Vanuatu- any suggestions efate and tanna?

Just wondering if anyone has any advice on accom/things to do. We want to stay basic and connect with the locals more than the average travellers? We are going to be there over NYE. Thanks!

Both Efate and Tanna are well set up for tourists...more so than any of the other islands are, for sure. If you really want to have a chance to meet local people, then I would avoid the big Tanna resorts near the airport. I have stayed at the Port Resolution Yacht club, which is run by a family from the nearest village, and had a great experience there. They can organize a trip to Mt. Yasur (which you really should see at night---it is spectacular). I am not sure about booking them outside of Vanuatu.......they have a website, and if you want to make sure that you are expected, I would try and call--there is at least one phone in the village. Warning, though...this is NOT a resort, but it is beautiful BUT RUSTIC. I would also work out food arrangements with Werri before you go, as the kitchen was not open when I was there (I think I ate with Werr's sister;s family or something. You can get transport at the airport in Tanna to Port Resolution--don't pre-book it.

Instead of Efate, if you really want a chance to have a relaxing holiday where you can relax and feel comfortable but talk to and interact with with local people, I would go the the Vathe Conservation area in the northeastern region of Santo. Purity and Solomon run the place with their families and it is really nice. Again, rustic, small private bungalows with mosquito nets and shared baths. I can't remember if either the Vathe lodge or the Port Resolution Yacht club have either electricity in the bunglaows (both have generators that power the common areas) or hot water.

Check out this website: http://www.positiveearth.org/bungalows/vanuatu.htm

Thanks for your info, thats very helpful!

My family and I have just got back from a holiday in Vanuatu - 7 nights in Vila and 4 nights in Tanna.

Tanna: We also stayed at the Port Resolution Yacht Club. It's basic, but terrific spot overlooking over the port. Food was simple and the kitchen was open when we were there. It's worth bringing some extra food for in-between times. I also stupidly didn't bring enough money but sorted this out with Werry - but easier to bring plenty from Vila. Don't underestimate the cost of transport and tours.

Twilight tour to Mt Yasur was fantastic. We also really enjoyed walking to Shark Bay and meeting lots of locals along the way, including a group of boys who'd just speared a small bird and were roasting it on a small fire by the road!

By the way, the phone numbers for Tanna have recently changed - if you're trying to phone someone there you get a ringing tone but nobody answers. Can't remember but I think the 6 at the start has been changed to 8 but you might need to check with someone in Vila.

We also really enjoyed our time in Efate. The highlight was a day trip to Pele Island with Sandy Beach Island Tours. John and his nephew Richard were the guides - both from Pele, very knowledgeable. Unhurried but well organised, got a great commentary from John on the way to the boat, and very good snorkelling, good food, excellent look around the village. This tour deserves to be supported, email sbislandtours@vanuatu.com.au. Mobile +678 54 07386.

We also had a day at Hideaway Island with the kids, yes, I know it's very touristy, but surprisingly good snorkelling and I had a couple of very good dives on two boats that were sunk there for divers in 2001.

Have a good trip.
wayne