three days in tanna

hi guys
we ll be in vila next month and we r thinking about spending a few days in vila and three days in tanna
we dont know what to see if:

1. book inner flights (vila-tanna-vila) and accomodations directly from here (italy)
2. buy a package in vila (flight and accomodation all inclusive)
3. go there and check accomodations directly in tanna

which one would be more convenient for us?
thanks so much for uor help

If you have just a week(as I understand from you previous post) I wouldn't spend too much time in Port Vila and add days on Tanna. Yasur Volcano is a must see; very accessible and amazing to see a live volcano from up close. It doesn't have a lava flow, but explodes in burning rock sprays, a bit scary, but fascinating. Take a guided tour from your accommodation, as they know where best to stand to avoid the toxic fumes and have the best view into the crater. And they will arrange transport there.
Other stuff to do is a visit to a kastom village and a black magic cave. Also having a look at the market in Lenakel is recommended. There are no ATM's on Tanna, so you have to stock up on cash Vatu in Vila. Some, more upmarket accommodations take credit cards, but locally run accommodations take cash only.

It might be time consuming to arrange a flight, accommodation and transport to your accommodation from Vila, but is doable (I did, but "island time" can be frustrating, especially if you have little time.

The people on Tanna are very friendly. I did a couple of hikes through the forest with a guide from my accommodation. He was very informative about bush medicine and the crops they grow, as well as island life.

Hope this helps a bit.

hi lilau
thanks for the great info
i really appreciate it
would usuggest us to buy separate inner flights and accomodations from here or wait and do everything in vila?

if you only have 1 week, and are only flying PV-Tanna-PV then just book your AV flights beforehand, then it is all done.
Book your PV accommodation beforehand, and for Tanna either prebook (choose from that website link I gave on your other post) or book once there...Tanna accommodation doesn't fill up....especially the bungalows nearer the volcano.
Also depends on your budget, and style of travel...if you are okay with basic thatched bungalows with separate shared shower/toilet then book a room at a bungalow near the volcano...if you like a bit of comfort (eg. ensuite..) then book a bungalow on the west coast.
Wherever you book for accommodation can arrange transport to the volcano (usually late arvo and stay for the sunset)....if you book for the east side near the volcano arrange a pick-up from your bungalow owner.
Or if you like everything done for you then just book a Tanna package from a PV operator, to include flights/ accommodation/volcano tour.

I was in Tanna/PV last year (excellent recommendation by lilau and laszlo!) and can just support lilau's recommendations to put as time as possible into Tanna and avoid PV as much as possible. PV is not bad, but uninteresting and full of Chinese shops. Tanna is really cool!

As they say, "accommodation" in Tanna is rarely full, but why not order by email or so before going? Otherwise, I would GUESS that some pick-ups will be at the Tanna airport when you arrive, and that should be OK as well. I can wholeheartedly recommend Lava View Bungalows in Isaka Village. I managed to contact
the owner, Daniel Sampson, by email before going. Amazing stay. Daniel Sampson is now also on FB. Highly recommended if you don't need much comfort.

And, of course, no shops on the eastern side of Tanna, so bring cash and whatever else you need (probably not much). Obviously: bring a flashlight!

thanks guys

I also stayed at Lava View...nice enough bungalows, nice meals, and you can interact in the village...BUT...the only downside is it is quiet a distance from the volcano so you have to go be car (other bungalows are much closer and you could walk to the crater)....you can still hear it rumbling all the time from there though..

recommend you do the crater at least twice....once in the arvo for sunset, and once early morning for the sunrise (MUCH less tourists there then). Volcano entrance costs 3350vt per person first trip, then 1675 second trip (and I think 1000 third trip)

great
i guess we' ll buy the flight ticket from italy before leaving

Hi there,

I'd recommend to avoid buying a package in Vila. You'll miss out on so much. Spend 3/4 days there. We stayed at Port Resolution Yacht Club with Werry and his wife. Great beaches, very "real" and rural. easy access to volcano.

Here's our post with lots of info: www.atlasandboots.com/untouched-by-tourism/

Hope it helps.

Peter & Kia
atlasandboots.com

hi guys
u'd avoid to buy a package in vila? and what would u do?
what about 3 days in tanna and three around vila?

Yes, if you're limited for time. No less than 3 days in Tanna – you'll probably want to explore one day, and do the volcano twice. I would suggest going over to Port resolution – great 'Little Beach'...

Port Vila's well developed for tourism. We're here now doing our PADI diving course. When are you coming?

Peter & Kia
atlasandboots.com

we'll be there in october

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