Efate crossing to Nguna/Pele/Emao/Lelepa in January + Bungalow recs?

Because we are on a tight budget, we are only going to stay on Efate - a few days in Port Vila (how many days would we need?), then a few days at a Bungalow. Bethel Village looks good, although a bit more expensive than bungalows on Nguna and the other surrounding islands. What we are wondering is if it's safe to do the boat crossing during the wet/cyclone season? I just read somewhere that it was not a good idea to be out on small craft at this time, although then I also read that the crossing to Nguna etc is quite protected anyway! Some advice one way or the other would be great.

If it's a bit risky then we will probably stick to Bethel or somewhere else on Efate, otherwise we might be interested in Vat-Vaka, Juboes, Wora-Namoa or one of the other bungalows. We're not overly attached to any particular one. If anyone has any experiences with these or others on or near Efate, I'd love to hear about it!

Thanks very much! :)

Nguna's quite protected and should be fine to visit, it's also a much better choice then some of the others you mentioned. Lelepa is also a good idea as is Mangliliu, I wouldn't bother spending too much time in Vila, like maybe a day....really. Get out in the villages. Go down to the wharf, ask where the cargo ships are going (they're super cheap), buy a plane ticket back to Efate (in advance, some of the close islands are relatively cheap) hop on the ship, and start your adventure. If you don't have time, there's a cheap little resort on Moso that's nice. I also love Epau Village, but that's because I used to live there. Good Luck - M

I stayed at Napanga Bungalows in September on Pele Island, north of Efate (between Nguna and Efate). Very clean bungalows, fantastic hospitality from Chief Talang and a great way to sample the local culture and food. Good snorkelling right outside your bungalow too. You can book from Vila, phone tel: 27113 or mobile: 5418410. It cost about 6,000 vt for the two of us per night including 3 meals a day.