Lonnoc Beach Bungalows, Hog Harbour, Santo Visitor Ratings

Lonnoc Beach Bungalows is an established low key commercial resort between Champagne Beach and Hog Harbour on northeast Santo. It's an idyllic place in a beachfront garden setting with beautiful views. Lonnoc is one of Vanuatu's famous locations.

Champagne Beach, more famous than Lonnoc and a cruise ship destination, is only a short walk from Lonnoc but is it worth the 500 Vatu per person (400 Vatu if staying at Lonnoc) kastom fee? Hog Harbour Blue Lagoon is four kilometers north of Hog Harbour village. It offers crystal clear fresh water swimming and it's free except on cruise ship days. Further north is Golden Beach where there is a sign and kastom fee collection box. Sometimes you'll see a minibus with tourists from Luganville on a day tour passing by Lonnoc and these attractions. Most of the time you'll have the place to yourself.

Costs and Booking
There's no phone at Lonnoc so bookings and transfers can be unreliable. Lonnoc accepts payment by Vatu cash, local cheque and credit card but the card processing machine was out of service in May 2004. Cash is best. The table below details the latest pricing (March 2007). Exchange rates.

The high season starts around June each year and lasts two or three months. At other times you may not need to book and you could ask for a reduced rate. Lonnoc's staff speak Bislama, English and some know French.

Phone: 36141/36720
Fax: 36141
Website: http://www.positiveearth.org/lonnoc/

Vanuatu Tourism Office web page:
Lonnoc Beach Bungalows

Accommodation and Food
Lonnoc's bungalows are of different vintages and design. The newest have concrete walls, others are bamboo. The doors have locks. Some have ensuite bathrooms with showers and modern flush toilets. Most bungalows have two or three beds inside. There's also one big bungalow with multiple bedrooms. In May 2004 four of eight bungalows were habitable for a total of 19 beds. Mosquito nets and/or mosquito coils are provided. Water is supplied from a bore, pumped into an elevated tank but the pressure at distant bungalows is low and unreliable. The water is OK to drink. Kerosene lamps and candles are used for lighting. A generator supplies electricity to the restaurant, bar and kitchen area. Bath towels, soap and toilet paper are provided.

Lonnoc is quite westernized and the food and prices reflect that. Standard breakfasts are toast, fruit and coffee or tea. Real coffee and milk are used. Lunches and dinners are basic in the low season. For example, rice and beef stew with potato chips for 600 Vatu. In high season you would expect a wider choice and a working menu. If you want something special such as aelan kaekae you're free to ask. Lonnoc sells cold Tusker beer for 350 Vatu a bottle.

Transport, Services and Suggestions
See our Santo page for information on transport.

There are a few basic stores, a community telephone and a medical clinic in Hog Harbour village. If you bring any food to the bungalows then beware of rats.

First surveyed: May 2004 by Stephen.
Last updated: March 2007 by Stephen (new pricing).