AMBRYM island
About Ambrym… Air
Vanuatu services Ambrym 2 times a week. (Tuesdays and Saturdays). There
are two airports, Craig Cove and Ulei.
Ambrym is famous for its huge volcano of which the centre has collapsed,
leaving an enormous caldera with several active craters. The largest is
Mt Marum (1270m), the other Mt Benbow (1159m.). A vast lava plain covers
the caldera entirely devoid of vegetation. The rest of the island is
extremely lush due to the rich volcanic soils. Most of the 7000
islanders live on the coast, in the north, south-west and south-east.
The volcanic fire above their heads creates an atmosphere which is quite
unique. Man Ambrym are famous for their way with magic. Climbing the
volcano and crossing the ash plains is an unforgettable and exhilarating
trek. Overnight camping can be arranged on request for the adventure
traveler. One of the major custom events, especially in the north of the
island, is a grade-taking ceremony. During these events, dances are
organized and one of the most striking dance is the Rom Dance, which
takes place in July or August every year. The dancers, dressed in banana
leaf costumes, their heads covered with an enormous conical banana-fibre
mask, perform first in their home village and afterwards in other parts
of the island. The island’s major art forms are the famous carved
slit-gongs, “atingating”, some measuring up to 6m. Tree-fern figures
from Ambrym were originally made for the grade-taking ceremonies-you
will see lots of them in Port Vila gardens. They represent male or
female figures with their hands clasped on their belly. Different
statues represent different grades for the aspirant. Tam-tam must be
sculpted at each grade, then a tree fern figure indicates that the
grade-taker has already passed half the grades. Colours on them
represent various ranks. Stone statues follow in the hierarchy. The
spirits of the ancestors are believed to be embodied in the carving.
Ambrym is definitely “the sculptors’ island”.
Milee Sea Bungalows are located in West Ambrym and Solomon Douglas
Guesthouse in the north. If you are interested in carving, the owner of
Solomon Douglas is a famous woodcarver.
3 days/2 nights’ packages
(for trekking)
The active volcanoes Mt Marum and Benbow with their unique lakes of
boiling lava are a half trek away. It is possible to organize an
overnight or two night camping
The tour requires good working boots to trek up the Volcano.
Day trek to the Volcano (approx 6 hours)
this unforgettable climb offers fantastic views over the islands
depending on the weather, discover Lava tubes and caves full day walk
trough some spectacular to an area where the rare Megapods birds can
still be observed.
Solomon Douglas Guesthouse
Rating: 
Highlights: volcano trek and Rom dance demonstration
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Style: Local
thatched bungalows
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Facilities: Family
run restaurant 2 bungalows with
Shared toilet & facilities
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Access: 25km by
sea from Craig Cove airport( 2 ½ hrs)
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Telephone X *Fax Machine X
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Electricity X * Hot Water X
About Solomon Douglas Guesthouse….Ocean view
bungalows close to the Ranon village overlook a magnificent black sand
beach. The area includes some very active custom villages, such as Fanla
and Ranvetlam.
Accommodation: Two simple 2-room bungalows built from local materials
with magnificent views. Shared shower and toilet facilities.
Facilities: A fixed menu of simple cuisine made from local produce and
is prepared for you by the family. No bar.
Tours/Activities: All tours are conducted by a local guide. Good walking
boots are a must for the volcano visit. Sand drawing of cultural symbols
and a demonstration of traditional flute; Day tour to the volcano-climb
the rugged slopes of Mt Marum (approx 6 hrs of average bushwalking). On
the crater’s edge you will be able to look straight into a lake of red
boiling lava 200m wide. Mt Benbow is then only 1km away. Ambrym magic
tricks; Ranvetlam Rom dance demonstration performed by the village
elders; Fanla custom village half day tour by foot; Bottom fishing in a
local fishing boat; Nature and Melanesian gardens walk.
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