Nikaura Sunrise Bungalow is a small community project built in July 2003 with assistance from Youth Challenge International. It's a quiet place, about 1 km south of Nikaura village with several attractions in the area:
- Surf, there are several attractive breaks from Nikaura up to the northeastern tip of Epi. The waves at Nivenue village (pronounced 'Niven-oo-ay') have been surfed once or twice by tourists from the Pacific Princess cruise ship.
- A small coral reef Marine Protected Area in front of the bungalow with good snorkelling at both low tide and high tide. Sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach here from September to December each year.
- Fine views of Lopevi Island where there's an active volcano.

Nikaura is also near the start of the east coast track if you're interested in walking around Epi.

Costs and Booking
Accommodation at Nikaura Sunrise Bungalow costs 2000 per person, per night, with breakfast and dinner. Lunch is an extra 500 Vatu. Snorkelling in the MPA is 500 Vatu. All expenses are payable in Vatu cash. Exchange Rates.

Lopanga manages the bungalow and if she is assisted by Lemas. Nikaura now has Digicel mobile phone coverage. Some useful numbers are:
- Lopanga 5342659
- Morris Melang 5356829
- Yapet Morris 5462610

If you can't get through to Nikaura then you might call Tasso at Lamen Bay on 28230 (Epi Paradise Sunset Bungalows) and ask him to pass a message.

Not many people visit Nikaura and bookings shouldn't be necessary, especially if you're overnighting at Lamen Bay first.

Accommodation and Food
There was still only one bungalow at Nikaura in January 2009, with two single beds inside. Another bungalow was under construction and should be finished by mid-2009. Mosquito nets are provided. The door is lockable if you bring a small padlock. There's no power and kerosene lamps are used for lighting.

There's one haos blong swim (shower under an open pipe) and one western style, water-seal toilet (bucket flush). Bath towel, bath soap and toilet paper may be provided, usually you would bring these items with you.

The food Nikaura is an interesting mix of western and local style. Typical dishes are chicken, rice, simboro, kumala chips, fish and kumula. For breakfast you may get bread or gato, with tea or instant coffee. Aelan kaekae is always available, just ask. Special meals (eg vegetarian, low sodium etc.) can be provided. The bungalow water supply comes down from the hills and should be OK to drink.

Services, Suggestions and Transport
There's only one basic store in Nikaura and it's best to do your shopping before arrival. See our Epi page about transport to Nikaura from Lamen Bay.

First surveyed: September 2004 by Stephen.
Last updated: May 2009 by Stephen.

Visitor Ratings for Nikaura Sunrise Bungalow, Nikaura Rate it

Date	Ratings	Comments
20/04/2009	Standard Location Value	A friendly place, only one bungalow, they were getting ready to rebuild the second. Everything good, plenty of food, shower nice, only 'issue' is there seems to be no way to lock the shutters on the windows, I shouldn't be worried about that. Good bushwalking up in the hills, past the gardens, on the central plateau.
12/01/2009	Standard Location Value	I stayed here for Christmas with the intention of only staying one night and ended up staying 4 nights. This place is wonderful the bungalows are great, so clean and airy. The people were so welcoming and invited us along to all of the Christmas celebrations in the village. I would recommend coming here at that time of the year to see a real village Christmas. On a clear night you can see the distant red glow of Ambrym booming away. And if you are lucky they might take you night spear fishing to catch the local lobster. The coral off the bungalows is for guests only and you must pay 100 VATU to swim there, they might only mention that on the last day.
22/01/2007	Standard Location Value	What a great location with adventures all around. Nuvi village and Nikaura are short walks from the site with plenty of surf and snorkeling opportunities. There's hidden blacksand beaches beyond the coconut plantations if you follow a stream down from the road.
20/01/2007	Standard Location Value	A wonderful place in a very exotic location. Definitely not for people who are inclined toward a Ritz Carlton, but a very nice little "oasis" for where it is. The people who operate it are friendly and gracious.
16/01/2007	Standard Location Value	An amazing experience on Epi! Friendly staff and beautiful location. We were there during a wedding at Nuvi and able to tour Nikaura as well. Beautiful and lovely experience.
04/09/2006	Standard Location Value	The island is gorgeous. While the accomodations are basic but comfortable, the hosts go out of their way to bring first-rate hospitality to their guests.
14/06/2006	Standard Location Value	This is the best bungalow in the world! The people are beautiful and friendly. The food is delicious. The music is amazing. And the careful and considerate way we were introduced into this culture was unforgettable. An incredible cultural experience.
15/03/2006	Standard Location Value	Nikaura is a gorgeous tropical paradise, the bungalows are comfortable and look great and the people we met were wonderful. Fred and Lopanga were fantastic hosts, food was delicious, fresh and local style. We loved it there.
08/12/2005	Standard Location Value
04/12/2005	Standard Location Value