| Ronevie
Village Guesthouse, south Malekula 
Visitor
Ratings
There's
no tourist accommodation in the Black Sands area but if
you're visiting the Libansese
Conservation Area you are welcome to sleep in the former
Peace Corp Volunteer's house in Ronevie village. Ronevie
is a different adventure. It may be basic but the locals
are genuine and friendly and you will be well looked after.
It's very much a home stay and a good chance to experience
a south Malekula village.
Costs
and Booking
About 1000 Vatu per person, per day should be reasonable
payment for your food and lodging. If you need to pass a
message to Ronevie village you can call Levis Store near
Lamap (48594). A good contact is Bongman James. The villagers
at Black Sands generally speak Bislama and English and some
have been to French schools. Lamap is mostly Francophone.
All expenses are payable in Vatu cash. Exchange
Rates.
Accommodation
and Food
The aelan
style house has two rooms with one single bed in each. The
door is lockable. Bring your own mosquito net and a small
padlock. Lighting is by hurricane lamp.
There's
a private sit-down dry pit toilet. You can bathe in the
river amongst the mangroves with the fish or a bucket of
well water can be supplied. Bring your own bath towel, soap
and toilet paper.
The
locals are very kind and friendly and everyone will be offering
you food. It's aelan
kaekae by default although more westernised meals can
be requested. The food's quite good including simboro,
lap-lap,
kumula,
taro,
water taro,
fish and beef. The guesthouse has a rainwater tank for drinking
water.
Services,
Suggestions and Transport
The nearest place with stores, telephones and medical facilities
is Lamap, on the other side of Port Sandwich. A speedboat
ride across port Sandwich costs 100 or 200 Vatu (1500 Vatu
for a charter). Levis store near Lamap (48594) has a boat
and Ronevie village acquired one in December 2004.
See
our Malekula page for trucks and more transport information.
Black Sands is a two hour walk along the main road from
Banam Bay.
First
surveyed: December 2004 by Stephen.
Last updated: January 2005 by Stephen.
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