Mysterious Maewo
Maewo is a rugged, long and narrow island with many creeks and rivers. It's a good place for bush walking and
Asanvari Bay in the south is one of Vanuatu's most beautiful
locations.
Most
of Maewo's population lives on the narrow coastal strip
along the west coast. Their main source of income is their gardens and some copra.
Touring
Maewo is more affordable from Santo. To save backtracking,
start at Laone airfield (north Maewo) and finish at Sara
airfield (on north Pentecost) or travel in the reverse direction.
Bungalows
Maewo has only a few commercial guesthouses. Visitor
accommodation is available at:
Asanvari Yacht Club 
Betarara Community Guesthouse, Betarara 
Lua ete Salgolo Guesthouse, Kaiwo 
Pelsa Bungalow, Narovorovo
Air Transport
Maewo has one airstrip, on the plateau above Naone village.
There are two flights a week from Santo, via Ambae. A return airfare to Maewo is about 15725 Vatu from Santo (May 2006). Tourists
holding a return international Air Vanuatu ticket are entitled
to a 20% discount on domestic fares. Exchange
Rates.
The
Sara airfield on north Pentecost is the best choice for
travelling to Asanvari, by speedboat.
Sea
Transport
Few ships visit Maewo and they do not run to any schedule. From south Maewo, you could cross over to Pentecost or Lolowai (Ambae) to find a ship.
Speedboats are used around south Maewo. Some fares are presented below. Asanvari's boat
is rather expensive. At Narovorovo, Basil's boat is cheaper. Exchange
Rates.
| Speedboat
Journey |
Charter
Fare (Vatu) |
Duration
(hours) |
| South
Maewo - Lolowai |
10000
to 20000 |
1.5 |
| Narovorovo
- Asanvari |
6000
to 10000 |
1.25 |
| Asanvari
- North Pentecost |
5000 |
0.5 |
Land
Transport
Maewo has only a few trucks and no regular public transport.
If you want to travel by truck, expect to pay a full charter.
Some fares are presented below. Exchange
Rates.
| Truck
Journey |
Charter
Fare (Vatu) |
| Airport
(Naone) - Kaiowo |
2000 |
| Airport
(Naone) - Betarara |
2500 |
| Airport
(Naone) - Narovorovo |
4500 |
| Betarara
- Narovorovo |
2800 |
The
roads along west Maewo follow the flat coastal plains and
the distances are not too long. Walking is a cost-saving
alternative to trucks.
Last
updated: June 2009 by Stephen.
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