Bunlap

Bunlap is a village located on the southern part of Pentecost Island in Vanuatu. It is most well-known as one of the origin points for naghol, a traditional land diving ritual practiced by the local people, particularly during the yam harvest season (April-June).

Naghol is considered the precursor to modern-day bungee jumping. Young men build tall towers from local materials such as logs and vines. They then jump from these towers with only vines tied to their ankles, aiming to brush the ground with their heads and shoulders. The practice is believed to ensure a good yam harvest, demonstrate courage, and connect the jumpers with the land and their ancestors.

Bunlap, as a key location for naghol, attracts considerable cultural interest and tourism. The village maintains a strong cultural identity deeply intertwined with this tradition. The ritual is not merely a spectacle but a deeply significant spiritual and social practice passed down through generations. The land diving sites near Bunlap are managed by the local community, who control access and ensure the safety of the participants and spectators.