Excursion Rom dance and fanla cultural village hike tour at Ambrym Island

Arrive to the magical island of Ambrym, a sacred place to visit. Ambrym is a volcanic island known for its black sand beaches and the traditional Rom dance.

Ambrym is known as the island of magic and of the 113 local language of Vanuatu - five of these languages are spoken on Ambrym in addition to Bislama, one of the three official languages of the country.

Go ashore near Ranon to take a tour of the local community and see the very unique Rom dance. Normally these dances are only shown during grade-taking ceremonies or men's secret society meetings and on those occasions the participants actually prepare their masks and costumes in secrecy. The dance, which involves chanting and men in ornate costume, is mesmerizing to behold. Also enjoy entertainment by one of the local string bands.

Conditions permitting, see some of Vanuatu's sand drawings. Although some might simply see them as aesthetically pleasing drawings, UNESCO has recognized them as a local "writing" system and inscribed them on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

With sufficient time and interest, there may be a hike to Fanla to visit the cultural village. Make your return hike and return to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Ambrym Island, Rom Dance, sand drawing (UNESCO Cultural Heritage), Fanla Cultural Village

Note

PLEASE NOTE:

This tour requires a limited amount of walking (possible hike to Fanla optional), though the Rom dance site is located further inland on a sloped trail that can be slippery in wet weather. Casual dress and walking shoes are recommended, and guests are asked not to wear bikinis ashore but to have appropriate covers.