Ambae Island

Immortalised by James Michener as the magical island of Bali Hai

Its' official name, Ambae was known as Aoba prior to Vanuatu Islands' independence in the year 1980. It covers 678 square meters about 50 kilometers east of the Espiritu Santo island. The late American author by the name James Michener who was stationed in Santo as a United States Navy lieutenant, in World War II, wrote of Bali Hai as a great mystic isle of fascinating beauty in the Pulitzer Prize winning book "Tales of the South Pacific".

Visible from Santo island, Michener watched the island disappear in the morning mist, which gave him the inspiration for a magical island paradise, he named Bali Hai. The book evolved into a Broadway musical with "haunting ballad Bali Hai."

The magical beauty of Ambae island inspired James Michener's famous prize-winning book and Broadway musical.

Settlements on the island

The west and the east of the islands are densely populated, with a few villages in between. It's an ideal destination for those who like hiking or walking holidays, with a few secluded beaches on the south parts of Ambae.

How to get there

Being close to Vanuatu's largest island Espiritu Santo, it makes it an easily accessible island. Transport to the island is available frequently from Santo's largest town of Luganville, at a relatively modest cost.

Volcanoes

Ambae is actually shaped like an up turned canoe which has a volcano at the island's center. The Lombenden (1,496 high) has erupted a number times, and most recently in the year 2005 when the villages near the north coast region were evacuated. It's the largest of Vanuatu volcanoes.

It is possible to actually climb the Lombenden volcano from the Ambanga village but it is a very rough going, and a guide will most certainly be required. The volcano is described as one of the top ten most potentially dangerous volcanoes in the world.

Ambae island is home to Vanuatu's tallest volcano, which is considered one of potentially most dangerous ones. (Image by Wikimedia)

Tourist attractions

Ambae itself does attract some tourists, usually coming from Santo. There are actually 3 airstrips on the island - Walaha, Redcliffe and Longana airports. The local Vanair company, which serves domestic air routes in Vanuatu islands, has flights from Vanuatu capital Port Vila and of course from Santo's Luganville.

Activities

You can snorkel and swim from the beach and/or in the blue hole fresh water pools. Kayaks and landing crafts are also available for viewing corals. For sightseers, you can get to tour the nearby village, as well as several other tours.

Devil Rock which is near the Walaha Airstrip is one beautiful spot and it is possible to go hiking along north coast coming from Walaha towards Saratamata near the Longana Airstrip.

Holiday accommodation

There are some guesthouses on Ambae island, in Saratamata, Walaha and Nduindui, which can accommodate visitors. These include Toa Palms Bungalows, Garden Private Bungalows, and Tui Lodge. There's also a camping ground on the island.

Vanuatu islands information
Island Hopping	Popular Islands	Ambae Island	Ambrym Island
Aneityum Island	Bokissa Island	Efate Island	Emae Island
Epi Island	Erromango Island	Santo Island	Inyeug Island
Lelepa Island	Malekula Island	Moso Island	Nguna Island
Pentecost Island	Tanna Island