Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Tanna accommodation advice

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Vanuatu

Cannot decide between Friendly Bungalows and Relais Baie des Tortue (Turtle Bay Resort). Anyone who's been in one of them or maybe both? Or any other recommendation for Eastern Tanna beachside locations?

We went to Tanna Island in April 2006 and stayed at Friendly Bungalows which is run by a local family we had a great time, stayed in the bungalows complete with mozzie net, toilet, shower, the power on site is by generator which was turned off at 10.00pm torch supplied! Food was fantastic very large breaky, fruit, home made breads etc, had lobster 1 night for dinner 1&1/2 lobsters on one plate vegetables on another!. This cost about $30 AU. We went on the volcano tour with them and also the local village tour the next day which both were very interesting. We would recommend this place if you want the authentic 'Village Experience' with the locals and at the time was alot cheaper than the others, have not been to turtle cove to comment on it. I would take reef type shoes as there is volcanic rock & coral shore out the front. You also get volcanic ash on you on the volcano tour and very dirty shoes ( we wore old shoes and then gave them to the local kids which they loved as most cannot afford shoes and good clothes etc. (very poor Island). Hope this all helps, we had a great time and so did our 11 year old niece, don't forget to post your post cards at the top of the volcano if you go - purchase in Port Villa & also the stamps. Enjoy your holiday.

1

I stayed at Turtle bay a year and a half ago and can highly recommend it. It is run by a French couple who provided wonderful hospitality. The food was good too.

2

Hi there, Rather than stay at a place owned by an ex-pat (as is friendly bungalows), could i recommend that you stay at a place (literally) up the hill called 'paradise view bungalows', which is run and owned entirely by local Ni-Vans. It is a truly beautiful spot, with simple bungalow style accommodation and a restaurant. A variety of tours can be arranged, as well as airport pick-up. The staff are extremely attentive and will look after you very well, we found it was a really great way to get to know the locals and a real authentic cultural experience. The bungalows are located right next to the owner village Lounasunan, and the villages are very happy to share with you their way of life. There is also a beach 10 minutes walk away. There is even a view of the volcano at night as the distant glow of the lava lights it up.

The website address is:
http://www.vanuatutourism.com/vanuatu/export/sites/VTO/en/operators/paradiseview.html

however, the phone number on the website is incorrect, and the real phone number is: 68075
ask for Jeremiah

3

A few months ago I have visited Mt. Yasur and I stayed at a new local place called: "Volcano Smile Lava Bungalows" It is owned by an extremely friendly family and I can really recomend it. They know how to tread europeans!

4