What comfort to expect?

Hi,
I plan to spend several weeks on the Vanuatu islands these September and October and would like to know the level of comfort in the cheap guesthouses or local families.Do you usually have your own bathroom,is there a western style toilet,is there hot water,is there a sink in your bathroom?
I plan to go to as many different islands as possible and stay at least a few days or up to 2 weeks if I really like it on each. I love hiking,snorkeling,reading,doing nothing,talk with the locals.
Also should I take US $ travellers checks or only cash (which may be a lot for several weeks.)And when you travel alone, what do you do with your cash when you go swimming?Some of these questions may seem silly but I prefer to be prepared.By the way I already travelled in 77 countries,Vanuatu will be the 78th!!!
Thank you for sharing your experience.

Most local families and cheap bungalows run by them almost certainly won't be able to offer the level of comfort you seem to expect. Also, they will definitely accept cash only.
Read through the website www.postiveearth.org to get a realistic idea of what to expect, and consider staying at more upmarket hotels if "going local" is too rough for you.

The cash you will need is Vatu, the local currency. The only place in the South Pacific where US dollars would be acceptable is American Samoa.