Adventure Beat

The Republic of Vanuatu encompasses 83 islands in the South Pacific, just east of Australia. The islands have been inhabited for millennia, with the oldest archaeological evidence dating back some four thousand years, though the islands' most famous visitors, at least to television-watching audiences, were the cast of the 2004 Survivor episodes. It's also the little-known birthplace of one of today's most popular extreme sports. Julia Romano takes the leap.

1) Cargo Cults

How does one separate fact from myth? Go check it out. That's how, in 1967, French archaeologist Jose Garanger uncovered the grave truth surrounding the burial of King Roymata, who purportedly united the warring and cannibalistic tribes of Vanuatu more than seven centuries ago. Garanger decided to dig into the oral traditions of Vanuatu, which placed the body of the murdered king on the island of Retoka.  For some seven hundred years the island had been off-limits to visitors by punishment of death, but Garanger was given permission to investigate.  The archaeology team uncovered a grave dated to 1265 A.D., in the exact condition as oral tradition claimed — with 47 skeletons, including Roymata and his burial party, many of whom had apparently been buried alive. For more on the story visit the official Vanuatu tourism site.

2)  Legendary Ruler

February 15 marks the annual celebration of John Frum day on the island of Tanna. "Cargo cults" sprang up in the South Pacific when Western forces occupied the islands in World War II, bringing with them material goods previously unknown to the indigenous populations — "cargo" so extraordinary that the bearers were venerated as gods. John Frum (the name might derive from "John from America") never returned with the Western riches the islanders prayed for, but perhaps tourists visiting the island bring enough cargo to give the myth some symbolic truth. Get the full scoop on Smithsonian online.

 3) Espiritu Santo

Although "discovered" in the 17^th century by Portuguese seaman Pedro Fernández de Quirós, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu's largest island, remained remarkably unchanged for three centuries — until World War II washed up on its paradisiacal shores. Nearly 100,000 troops were stationed on Espiritu Santo. The island offered a prime strategic location in the contested South Pacific battleground for its occupiers, and served as  an inspiration to young soldier James Michener, who wrote "Tales of the South Pacific." Today, the island's jungles are graveyards for crashed B17 bombers, deserted Dakotas and military huts. Dive spots to sunken war surplus are tourist draws.  See a Flickr show of Espiritu Santo. 

4) Prince Philip

The Yaohnanen of Tanna Island believe that Prince Philip, husband of England's Queen Elizabeth, is the human incarnation of a royal ancestral spirit who left the island centuries ago in search of a bride. He apparently found her in the British Isles, and now, say Yaohnanen elders, it's time for the prince to return to his native home. Prince Philip, who turns 85 in June of 2006, has officially accepted his Vanuatuan birthright, maintaining a correspondence with his South Pacific counterparts for several decades. Tanna elder Chief Jack has invited Prince Philip to live out his remaining years on the island paradise. No news whether the Prince has accepted.  

5) Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping has roots in traditional Vanuatu society. Legend has it that original "land diver" was a woman trying to escape her husband's abuse (she dove from a tree top, a vine tied to her ankle, and he dove after her, falling to his death).  Each spring Vanuatuans of Pentecost Island hold a contest commemorating that first dive by jumping from towers as high as 50 meters (150 feet), although today only males are allowed to compete, perhaps practicing so they won't get fooled again! The first commercial bungee jump operator was New Zealander AJ Hackett. Take a video dive with Richard Bangs Adventurers.  

6) Isle of the Playful Manatee

For tourists, surely Vanuatu has a beautiful island with white sand, isolated coves, and lush rainforest?  Peaceful Epi fits the description, with small lakes for fishing and forests where exotic birds flit and flutter. But the biggest local attraction on Epi is Lamen Bay, a long beach with shallow coral for snorkelers to explore and coral sands for sunbathers. Dugongs, which are similar to manatees, sometimes mingle with the snorkelers offshore. Explore Epi online.

7) Island on Fire

Although most volcanoes are notorious for the destruction they cause, Mount Yasur is best known for its consistent timidity. You can walk right up to its 361-foot rim and peer in, even though it's active nearly year-round. The volcano erupts regularly, and has for the last several hundred years, but most of its eruptions pose no real threat to onlookers.  Vanuatu is home to eight other volcanoes, two of which are under water. As such, Vanuatu is a growing constantly, making it one of the most "alive" countries on earth. Check out pictures and the science behind one of Vanuatu's most famed mounts. 

8) Magical Vanuatu

On the islands of Vanuatu, magic is alive.  Residents, both native and expatriate, subscribe to the reality of magic, and magic men, or "man blong majik," are held in extremely high regard.  Magic is believed strongest near the glowing caldrons of active volcanoes. On the island of Epi the waters are said to be strangely free from sharks, the locals protected by forces unseen.  On Ambrym, often referred to as Black Island, black magic is still a part of daily life — and not for the sake of gullible tourists. The government of Vanuatu has established regulations to protect native customs from being exploited by foreigners.  Objects used in traditional ceremonies can't be sold, nor can the craft be used commercially in any form. Large fines are levied on offenders. Thus, one of the great wonders of Vanuatu is its resistance to Western ways. Check out the magical aspects of Vanuatu that are for sale.

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