off-shore islands north efate - nguna, pele, emao

hi there
am quite intrigued by these islands and keen to go. have done a bit of research but it's so hard to find good info... am wondering:

which one has the best beach? from what I read, it's Pele.
if you were two female travellers mid 30's. would you recommend one island over the other? I am going to unwind so the slow pace is fine but would be quite good if a few other people were around, esp in the evenings.
is it easy to get between the islands? Am thinking of spending a couple of nights on each.
on nguna which of the guesthouses would you recommend? And apparently there are two on Pele now:?
I know these guesthouses are in villages, is it a bit off to be lying on their beach in a bikini?
should I take my own snorkel gear?

I have a total of 7 nights in Vanuatu and will spend 2 nights in Port Vila due to flight times etc, then have 5 days and want to head north.

Also interested in anyone who has been to bethels or other places on efate away from port vila.

I'm so excited, would be great to hear more about the above as the info is still quite hard to get onthese places.

thanks in advance

Unfortunately I can't gve you advice based on first-hand experience, just want to ask if you have already read this?

I believe it has the best info you can hope for!

With regard to wearing a bikini. I am always amazed at tourists who wear skimpy clothing in Vanuatu. Take a look around, the locals are very modest and are pretty much covered up. Please respect local culture when you travel.

Talofalave,
It might be helpful to remember that in some villages in Vanuatu, women still isolate themselves at that time of the month.
The culture in Melanesian countries is very conservative, outside of the main towns, and you need to cover the top half of your legs anywhere but in resorts, and possibly Vila. Short shorts or tight trousers would not be appropriate either.

Fantastic that you decided to see the real Vanuatu. Many people see only Vila & Tanna and have no idea how great life really is outside the tourist rim.

Here it goes…

Pele - Napanga Bungalow – It is one of the greatest bungalows we’ve been in Vanuatu. Very comfy, clean, beach front, fantastic snorkelling at your door in the marine Park. Its has a very nice eating area under a tree overlooking the sea, toilet and shower (cold).

Chief Taland, his wife, daughter Ana (23), and son Charlie (14) will make you feel home as soon as you get there. They speak English. The Village is small and bungalow is located 50 metres from the village. No electricity. Querosene lantern at night. They will give you so much great Island food that you’ll not be able to handle. Food included in the price, which is something like $ 50 per couple per night.

If you want just stay alone, fine. If not, got to spend the evenings talking with the family at the village. Please do no take a torch or flash light with batteries, instead take those new ones that you can power up by hand. (Found and collected too many old batteries at the bottom of the sea).

Ana (if she still there) will take you snorkelling to catch your own dinner. Charles may take you if you ask to the top of the hill, which has a 360 degrees breathtaking view (for guidance it costs 10 bucks for 2). Charlie also will get any coconut for you, as many as you can drink and eat the flesh (free). Get Charlie to guide you for a walk on the Island. Give him some 500 Vatu ($5) to buy school supplies as tip.

Yes, you can wear bikini, BUT, only in front of your bungalow. Ana for example goes snorkelling with a bikini top and a surfer’s shorts about knee hight. A towel or sarong to wrap around your waist or breast is advisable if someone approaches. Have to respect their Kastom.

There is nothing to buy on theses Islands. NOTHING. So bring from Vila some snacks, wine, or whatever you need. There are rats in those islands (good and clean white belly ones). We had our long life milk bitten and drunk by one of the most beautiful rats we’d ever seen in our lives. Keep food in your backpack or something teeth proof.

I was keeping this place as a secret, but decided to open up because we like so much Chief Talang and his family that we feel in obligation in helping them. We know visitors will improve their lives. Please just keep the place the way it is and bring back your plastic bags and snacks toVila. When you don’t need your lanterns any longer, give them to the locals. (less batteries in the sea).

Transport between Islands and shore is not a problem. Cheap bus (back of the truck), leaving from the Chinese store in Vila about 1 PM connecting with the boat. No Problems. From the Islands to shore, boat leaves about 6 in the morning.

We did day trips to Nguna from Pele. Great Island too, but much bigger to walk. Don’t miss it anyway. Great people, unforgettable place.

Call to book from Vila-Phones: 27773 or 28777 – Ana or Charlie will be waiting for you at the beach. Take an extra charged battery for your camera. Some school supplies such as pencils, pens, rubbers, colour pencils, notebooks, etc…will be more that appreciated by the village kids. Give it to the Chief for distribution. Anything you need just ask the chief. If it does exist in the Island, it will be yours.

One or two nights at Bethels is also recommended. A little bit more structure and different things to do. Nice people too.

Have a good trip, Roger

Forgot to say...
Our pic for accommodation in Vila is "Room with a View". Justine will pick you up or drop you off at the aiport for free. The rooms a nice ensuite with complete kitchen. Easy walk to town (10 min). As the name say, great view to the Bay. Huge breakfast included in the price.

thanks v much everyone -

( Lazlo appreciate the link, that's the one that inspired me to go, doesn't it look fab!)

Rest assured that I'll respect the the culture and enviroment, have been to many places on my travels and am sensitive to it - indeed yeh yeh it makes my skin crawl seeing how oblivious people can be!

Roger - fabulous post. thanks for the sarong tip, I did that in some villages in Samoa so wanted to check and good to know.

The information you've given me is brilliant, and you've sold me on this special place (well apart from the rats!!). I was thinking about things for the school kids so that's great to know too.

I really appreciate all of your tips.

I googled images and found some of your Pele trip, wow!!! thank you for sharing this place that is obviously special in your heart.

I'll post a report when I get back.... 13 days to go!

thanks again

Great reply from Roger. Can't add too much more except that we stayed at Bethel Lodge in Bethel and had a good experience there. The proprietor Raul, who is the local Chief, also escourted us the next day and showed us some interesting local features and beaches.
Enjoy your time in the Happiest Place On The Planet