Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Ambrym worthwhile after Tanna?

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Vanuatu

Hello,

After Tanna, I'm planning to go to Santo and maybe Ambrym. Was wondering though whether Ambrym is worthwhile going to after I've seen the volcano on Tanna.

I'm interested in the culture, and the Rom dances seem unique to Ambrym, but not sure those dances are worth the time required to get to Ambrym and back - seeing that this means less time on Efate or Santo.

Any feedback from anybody who has done both Tanna and Ambrym would be greatly appreciated.

Matt

Been to both - the 2 islands are quite different.
The volcanoes on Ambrym take more effort to see (hiking).
Rom dances are not common, unless you specially commission one.
Traditional dress is only worn on Ambrym for special occassions - these can be fascinating though.
Tourist numbers are MUCH lower on Ambrym.

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I haven't been to Tanna.. but Ambrym was pretty cool - caldera volcano.
Just be aware that Ambrym often has water shortages, and you can often be drinking rice boiled in the seawater! It's also known as the 'black island' due to the volcanoes being on it - and people are very superstitious here! - Never hurts for more culture. Ambrym also make some very nice wood carvings.

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