Some Vanuatu Bungalow Recommendations

Hi Thorn Tree-ers. I recently returned from 10 weeks in Vanuatu as a tourist only. I live in Canada and have no business interest in the bungalows I mention here. They are locally owned by people who have few resources to advertise; I'm recommending them because it may help visitors and because by doing so I'm keeping some promises.

In Port Resolution on Tanna, and connected to Irupow Village (the spelling has variants), Rocky Island Bungalows were completed recently by Chief Ronnie and his family, with the idea of having all the proceeds go to benefit the entire village. The 4 bungalows are on a fabulous stretch of beach, which you often have to yourself. 1500 vatu for a single and 2000 for a double, including breakfast, is a very good price. Other meals are 600 vatu, or you can bring in your own food. I got most of my food at the village market or at Miriam's shop while I was there. In Port Resolution, or in the truck from Lenakel, ask for the chief's sons Johnson or Stanley. The Irupow village phone is 68061. Stanley's mobile is 5432126. The people in the neighborhood are all very welcoming, and you'll find yourself getting invited to nakamals and celebrations. Spending some time in the area will reward you.
If you get up to the Torres Group, the plane lands on the island of Linua, population around 9. Whitely and Elsie Toa are retired school teachers who speak fluent English. They run the Kamilisa Memorial Guest House, which has 4 bungalows. It's on Linua, 5 minutes walk from the airport. Whitely's phone # is misprinted in the Lonely Planet. The number is 38559. Their grand daughter, little Elsie, 8 years old, is pretty handy with the machete and will happily take you on a picnic and show you what to do with coconuts in their various stages. Whitely and wife Elsie will go to the reef and the forest to keep you in fish and coconut crab. Next door are in-laws Ken and Margaret. They have begun to invite bungalow guests to their home at sundown for Ken's wood-pounded kava--100 vatu per shell. Your own private kava bar on your own private island. The island of Loh is a quick paddle in the dugout and there's a village there. Both islands are very beautiful.
Mota Lava. The plane lands near Telvet Village on the east side of the island. Ask around at the airport for Charles Nin (pronounced Neen). Charles speaks pretty good English. He doesn't have bungalows, but his family compound (very traditional--no frills) is in Telvet and he'll put people up there. Offering 500 vt. for accommodation is fair. As officer of the marine park there, he'll charge 500 vt. to visit the reef--but he'll only charge once. His brother is chief and his family has been in that area for longer than can be known. Charles will take you fishing on the beach, and you'll have a good taste of traditional life on Mota Lava. Another brother, Henry, lives nearby with his wife, Mary. They hope to fix themselves up to receive guests before too long. They're both fluent English speakers and a lot of fun to share kava with.

Nisa Sunset Bungalows at the west side of Mota Lava needs no introduction. A top notch operation with a large staff. You'll be well taken care of.

It really is worthwhile getting up to Torba Province. It was the highlight of my trip.

The Positive Earth Vanuatu Aelan Walkabaot website is very helpful with info about accommodation.
If anyone reading this visits any of the spots I mention, please tell them Nick says "Hi." Thanks kindly.

Nick-put this in the sticky at the top of the page- excellent info and Thanks for the input.

Edited by: longhed pella

thanks for that advice anm74
my girl and i are heading to vanuatu in april for 2 weeks, what is the best way to go about getting to all these places you mention.
i hear it is quite expensive for internal flights
did you do any diving over there and if so can u recommend any good sights
cheers!

Yes, please definitely try to get this post under the initial FAQ post at the top of this branch. Contact the moderator somehow if you have trouble doing this. There's not a lot of good info on Vanuatu, compared to the more-visited islands.

Thanks again!

Thank you soooooooooo much for those tips!! I just spent a week at Rocky island bungalows and it was absolutely fabulous! The people gave us a really warm welcome, they shared their customs, celebrations, everything with us and treated us like family. A real experience, we learned heaps about them and their culture. We made friends there and I really hope to go back someday. A special mention to Marie, our guide during the whole week, who is a fun and knowledgeable person. I definitely recommend it too!

I have spent a fair bit of time in Torba but not in the bungalows generally. Maybe I can offer a few tips.

The only bungalow I stayed in was with Robert at Leumerus Guest House in Sola. He and his wife both speak good English. Food is offered but it is fairly basic. They have showers too - woohoo! There are plenty of walks around Vanua Lava from there. Most will take all day. You could stay the night at Waterfall Bay on the West side of the island where there is a bungalow. Even if you just visit, the local chief (Kerely) will expect you to pay. Bring cash. The bungalows all charge roughly USD20-30 per person per night.

As for tips.

1. This is a tropical world where it rains most days even in Winter and creepy crawly bitey things are everywhere. Take sun cream, mosquito net and plenty of your favourite insect repellant. ALWAYS wear strong walking shoes and in the water wear dive booties or reef shoes. There are no doctors in Torres and only one in Banks. Thoroughly wash and bandage even the tiniest scratch. You will need a selection of different sized band aids.

2. Take plenty of the local money. (Vatu) Everything is cash and there are no banks in Banks. There is an agency in Sola.

3. Take gifts for the chiefs, except Kerely who only wants cash. You would be surprised how much simple things mean to them. e.g. sugar, tea, coffee, cooking oil, rice, sunglasses, white business shirts (for Sundays). Never give sweets to the children.

4. If you visit Linua, head South to Loh and visit the school. The kids will mob you. Give the teacher some coloured pencils and maybe a colouring book. She will go nuts. This is a very poor area.

5. Plan on things to do in isolation like taking books or dive gear. If you go to Linua, you will probably have the island to yourself and there is only one plane a week.

6. There are other bungalows on Mota Lava and Gaua and both have airports.

7. Take a box of your favourite food from Vila or Santo to supplement your diet. Native food can get a little boring. Cereal, canned fruit and UHT milk would be a good idea. A typical breakfast in Vanuatu is bread or crackers with jam and tea.

8. Be sure to try whatever fruits and vegetables are in season. Ni Vanuatu are excellent gardeners. Find out where and when the nearest village maket is. Organic is the only way it comes. If you are on Santo, Tanna or Efate try the local beef - the best and all naturally grass fed. The markets in Vila and Santo trade every day but Sunday.

9. Plenty of the natives speak better French than English.

Hope that helps.