Immigrating to Vanuatu and living there for a period of time will surely make you feel that Vanuatu is truly another world. The name of the country means "The Land Eternal." Although Vanuatu is relatively poor, it has been rated as the happiest country in the world. They fish, farm, dance, weave... living freely and happily. Happiness is something everyone pursues, yet the content of happiness varies greatly.
Vanuatu's sea is not just on the beaches; it is more intricately woven into the natural-colored flowers, colorful grass skirts, eye-catching body paint, and bright clothing. Of course, it is even more hidden in those dark-brown skins, snow-white teeth, clear and transparent eyes, and broad, warm smiles. This archipelago republic, composed of 83 islands spanning 1,200 kilometers from north to south, is a piece of natural, unpolished jade. Outside the forests of the capital, Port Vila, and other islands, one cannot see any traces of modern civilization. People respect tradition, coexist with nature, and follow the lifestyle they have practiced since ancient times. Beyond the turquoise waters and the pure white beaches that rival any island nation, it is a secret realm of primitive nature. Compared to typical vacation islands, Vanuatu possesses an extra layer of profound cultural charm.
Vanuatu has more than eighty islands. The largest island, Espiritu Santo, is known as the capital of nature and adventure. During World War II, a major U.S. military base was stationed there. To this day, one can still see the barracks and entertainment venues used by soldiers at night, and even find the wreckage of crashed fighter planes. Now, there are as many as 20 confirmed underwater sites, including the luxury cruise ship SS President Coolidge. The western half of the island is an undeveloped primeval jungle. Champagne Beach in the east is world-renowned. It is said that this romantic name comes from the water welling up from the deep sea mixing with the seawater, creating a dazzling interplay of light and shadow under the sun, as magnificent as champagne. The sand is blindingly white, reflecting the emerald water, and it is hailed as the most beautiful beach in the South Pacific.
Espiritu Santo is also a paradise for diving enthusiasts. Enter the water and get up close and personal with the sea of Vanuatu. The thrill of being in an aquarium and so close to marine life is intoxicating. Colorful corals stretch and breathe beneath your feet, and the colors in the water are far richer than those on land. A school of small fish swims by leisurely, their skin a mystical jewel blue that no artificial pigment could ever replicate.
Vanuatu's islands each have their own unique features: the main island of Efate, in addition to beaches and various water sports, also has the Mele Cascades and the Ekasup Cultural Village, where you can even visit indigenous residents who still live in houses built from banana tree bark.
The most special feature on Hideaway Island is the world's only underwater post office. Postal staff trained in professional diving work underwater. Those sending mail must wear a respirator or a wetsuit to descend three meters deep to post waterproof postcards, after which the post office staff will apply a special seal.
Pentecost Island is another primitive island that has been completely preserved; it is the birthplace of bungee jumping. Tanna Island is the most exciting of the Vanuatu archipelago, featuring legendary volcanoes, ancient primitive tribes, plains where wild horses roam, and hot springs steaming with mist... Apart from Tibet, Vanuatu is the second place that makes me feel I must visit again.
Bungee jumping is a crazy sport, and Vanuatu is its birthplace. Residents on Pentecost Island in northern Vanuatu hold the "Land-Diving" ceremony (known as N'gol in Bislama) every year during the yam harvest season in April and May to thank the earth for the harvest and pray for good luck in the coming year. This ancient ritual dates back more than 1,500 years and is the predecessor of modern bungee jumping. Queen Elizabeth II and Pope John Paul II watched this ceremony here in 1974 and 1986, respectively.
The most important work in the preparation for the ceremony is selecting flexible vines and a slope with a moderate gradient, which is crucial to the success of the ritual and minimizes casualties. A large tree is selected at the top of the slope, its branches and leaves removed to leave the trunk as a central pillar, and a high frame of twenty to thirty meters is built around it using wooden sticks and vines. The branches of the frame must be wrapped in large leaves to prevent them from drying out in the sun and becoming brittle. The jumper does not jump vertically downward but leaps forward at an angle to the frame. The green vines tied to the feet are pulled at an angle; when they reach their maximum extension, they swing the person back toward the frame like a pendulum. The person then slides back along the soft slope to offset the downward force, achieving a soft landing. Only men participate in the jumping, while women wear colorful clothing and cheer for the warriors under the frame.
This most primitive form of bungee jumping is extremely dangerous. Apart from the green vines, there are no protective measures. Before jumping, the jumper must express their most sincere emotions, as this may very well be their final words.
New Zealanders carried forward the primitive bungee jump, established the world's first bungee jumping association, and first publicly demonstrated high-altitude jumping in 1988, vigorously promoting the sport. To date, many countries around the world have established bungee jumping bases. On May 18, 1997, bungee jumping was introduced to China. But no matter how bungee jumping develops, the most primitive and craziest bungee jumping will always be in its birthplace—Vanuatu.