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Wednesday 27 March 2013

Pentecost Island Land Diving: Tribal Daredevils in Vanuatu


If you thought bungy jumping was extreme, then perhaps you haven't heard of Nagol, which means 'land diving'. It involves local men and boys on Pentecost Island in Vanuatu who jump from a manmade tower with a vine secured around their legs, aiming to touch the ground with their shoulders. An annual ritual, you need to see to believe, Aussies can witness this jaw dropping event between April and June each year on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Nagol goes back nearly 15 centuries, long before the world's first commercial bungy operation opened in 1988. Each April, when the first yam crop is ready for harvest, the people on Pentecost Island begin building towers from branches, vines and tree trunks. It takes five weeks to construct a suitable 20-30 metre tower.

Local men carefully select a vine, knowing that a few centimetres can make all the difference, tie the vine to their legs and dive headfirst from the tower platform at 72km per hour. The aim is to land close enough with their head curled under so that just their shoulders touch the ground. It is believed that this feat will make the ground fertile for the following year.

Land diving is reserved for the locals but travelling to Pentecost Island to witness this awe-inspiring ceremony is an incredible experience. Prepare to be swept up in the excitement as the entire village gathers together in song and dance to watch these tribal daredevils tempt fate.

Pentecost Island, which also boasts pristine beaches, reefs, untouched forests, mountains and jungles as well as exotic wildlife, is within easy reach for Aussie travellers.

Experience traditional land diving in Vanuatu and save - five nights for the price of three!

Coral Seas is offering tours to experience the land diving in Vanuatu from April to June 2013 from $1615*. Packages include return economy flights with Air Vanuatu, taxes, five nights for the price of three at Moorings Hotel in Port Vila, a Pentecost Land Diving Day trip with return domestic airfares, tour, hotel transfers and packed lunch, tropical breakfast daily at Moorings, return airport hotel transfers and $50 food and beverage credit per booking. Package is subject to availability.

*package price is based on departures from Brisbane and price is correct as of 19/03/2013.

To book please call Coral Seas on 1300 370 792 and visit www.coralseas.com.au

For more information about Vanuatu and Pentecost please visit www.vanuatu.travel


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