Island Experiences
What we offer
Island Experiences is a new venture by Edna, a veteran of Malekula tourism with 12 years of experience. Despite the difficulties in organizing remote adventures (guides, transport, remote village accommodation, boat/air transfers) in a country with poor communication, Edna's extensive local knowledge and organizational skills are essential for anyone visiting Malekula and nearby islands.
Location
Lakatoro
Details
OUR MISSION is to inspire global discovery of Vanuatu's unique islands and, through sustainable tourism, help local businesses and communities grow.Amelbati Cannibal Site & Chiefs Graves
A guided tour to the Amelbati Tribe's sacred cannibal site, chiefs' graves, and ancient ceremonial ground (Nasara) at Rano Mainland. This is an ideal combination with the Small Nambas Tour at Rano. The site is about a 45-minute 4WD drive from the airport or Norsup/Lakatoro accommodation.
Small Nambas Intrepid Adventure (6 Days / 5 Nights - North East & West Malekula)
This package is for intrepid travellers seeking jungle experience and insight into indigenous Vanuatu culture and economy. Arrive and visit Vanuatu's largest coconut plantation, copra plant, Malekula Cultural Centre, market, and Malampa Handicraft Centre. Day 2: Transfer north and start the scenic Dogs Head Walk across the island, staying in a local village before reaching Willack Village for sunset and a swim. Day 3: Experience village life, harvest fresh garden produce (yam, taro, manioc, or banana) to prepare dinner, and enjoy the sunset or snorkel. Day 4: Journey to Lakatoro, joining a mystical tour to Tanmial Cave ('Spirits’ Cave') to see ancient rock art, followed by the Small Nambas Tour. Spend the final night in a Lakatoro bungalow before flying to Vila or Santo.
SMALL NAMBAS TOUR
Fitness Rating: Easy. Operates at 10 am on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (bookings essential; other days by request). Duration: over two hours.
Highlights include: Welcoming ceremony with salu-salu presentation, Men’s Wind Dance, Women’s Flower Dance, Men’s Dance (honouring a chief), traditional food preparation and cooking, ancient fire-making, making crafts (food bowls, toys, baskets, mats, thatched roofing), Sand drawing (e.g., the gecko's meaning), tasting traditional food, calling of spirits into the nalnal (war club), Combined Men’s and Women’s Dance, public dance, farewell, photo opportunities, and transfer back to your bungalow.
Losinwei Cascades Waterfall
A short, picturesque trek through limestone rock pools in a lush tropical coastal jungle, guided along the rocky riverside track. Climb a steep rock face to the majestic waterfall for a refreshing swim or climb higher to hidden pools. Afterwards, enjoy a well-earned lunch at Dram-Dram Bungalows overlooking a black sand beach.
Manbush Trail
Day 1: Truck transfer from Norsup to Unua. Guided walk starts here, climbing a ridge while hearing custom stories. Overnight stay in a local house at a picturesque elevation.
Day 2: Walk through forest and up the mountain. Camp in a bush shelter on top of Mt Laimbele; potentially see the glow from Ambrym volcanoes.
Day 3: Watch for birdlife and wild cattle. Arrive at a guesthouse in Lebongbong for a special Manbush meal like Nesowong (bush banana, water taro, coconut milk).
Day 4: Visit a cave, nakamal, and waterfall. See big banyan trees. Finish the trek at Lawa village. Overnight in a local guesthouse; swim, wash, and relax on the white and grey stone beach.
Conditions: One night involves sleeping on the ground in a handmade bush hut, which can be damp (real manbush style). Guests can bring their own tent/bedroll for more comfort (may require carrying).
Prices (VT): 42,500 pp (min 2 pers.) / 56,500 Solo. Includes guide (1:4 tourists), porter (1:1 tourist), food, jungle/village accommodation, and guesthouse in Lawa. Extra: Truck transfer Norsup Airport to Unua is 8,000 VT.
Return Options: 1) Fly from South West Bay (Mon-Air Vanuatu, Tues-Bel Air). Boat from Lawa to airport ~2000 VT. 2) Return transport by boat/truck (Lawa to Lambubu to Norsup Airport) is 22,000 VT per group (up to 8 people, 3 hours travel).
Dog’s Head Walk - North Malekula
An energetic 3-day, 2-full-day trek (as described in Lonely Planet) from the Small Nambas territory in the North East to the Big Nambas territory in the North West. Your personal guide introduces you to bush life and stories as you are welcomed into isolated, traditional villages. Finish at the fabulous Willack Sunset Lodge for a celebratory swim in the Pacific Ocean.
Day 1: Norsup Airport/Atchin by 4X4 (1 hr), then Atchin to Kalele Village by foot (4-5 hrs). Drive to Atchin, meet guide/porters. Easy walk through plantations, then single track through gardens/bamboo forest. Traditional lunch at Botco. Walk through rainforest (1 hr), crossing a river and climbing steeply to Kalele village. Stay in a small local hut (sheets provided, bucket shower). Opportunity to taste kava with Chief John by the river.
Day 2: Kalele – Tenmaru (7-8 hrs). Long walk up/down a single track in beautiful highland jungle. Highlights: river crossings with deep pools (swimming), giant nabanga (banyan) trees, traditional villages, local interaction. Continue to Malua Bay Village. Truck transfer (30 mins) to West Coast Willack Sunset Lodge. Relax with a swim in rock pools, a local meal, and watch the sunset.
Day 3 Option: 4x4 returns you to Norsup airport/accommodation, OR continue on the Big Nambas Trek to Pikayer.
Prices (VT): 26,860 pp (min 2 pers.) / 37,000 Solo. Includes guide, one porter per person, all meals, 1 night seaside bungalow at Willack with breakfast, and transfers to Atchin from Lakatoro/Norsup.
Optional return transport: Willack to Lakatoro/Norsup is 14,300 VT per group (max 4 per truck).
Departure: 7 days a week.
- Lakatoro
- +678 7798964 or 5423690 | +678 5423690
- islandexperiencevanuatu@gmail.com
- Tours
