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Deep in the Pacific island of Vanuatu we watch an ancient tradition that is quite analogous to the now popular daring sport of bungee jumping. This article is based on Vanuatu's Bungee Jumpers or you can call them the original bungee jumpers.




In the entire Naghol festival as many as 30 bungee tribal divers, clad only in, Naghol make wraps wrapped around the loins called nambas, will leap from high station stands on the tower with accurately handpicked and studied vines tied around their ankles. Accuracy in the preparation of the vines is of uttermost importance. If the vines are short the tribeman will sling back into the poles and if its too long its definite suicide!!!.Those people should have sheer guts of steel to do such things.


From the moment the large group of dancers start their enthusiastic singing at the base of the tower, there is a palpable vibe in the surrounding jungle clearing. The young boys are the first to jump and each successive diver jumps from a higher platform.The raw emotion on the face of the divers is undeniable. Some strut to the platform while others stoically try to present a calm face to the crowd. With each diver plunging towards the earth from a more frightening height, the knot your stomach grows larger."





Undoubtedly, the Naghol has changed since the people of Pentecost have realized that outsiders are eager to pay to witness this dramatic spectacle. It now occurs much more frequently then it had in the past. Despite that, the ceremony itself still remains a stirring experience for its participants. Any preconceived notions of unenthusiastic divers going through the motions just to make a buck are quickly dispelled by the overwhelming intensity of the whole affair.