Lolowai Transit House, Lolowai, Ambae Visitor Ratings

Lolowai, near Saratamata, is one of Ambae's main ports and near the Longana airfield so you may be passing though and need accommodation for a night or two. The port is actually a crater (geologists call it a "phreatic explosion cone"). There's another to the west with a freshwater swamp and one to the east with a freshwater lake (the local water supply).

Lolowai is a nice harbour but little else of interest. Likewise for neighbouring Saratamata which has a provincial rest house.

Costs and Booking
Lolowai Transit House costs 1000 Vatu per person, per night, payable in Vatu cash. Marsden at the Lolowai Stationary Store manages the place. Exchange rates.

Accommodation and Food
Lolowai Transit House is a modern building with three (four) small bedrooms, a lounge room and a dining room. Each bedroom has two single beds and a locking door. There was no electricity connection in 2004. Hurricane lamps are used for lighting. There are mosquitoes at Lolowai so it's a good idea to bring a mosquito net.

Lolowai has a water supply. The transit house has a western shower and a modern flush toilet. Bath towels are provided. Bring your own soap.

Guests can cook in the Lolowai Transit House kitchen where there's a gas burner and basic pots, pans, plates, utensils etc. Lolowai has well stocked stores and occasionally there's some local produce for sale. Alternatively, meals can be bought at the Lolowai Credit Union restaurant. There's a rainwater tank for drinking.

Services and Suggestions
Lolowai has telephones, a hospital and some places have limited electricity (eg at the stationary store). Saratamata is much the same.

First surveyed: November 2004 by Stephen.
Last updated: November 2004 by Stephen.