Chief Roi Mata’s Domain
Historical Site Traditional chiefly sites with ancestral burial and cultural significance
This Vanuatu cultural landscape spans burial islets and coastal sites tied to a 13th-17th-century chiefly domain; guided tours focus on oral history, archaeological remains and village visits.
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain is a cultural landscape in Vanuatu comprising multiple coastal and inland sites associated with the 17th-century chief Roi Mata. The Domain is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance.
The ensemble of places includes burial grounds, ceremonial sites and villages that together represent oral histories linked to Roi Mata and the social order of the era. Many of the sites are coastal and island locations that form a network rather than a single monument.
Local oral tradition credits Roi Mata with unifying or influencing communities in the area during the 17th century and the sites preserve funerary and commemorative locations associated with his life and death. The Domain was nominated and inscribed for the way the landscape preserves cultural memory and customary practices.
The component sites are distributed around Efate and nearby islands in Shefa Province and are reached from Port Vila and nearby settlements; some are on small islands requiring short boat trips or local transport to visit.
- Access: Access to the main inscribed places typically requires boat or guided transport from Port Vila; guided visits explain local customs and restrictions at sacred sites.
How to Get to Chief Roi Mata’s Domain #
Access is by boat from Efate (Port Vila) to the relevant islets; local operators and community guides arrange transport and guided visits.
Tips for Visiting Chief Roi Mata’s Domain #
- Respect local taboos and guidance from Ni-Vanuatu guides - some areas are sacred and have access restrictions.
- Combine visits to different islets and grave sites with community-led tours to ensure cultural protocols are observed.
- Bring cash to support local guide services; there are limited facilities on the islands.
Best Time to Visit Chief Roi Mata’s Domain #
The dry season (May-October) is typically the most comfortable for boat travel and site visits.
Weather & Climate near Chief Roi Mata’s Domain #
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2115 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (335 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (278 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (291 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (208 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (137 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (190 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (169 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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