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Where to stay: The Shepherd Island group

The Shepherd Islands are a group of populated volcanic islands between Efate and Epi. Emae and Tongoa are the main island of the Shepherds, and consequently are the only two islands with an airstrip. Access to other islands in the group is by boat.Emae is a beautiful island with access to the magnificent marine garden ‘Cooks Reef’ making it a popular dive and snorkeling site. Located in the middle of the Shepherds group it is also has regular transport links to Port Vila (20 minute flight) and the other Shepherd Islands. The locals are developing tourism businesses and tours, there is limited choice in accommodation, however any visit to Emae is worth the effort where the locals are friendly and always willing to sit and tell you a story or two about their Vanuatu. Tongoa is the largest of the Shepherd Islands and is heavily vegetated and the interior densely forested. There are numerous old volcanic cones on the island and natural black sand beaches.

 

Nikaura SunriseEmae Sunset Bungalow, Marae, Emae
Island: Emae
R: TO BOOK
The Chiefs family run this recently established tourism and conference business. They currently have two (2) bungalows (each sleeps 4-x singles) with plans to build more, a separate dining room, separate shared shower and flush toilet and a conference room. Emae Sunset Bungalows are situated on the edge of the village facing the sea. Local food is prepared in the village, and if requested trips to the beautiful Cooks Reef can be arranged.

 

Nikaura SunriseTakelomai Homestay, Marae, Emae
Island: Emae
R: TO BOOK
This newly established home stay is situated in the heart of the village, where you can immerse yourself in village life or sit back and enjoy an arm’s length view of village life. The delightful young owners have built the accommodation for guests privacy, but meals are provided by the family and can either be shared with the family or taken back to your guesthouse. Beds currently consist of a mattress on the floor; it is advisable to bring your own bedding. Shared toilet and bucket shower with your delightful host family.

 

Valesdir Plantation GuesthouseWahe Guesthouse, Siwo, Emae
Island: Emae
R: TO BOOK
Situated next to your hosts family homes makes this more like a home stay as you can share village experiences with your host family. The guesthouse is newly built of modern materials and has 2 bedrooms (1 x double 2 x single). Food is prepared by your hosts where you join them for meals. Water-seal toilet and bucket shower. As Wahe Guesthouse is situated right next to the small Emae airport it is a handy location for those missed or delayed flights.

 

Valesdir Plantation GuesthousePapatau Guesthouse, Lumbukuti, Tongoa
Island: Tongoa
R: TO BOOK
Situated in the central Tongoa village of Lambukiti, this recently completed bungalow is two (2) bedrooms (1 x double; 2-x single) with its own kitchen. Although George and his family can cook you island produce meals if you request sufficiently in advance. The bathroom facilities are still to be modernised, so be prepared for a pit-toilet and bucket shower. George Michel is very accommodating and is the local transport – it is a short 10-minute drive from the airport, and close walking distance to other villages.

 

Valesdir Plantation GuesthouseKamy Guesthouse, Pele, Tongoa
Island: Tongoa
R: TO BOOK
Situated 5 minutes from the airstrip, this timber-constructed accommodation has two bedrooms and self-contained with cooking facilities. There are two bungalows that can sleep up to a total of eight (8) people (2 x double & 4 x single beds). There is a basic pit toilet and bucket showers. Kamy can organise various tours around the island. The local store sells the necessities and there is a regular produce market in the village.

Epi

Relatively close to Efate with good, regular transport links (plane and boat) makes Epi a great choice to explore islands beyond Efate. While the economy on Epi is largely based on agriculture there are dedicated tourism operators who have established great tourism businesses and tours. There are many things about Epi to enjoy including the secluded beach coves, sandy black and white beaches, coral reefs and coconut plantations contrasted with the natural rainforest interior; small lakes and volcano. Epi is also host to two submarine volcanoes that occasionally vent stem underwater.  In recent years the friendly resident dugong (sea cow) at Lamen Bay has relished the company of swimmers. If its surfing at the northeastern side of Epi, or snorkeling on the eastern side of the island, or a gentle walk around the island there is certainly many activities to keep you occupied. For the more adventurous a 2km canoe paddle to Lamen Island is a delight. The small group of people who live there are always willing to show visitors around and share their local traditions.

 

Paradise Sunset GuesthouseParadise Sunset Bungalows, Epi
Island: Epi
R: TO BOOK
Paradise Sunset Bungalows has inspiring scenery, the accommodations are comfortable, the food is superb and excursions are abundant. Lamen Bay is expansive and is a favoured anchorage for yachties due to its calm waters. Up to 25 boats can be in the Bay in the months of June to October; all glittering under the setting sun - all bungalows face Lamen Bay and the extraordinary sunsets. Lighting is by a small generator from 6pm to 9pm after which, solar energy kicks in. The highlight of your stay is to snorkel with the resident friendly dugong and turtles. The chiefs of Epi Island imposed a 'tabu' on the hunting of dugongs; hence they are increasingly frequenting the area. Snorkelling equipment is supplied, but it's best to bring your own. There are numerous other activities such as trips to nearby Lamen and Lopevi Islands. Waterfalls, subsistence gardens, fishing for the exquisite 'poulet' fish found at 200 to 300 metre depths. If you don't want to be woken up at 4am by the free ranging roosters, we suggest you bring ear plugs. The shared facilities block is a little 'rustic' but satisfactory.

 

Epi GuesthouseEpi Guesthouse, Epi
Island: Epi
R: TO BOOK
Staying at the Epi Guesthouse is a unique opportunity to experience a truly alternative lifestyle. We have built a proud reputation for warm hospitality, homely comfort, and top quality homemade meals, fresh from our organic gardens. Located on the south west corner of beautiful Epi Island, the Epi Guesthouse is one of Vanuatu’s most unique tourism properties. The house is homely, comfortable and cool all year round. It is powered by a 24 hour ecological friendly hydro powered unit. Large permaculture gardens provide exquisite fruits and vegetables further nourished by the free ranging poultry. Meals are gastronomic experiences comparable to the best restaurants, with guests from all over the world exchanging travel tales and humour well into the late hours - Epi Guesthouse is the winner of the Vanuatu Hotels 2008 "Green Award" at the Vanuatu Tourism Awards. The guest house has two rooms and a kitchen. It is self‐ catering. There are three shops in the village where you can buy food.


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