About Ambae

Originally known as Oba (pronounced “Omba) believed to have a mispronounciation of Opha.  Over the years, the name changed to Aoba and finally when the nation of Vanuatu became independent the name changed again to Ambae more for  better sound than anything else since the words “Oba” or  “Aoba” or “Ambae” has no meaning in the local vernacular.

The island is 75 kilometres long and 50 kilometres at its widest.

Ambae has a population of 10, 000 people, divided only by discernible language groups namely Ndui Ndui and Walaha in the West of the islands, Walurigi and Lobaha (pronounced “Lombaha”) in the centre, Lolovinue and Tavolavola in the north, Longana in the East and Red Cliff in the South.

A domain volcano lies to the south of the island, which rises and falls with the tides.  The island has no rivers, but fresh water is found along the sea coast at low tides flowing from under the black rocks.  There are also hot springs in some areas, also found at the sea level at low tides.

Ambae soil is very fertile being volcanic and all kinds of fruits and vegetables grow wild. Birds and reptiles are few in kind, but they are free and plentiful.  Different fruits are in season throughout the year.  However, pawpaw and grapefruit and bananas fruit all year round.

Ambae is known for its Pig Killing Ceremonies, performed at weddings, deaths of chiefs, and a chief could kill up to 100 pigs to mark his title as a chief.  The more the pigs one kills, the higher the title.  The chiefs on the island of Ambae are called Vire.... for eg Virematue or Viretabui or Virequi etc.  The chief is given this title when they killed 100 pigs.

The locals of the island are known in Vanuatu as “Black Stone” because of the rugged rocky shoreline of the island.