Chief Roi Mata’s Domain — Attraction in Shefa Province

Walking Through History: Chief Roi Mata’s Domain, Vanuatu 🇻🇺

Standing on the sacred lands of Chief Roi Mata’s Domain, I felt the weight of history beneath my feet. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in Vanuatu, is the resting place of the legendary 17th-century chief whose leadership united warring tribes and brought peace to the islands. His death was marked by an elaborate burial, where his followers chose to be laid to rest alongside him—a testament to his profound influence.

As I explored the untouched landscapes, I was reminded of the laws of nature and life:

🌿 Legacy is More Than Power – True leadership isn’t about control but about leaving behind harmony, wisdom, and peace. 🌿 Respect the Past, Honor the Future – Nature and culture are intertwined; preserving history means safeguarding the lessons it holds. 🌿 Life & Death Are Cycles – The earth reclaims all, reminding us to live with purpose and humility. 🌿 Harmony is Strength – Just as Chief Roi Mata united tribes, nature flourishes when elements work together, not against each other.

Walking through these sacred sites was a humbling experience—a call to live with wisdom, connection, and reverence for those who came before us.

#ChiefRoiMata #VanuatuHeritage #UNESCOWorldHeritage #HistoryAndNature #LifeLessons #SacredGrounds #IslandWisdom #CulturalHeritage #NatureKnowsBest #LiveWithPurpose #LessonsFromThePast #RespectAndHonor #AncientWisdom #ExploreHistory #NatureAndCulture #TimelessTruths #HarmonyInLife #VanuatuAdventures #SustainableLiving #PreserveThePast #IslandLegends #HistoricalJourneys #PeaceAndUnity #LearnFromNature...

Chief Roi Mata’s Domain is the first site to be inscribed in Vanuatu. It consists of three early 17th century AD sites on the islands of Efate, Lelepa and Artok associated with the life and death of the last paramount chief, or Roi Mata, of what is now Central Vanuatu. The property includes Roi Mata’s residence, the site of his death and Roi Mata’s mass burial site. It is closely associated with the oral traditions surrounding the chief and the moral values he espoused. The site reflects the convergence between oral tradition and archaeology and bears witness to the persistence of Roi Mata’s social reforms and conflict resolution, still relevant to the people...

There are few cultural World Heritage sites in the Pacific, which makes this one all the more worth seeking out.

It consists of three parts: the grave site of an important chief and his wives; the site of his former village, now in the rainforest; and the large cave where he died. All three are located on a stunningly beautiful bay, which makes the journey almost as impressive as the destination.

To get around the sites, you realistically need to join a tour group. This will cost around $100 USD or $150 AUD per person. It is a very unique...