Loltong Mission Site

Loltong Mission is situated in the northern part of Pentecost Island and possesses a history spanning over a hundred years. Established in the early 20th century as a station for the Anglican Melanesian Mission, it quickly evolved into a vital social and religious hub for the local area. The mission played a pivotal role in introducing formal Western education and basic medical healthcare to the communities of Pentecost. A prominent feature of the site is its historic church, which often incorporates traditional construction materials alongside colonial designs. Beyond its religious functions, Loltong served as a site for cross-cultural exchange between European missionaries and the indigenous population. Its legacy is inextricably linked to the work of Bishop John Coleridge Patteson, who laid the groundwork for the Christian presence across this segment of the archipelago.

Nearby cities

Big Nambas Territory

The territory of the Big Nambas in northern Malakula, once feared for its warrior and ritualistic past.

Fanla Village

An ancient village on Ambrym considered the most important center for traditional magic and the Rom dance.

History & landmarks

Port Vila City Hall

The City Hall is the administrative center for the municipal government of the capital, Port Vila.

Saratamata Government Station

Saratamata is the administrative center of the Penama Province, located on Ambae Island.

Nagol Towers (Pentecost)

These temporary wooden towers are built annually for the land diving ritual on Pentecost Island.

Pentecost Land Diving Site

The traditional sites on Pentecost Island where the centuries-old ritual of Naghol (land diving) is practiced.

Ambrym Magic Square

A ceremonial ground on Ambrym famous for sand drawings and the preservation of ancient spiritual traditions.

Rano Island Dancing Ground

An ancient ceremonial ground on Rano Island off Malakula, lined with monolithic stones.

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Atchin Island Monoliths

Numerous standing stones on the small island of Atchin, erected for complex ceremonial cycles.

Million Dollar Point

A historic underwater graveyard off Espiritu Santo, where the US military dumped equipment after World War II.

Nature

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Mount Vulmat

Mount Vulmat is the highest point on Pentecost Island.

Mount Lombenben

Mount Lombenben is a massive shield volcano on Ambae Island.

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Mount Tawenun

Mount Tawenun is the highest mountain on Maewo Island.

Crab Bay Conservation Area

This Malekula sanctuary specializes in preserving land crab populations and mangrove forests.

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Bokissa Island Marine Reserve

A private island dedicated to preserving turtle nesting sites and protecting local dugong populations.

More places

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Loltong Church

The Loltong church is a focal structure in the picturesque village on the west coast of Pentecost.

Pentecost Central Range

The relief of Pentecost is dominated by a central range that drops steeply to the east and more gently to the west.

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Lolowai Cathedral

This cathedral on Ambae Island is a key religious center for the northern region of Vanuatu.

Manaro Voui

Manaro Voui is a dangerous shield volcano on Ambae Island.

Maewo Central Range

The Maewo Central Range runs the entire length of the narrow island.

Ambrym Slit Gongs

The monumental carved slit gongs (Atingting) are iconic symbols of the culture of Ambrym island.

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Mount Benbow

Mount Benbow is the second active crater on Ambrym Island, characterized by a barren ash plain and steep crater walls.

Mount Marum

Mount Marum is one of the two active volcanic cones within the massive caldera on Ambrym Island, known for its lava lakes.