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Lelepa Island
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Lelepa Island is a site of immense historical and cultural significance located off the coast of Efate, forming a central part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Chief Roi Mata’s Domain.' Spanning approximately 160 hectares, the island is famous for Fels Cave, a monumental cavern featuring prehistoric petroglyphs linked to the life of the legendary 17th-century chief Roi Mata. Geographically, Lelepa is characterized by rugged limestone cliffs and sheltered bays that host a diverse range of marine life. The local community of about 500 residents adheres to strict traditional customs and manages tourism sustainably to preserve the island's archaeological integrity. The island's history is deeply embedded in Vanuatu's oral traditions, where Roi Mata is revered as a peacemaker who unified warring tribes. Lelepa remains a living monument to Melanesian culture and a vital field of study for anthropologists.
- Location: Vanuatu
- Nearby: Mangaliliu Village History (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 197 | 174 | 232 | 204 | 110 | 98 | 69 | 61 | 59 | 94 | 110 | 139 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Lelepa Island is an uninhabited island that can be visited during the day. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and provides hiking and snorkelling.
Typical hours
The island has no fixed opening hours, visits are customary during daylight. Boat operators typically return before sunset.
Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere. The limestone caves and clear water offer excellent shots.
Time needed
Allow at least two to three hours on the island. For cave exploration and snorkelling half a day may be needed.
Combine with
Combine the trip with a visit to Chief Roi Mata’s Domain on Efate. The nearby Lelepa reefs are also worth seeing.
Getting there
The island is reachable by boat from Efate. The crossing takes about 20-30 minutes from Port Vila or Havannah Harbour.
Insider tip
Bring sturdy footwear for the cave hike. A torch helps in the darker cave sections.
Geography
Facts
- Lelepa Island was recognized as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008.
- Fels Cave stands approximately 22 meters high and 50 meters deep.
- Chief Roi Mata is said to have lived around 1600 AD according to oral tradition.
- The island gained fame in 2005 as a filming location for the TV show 'Survivor'.
- There are over 50 identified archaeological sites across the island.
- The population lives almost exclusively in Lelepa village on the west coast.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Lelepa Island (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the visiting hours for Lelepa?
Excursions are typically organized during the day from Efate.
Is the island accessible for people with disabilities?
Unfortunately, the uneven terrain is difficult to access for wheelchair users.
How much time should one plan for a visit?
A day trip is good to see the main attractions.
What is the entrance fee?
Entrance fees are often included in organized tour packages.
Is drone flying allowed on Lelepa?
Permission from the local village elders is required for drone flights.
Lelepa Island: where is it located?
Lelepa Island is located in Vanuatu.
Lelepa Island: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Lelepa Island: why is it worth visiting?
Lelepa Island is a site of immense historical and cultural significance located off the coast of Efate, forming a central part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Chief Roi Mata’s Domain.' Spanning approximately 160 hectares, the island is famous for Fels Cave, a monumental…
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Ifira Island Traditional Village
A historic village on Ifira Island in Port Vila harbour that has maintained its cultural autonomy for centuries.
Big Nambas Territory
The territory of the Big Nambas in northern Malakula, once feared for its warrior and ritualistic past.
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Mangaliliu Village History
A historic coastal village on Efate serving as the gateway to Chief Roi Mata's UNESCO World Heritage site.
History & landmarks
Port Vila City Hall
The City Hall is the administrative center for the municipal government of the capital, Port Vila.
Lelepa Island Reefs
The waters around Lelepa host pristine coral gardens and are part of Chief Roi Mata's UNESCO World Heritage site.
Fels Cave
A monumental cave on Lelepa Island, considered the place where the legendary Chief Roi Mata died in the 13th century.
Chief Roi Mata's Domain
This UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses several locations on Efate, Lelepa, and Artok islands associated with the chief's life.
Hat Island (Eretoka)
This distinctive island is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and the burial place of Chief Roi Mata.
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Artok Island
An uninhabited island known for its hat shape, which houses the burial site of Chief Roi Mata.
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Moso Island
Moso Island forms a natural barrier for Havannah Harbour on Efate.
Mele Cascades Legend Site
A natural landmark deeply rooted in the oral history and legends of the Mele people.
Nature
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Moso Island Turtle Sanctuary
Moso Island serves as a critical nesting site for Green and Hawksbill sea turtles in the South Pacific.
Mele Cascades
Mele Cascades is a series of terraced waterfalls on Efate Island.
Hideaway Island Marine Sanctuary
This sanctuary off Efate is famous for its vibrant coral reefs and the world's only underwater post office.
Mount McDonald
Mount McDonald is the highest peak on the island of Efate.
More places
Havannah Harbour
A natural harbour on Efate that served as a major base for the US fleet during World War II.
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Port Havannah Dugongs
The deep natural harbor of Port Havannah is known for its seagrass meadows that feed rare dugongs.
Havannah Shipping Channel
A deep, sheltered waterway north of Efate used as a strategic anchorage and regional shipping route.
Havannah Seaplane Ramp
These relics in Havannah Harbour are from a US seaplane base used during World War II.
Mele Cascades Nature Park
These limestone terraces and waterfalls house a rich flora featuring tropical ferns and rare orchid species.
Efate Quarry
A major source of coral stone and basalt for road construction and the building industry in Port Vila.
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Devil's Point Wind Farm
The wind turbines on this coastal stretch of Efate harness steady trade winds to generate clean electricity.
Malapoa College
Malapoa College is one of the most prestigious secondary education institutions in Port Vila.