Malakula Island, Vanuatu

Malakula island is the second-largest island in the nation of Vanuatu, in the Pacific Ocean region of Melanesia. It is separated from the islands of Espiritu Santo and Malo by the Bougainville Strait. Lakatoro, capital of Malampa Province, is situated on its eastern shore and is the largest settlement in the island.

Malakula’s rugged interior is covered in lush rainforest, and most of the inhabitants live in villages on the coast. The island is culturally diverse with over 30 distinct languages spoken, each of which represents a variation of the cultures to be found here.

Malakula art and ritual objects are among the finest in the country and the island is also famous for the complex ceremonies and rituals preserved by two of its remarkable tribes – the Big Nambas and Small Nambas.

Things to see and do

* Water sports
* Village visits
* Island tours
* Custom dances

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Vanuatu vatu (VUV)
Language – English, French
Land area – 269 km²
Population – 32,000 approx
Electricity – 2 Angled pins and 1 flat pin centred below Australian style
Time – GMT plus eleven hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 678

Port Location – Cruise ships anchor at South West Bay on Malakula island.

Travel Links – The three main airstrips are Norsup, Lamap and South West Bay. Flights operate daily from Port Vila and Santo.