Chief Roi Mata's Domain
Vanuatu's only UNESCO World Heritage Site, made up of a chief's residence, rock-art caves and a burial island, with local villagers leading visitors through the story of a 17th-century chief.
Chief Roi Mata's Domain was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2008. It comprises three locations on the northwest of Efate: Mangaas (where the chief lived and died), Fels Cave on Lelepa Island, which preserves ancient rock art, and Artok (also called Hat Island), the joint burial site of the chief and his followers. Roi Mata was a powerful chief in the early 17th century, renowned for establishing peace and order. Local people still observe the taboos he left behind, which is why Hat Island may not be visited freely. Visits must be booked through the community-run heritage tour, which usually includes a boat trip to Lelepa Island to see the cave, lunch and snorkelling, and takes about one day. The drive from Port Vila to the meeting point takes about 40 to 50 minutes. Note: respect village taboos, and do not land on the burial island or touch the rock art without permission. The cave is slippery, so bring a torch.
Opening hours
Community guided tours by reservation
Nearby sights
- Lelepa Island
- Mele Cascades
- Secret Garden Cultural Centre (Mele)
- Havannah Harbour
- Mele Bay
- Hideaway Island
- Moso Island
- Port Vila Waterfront