The Little Paradise of Port Olry, Santo Visitor Ratings

A new bungalow opened in the Francophone village of Port Olry, northeast Santo, in May 2003. The village itself is too large to be attractive but there are several things to see and do nearby:
- The beaches around Port Olry are as good as Santo's best.
- There's good snorkelling at Malvoror Island. The red coral is spectacular.
- Hat-shaped Thion Island is a refuge for nature and good for bush walking. Coconut crabs and Megapode birds are abundant, there are two freshwater lakes, Sandalwood trees and a viewpoint on top.

At low tide you can walk across a dry sandbank to tiny Malet Island from where it's possible to wade across to Thion Island. At high tide it is a short canoe trip. Thion Island is an interesting place and more accessible than Lathu Island (off Hog Harbour) or Sakau Island (off Cape Quiros).

Costs
The bungalow is owned and run by Tarcisius Alguet. He has surveyed the competition on Santo and borrows much from them. The table below lists only the least and most expensive activities. Expenses are payable in Vatu cash. Exchange rates. Tarcisius speaks French, Bislama and limited English.

Contact and Booking
If you want to enquire about the bungalow then call 37661 (private phone) and leave a message or set a time to call back. Tarcisius has a brother in Luganville who has a minibus and can help with bookings and transport (mobile 43776).

Accommodation and Food
Tarcisius has one well constructed bungalow with bamboo walls and Natangura palm thatch roof by the beach with three beds inside. Mosquito nets and bedding are provided. Kerosene lamps are used for lighting.

There's a western style toilet with water seal and bucket flush. Bucket showers are for bathing in a separate haos blong swim (no running water in October 2004). Toilet paper is supplied but you should bring your own bath towel and soap. Water is sourced from rainwater tanks and you'll be shown where you can get drinking water.

Good, simple, local food is served. Breakfast is bread with tea or instant coffee. Lunch and dinner are usually fresh fish with rice and aelan kaekae (taro, manioc, banana chips, corn, pamplemousse or other fruits).

Transport, Services and Advice
Port Olry has four or so commuter minibuses. See our Santo page for details about transport.

There's a public telephone in Port Olry at the Latamav-Sigon de Port Olry Co-op store (LMS store). The store is well stocked with fresh bread from Luganville and beer. To find electricity in Port Olry you can try the LMS store where there's a small generator or the Catholic Mission School. There's also a medical clinic in Port Olry.

First surveyed: May 2004 by Stephen.
Last updated: October 2004 by Stephen.