Aneityum
Aneityum, a tropical island paradise is Vanuatu's southernmost inhabited island. The interior is mountainous and covered with wet, dark forest. Along the coast, pine plantations contrast with coconut palms, white sand beaches and coral reefs. Aneityum is a good island for walking; not too large and with a cooler climate. Mystery Island is all beaches and reefs and a popular cruise ship destination. Aneityum's main source of income is tourism (cruise ships) followed by small scale logging of the pine plantations. If planning a private and quiet retreat to Mystery Island then check the cruise ship itineraries with the Vanuatu Tourism Office in Port Vila before setting out. There are very few other visitors and ample accommodation so you needn't worry about crowds at other times. Most visitors have Mystery Island to themselves.
Aneityum is far from Port Vila and it's an expensive flight. To get the most value out of your airfare then, and if you have time, visit Tanna and/or Erromango on the same ticket (it costs only a few thousand Vatu more). There are basically three choices for accommodation on Aneityum:
- Kenneth's Bungalows, Anelgauhat
- Mystery Island Bungalows, Mystery Island
- Miko Guesthouse, Anelgauhat
There are two flights per week to Aneityum. Check with Air Vanuatu domestic. The grass airstrip is on Inyeug Island. There are no regular shipping services to Aneityum. The tourism project has a dedicated speed boat with transfers to and from the island free for guests (about 200 Vatu for non-guests or when travelling in other boats). Anelgauhat, in the south is Aneityum's main settlement. There are a couple of basic stores, telephones, and a medical dispensary. It's a good idea to have a warm shirt when visiting Aneityum and a light rain jacket in the cooler months (around August).
Kenneth's Bungalows, Aneityum
Island: Aneityum
R: TO BOOK
Kenneth has two bungalows. One has a veranda with kitchen. The other has a separate kitchen. Both have a double and a single bed and mosquito nets. Mosquito coils are provided. Lighting is from kerosene lamps and candles. Kenneth’s bungalows have a shared shower and one pit toilet. The water supply works well. Bring your own soap, bath towel and toilet paper
Mystery Island Bungalows, Aneityum
Island: Aneityum
R: TO BOOK
Mystery Island bungalow is on an idyllic sandy atoll surrounded by dazzling coral and azure waters. Great for adventurous romantic couples. It is the ultimate “shipwreck on a deserted island” adventure. Mystery Island is a tiny islet protecting the Aneityum lagoon. Accommodation consists of Beach Bungalow double, Beach bungalow singles and the guesthouse. The island is normally deserted except for periodic plane and passenger ship arrivals providing exclusivity to the traveller. It is essential to bring your own food and drinking water plus the necessary personal requirements. Other basic supplies are available (sometimes) on the main island of Aneityum a 15 minute boat ride. Mystery Island does not have power.
Miko Guesthouse, Aneityum
Island: Aneityum
R: TO BOOK
Miko Guesthouse offers basic, comfortable and friendly accommodation at Anelgauhat. It's a good base for bushwalking and just across the water from Mystery Island and the airfield. The guesthouse is a modern concrete house with four bedrooms (two single beds in each). Bedding and mosquito nets are provided. The property has a generator for light at night for the guests.
