Chief Roi Mata's Domain
Three linked sites on Efate and its islands connected to a chief who died around 1600.
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UNESCO World Heritage
Roi Mata was a paramount chief on Efate who died around 1600, and three places connected to him were inscribed together by UNESCO in 2008 as Vanuatu's first World Heritage site: Mangaas, where he lived, Fels Cave on Lelepa where he died, and Artok island where he was buried with dozens of others. The burial was excavated in the 1960s and matched the oral account held in the villages almost exactly.
What you actually see
- Mangaas - the residence site on the Efate mainland.
- Fels Cave - the cave on Lelepa where the chief died, with paintings inside.
- Artok island - the mass burial site, still under a strict prohibition.
- The matched account - excavation confirming the oral tradition in detail.
When to go
April to October is the dry season and boat conditions are best. Tours run on set days and must be booked. Swell cancels the island transfers.
Honest expectations
Access is by guided tour only and cannot be done independently. Artok remains under customary prohibition and is viewed rather than landed on in most cases. Boat transfers are cancelled in swell.
Nearby
Port Vila is southeast, and Nguna is northeast.
What to pack for Chief Roi Mata's Domain
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
