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24
2014
Experience the Birthplace of Bungee Jumping at the Naghol Festival in Vanuatu
Published by Jared Dellinger, Writer
Country: Vanuatu 
The Experience
When the month of April arrives in The Republic of Vanuatu, it brings with it a tradition people have begun to recognize the world over—albeit in a different form. New Zealander A.J. Hacket has done an amazing job popularizing what we now know as bungee jumping. However, on the island of Pentecost in Vanuatu it is still known as land diving or Naghol.
As the rainy season draws to a close, villages far and wide come together for the yearly tradition of Naghol, so that they may give thanks and guarantee a bountiful harvest. Local materials of logs and vines are gathered from the bush and brought together to construct the towers that the land divers will jump from, looming an astonishing 25 meters high. Vines are intricately woven together and later tied to participants ankles to break their fall.
Beneath the Naghol towers, villagers dress in traditional attire and sing and dance in choreographed patterns to encourage the land divers. The vines are spliced at the tips and tied securely to the ankles of the jumper, who climbs until standing atop the rickety tower. One-by-one, as the singing continues and the final arrangements are completed, the jumper gives his call for readiness, and with a loud whoop leaps from the platform toward the softened ground below. As the excess vine lengthens and becomes taut, slack is extinguished followed by a loud cracking of the support above. When done correctly, vines swing the Naghol jumpers so close to the ground that their hair sweeps across the soil, which is said to fertilize it.
Naghol customs vary from village to village, and certain practices may be utilized in more traditional villages such as the prohibition of women touching or even looking at the towers during construction. Entire villages are known to abstain from daily ablutions to ensure the bountiful yam harvest. Throughout the world, this activity of land diving has evolved into a more modern version of what we now know today as bungee humping. However, on the island of Pentecost in The Republic of Vanuatu, the custom of Naghol is still observed in the traditional way of old.
As the rainy season draws to a close, villages far and wide come together for the yearly tradition of Naghol, so that they may give thanks and guarantee a bountiful harvest. Local materials of logs and vines are gathered from the bush and brought together to construct the towers that the land divers will jump from, looming an astonishing 25 meters high. Vines are intricately woven together and later tied to participants ankles to break their fall.
Beneath the Naghol towers, villagers dress in traditional attire and sing and dance in choreographed patterns to encourage the land divers. The vines are spliced at the tips and tied securely to the ankles of the jumper, who climbs until standing atop the rickety tower. One-by-one, as the singing continues and the final arrangements are completed, the jumper gives his call for readiness, and with a loud whoop leaps from the platform toward the softened ground below. As the excess vine lengthens and becomes taut, slack is extinguished followed by a loud cracking of the support above. When done correctly, vines swing the Naghol jumpers so close to the ground that their hair sweeps across the soil, which is said to fertilize it.
Naghol customs vary from village to village, and certain practices may be utilized in more traditional villages such as the prohibition of women touching or even looking at the towers during construction. Entire villages are known to abstain from daily ablutions to ensure the bountiful yam harvest. Throughout the world, this activity of land diving has evolved into a more modern version of what we now know today as bungee humping. However, on the island of Pentecost in The Republic of Vanuatu, the custom of Naghol is still observed in the traditional way of old.
When to Go to Naghol Pentecost
If you want to experience island life as it once was—you have found it here on Pentecost Island. Naghol jumps usually take place every Saturday from the beginning of April until May.
The Naghol Festival is not merely a tourist attraction. Villagers come together from all over the area to celebrate the harvest of a major dietary staple, yams. Men and women, young and old, dress in traditional uniform, and the atmosphere takes on a primal air. It is a wonderful time to collect handmade crafts and talk with a few of the locals (this also helps them practice their English).
Arrangements can be made through any number of travel agencies in the capital, Port Vila to attend the land diving ceremonies of Naghol. Overnight stays are worth the time if you care to explore for a few days; or day trips make a great getaway if you only have a short time to stay in Vanuatu. Small guesthouses are available for rent, and food is easily obtained on the island (however it may not be what you are used to).
Transportation can be a little expensive if you are travelling alone, and the costs may be alleviated with a group of four or more. Wear light, fast-drying clothing due to the heat and random rains, which occur daily.
It is best to ask whether a cruise ship is planned at the time of your trip. On "cruise ship days" an excess of 3,000 people may be wandering the area, and this can sometimes take away from the experience. Doing a little research beforehand can ensure small audiences, and give you a more rewarding experience.
The Naghol Festival is not merely a tourist attraction. Villagers come together from all over the area to celebrate the harvest of a major dietary staple, yams. Men and women, young and old, dress in traditional uniform, and the atmosphere takes on a primal air. It is a wonderful time to collect handmade crafts and talk with a few of the locals (this also helps them practice their English).
Arrangements can be made through any number of travel agencies in the capital, Port Vila to attend the land diving ceremonies of Naghol. Overnight stays are worth the time if you care to explore for a few days; or day trips make a great getaway if you only have a short time to stay in Vanuatu. Small guesthouses are available for rent, and food is easily obtained on the island (however it may not be what you are used to).
Transportation can be a little expensive if you are travelling alone, and the costs may be alleviated with a group of four or more. Wear light, fast-drying clothing due to the heat and random rains, which occur daily.
It is best to ask whether a cruise ship is planned at the time of your trip. On "cruise ship days" an excess of 3,000 people may be wandering the area, and this can sometimes take away from the experience. Doing a little research beforehand can ensure small audiences, and give you a more rewarding experience.
Odds n' Ends
Women should not wear form-fitting pants or shorts. The custom dress for women is what is known as a “lava lava” (a loose skirt that reaches to the ankles), and traditional dress is expected on the outer islands. Observing local dress is an important habit to get into when in Vanuatu.
Cameras and video are allowed, but a fee will be charged to view the activity. Mosquito repellent is a must, as they can be bothersome at night. Mosquito nets and some coils should be provided by the guesthouse; however this should be requested when booking your room.
You may get to Pentecost via plane or by cargo ship. During the season, weekly planes run to and from the island every Saturday, but bookings should be made in advance because they fill up quickly. A cargo ship is the cheaper alternative, but expect for them to take a few days to get there, and the timing can mean you spend a week on the island while you wait for the event.
Cameras and video are allowed, but a fee will be charged to view the activity. Mosquito repellent is a must, as they can be bothersome at night. Mosquito nets and some coils should be provided by the guesthouse; however this should be requested when booking your room.
You may get to Pentecost via plane or by cargo ship. During the season, weekly planes run to and from the island every Saturday, but bookings should be made in advance because they fill up quickly. A cargo ship is the cheaper alternative, but expect for them to take a few days to get there, and the timing can mean you spend a week on the island while you wait for the event.
More Experiences Nearby
- Beauty Meets Mystery and Tradition at Mount Monaro in Vanuatu
- There is a place in the South Pacific where beauty meets mystery, and tradition shakes hands with modern times in a way no other place on earth can match. Located on the Ambae Island in The Republic of Vanuatu, the lakes which crown Mount Manaro are sacred to the people in ways we can only try to understand. The splendor of going to Mount Manaro isn’t just limited to swimming in one of the highest crater lakes in the South Pacific, or observing a smoking mound of sulphur among breathtaking waters. It's taking the time to learn about and participate ...48 miles away.
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