites on Pentecost Island where the centuries-old ritual of Naghol (land diving) is practiced.

Ambrym Magic Square

A ceremonial ground on Ambrym famous for sand drawings and the preservation of ancient spiritual traditions.

Saratamata Government Station

Saratamata is the administrative center of the Penama Province, located on Ambae Island.

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Lamap Catholic Mission

The Lamap mission on Malekula island is a significant example of French colonial architecture.

Lakatoro Council House

The Lakatoro Council House is the administrative heart of the Malampa Province on Malekula island.

Rano Island Dancing Ground

An ancient ceremonial ground on Rano Island off Malakula, lined with monolithic stones.

Nature

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Mount Lombenben

Mount Lombenben is a massive shield volcano on Ambae Island.

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Mount Tawenun

Mount Tawenun is the highest mountain on Maewo Island.

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Mount Lopevi

Mount Lopevi forms its own almost perfectly conical island.

Crab Bay Conservation Area

This Malekula sanctuary specializes in preserving land crab populations and mangrove forests.

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Maskelyne Islands Mangroves

The Maskelynes host some of Vanuatu's densest mangrove forests, serving as shark nurseries.

South Malekula Seagrass

These extensive underwater meadows are vital for the conservation of dugong populations in the Malampa archipelago.

More places

Pentecost Central Range

The relief of Pentecost is dominated by a central range that drops steeply to the east and more gently to the west.

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Loltong Church

The Loltong church is a focal structure in the picturesque village on the west coast of Pentecost.

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Loltong Mission Site

A historical mission station on Pentecost that marked the introduction of Christianity to the region.

Ambrym Slit Gongs

The monumental carved slit gongs (Atingting) are iconic symbols of the culture of Ambrym island.

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Mount Benbow

Mount Benbow is the second active crater on Ambrym Island, characterized by a barren ash plain and steep crater walls.

Mount Marum

Mount Marum is one of the two active volcanic cones within the massive caldera on Ambrym Island, known for its lava lakes.

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Manaro Voui

Manaro Voui is a dangerous shield volcano on Ambae Island.

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Lolowai Cathedral

This cathedral on Ambae Island is a key religious center for the northern region of Vanuatu.