Epi
Paradise Sunset Bungalows is a well known place to stay at Lamen
Bay. The main attraction
here is Bondas the friendly dugong ("cow fish"' in
Bislama) although sometimes he is away for a few days to
a week. There are other activities if you're waiting for
him to show up:
- Swim and snorkel in the bay.
- Visit Lamen Island.
- Visit a waterfall.
- Admire the richly coloured sunsets.
Lamen
Bay is popular with cruising yachts (the season runs
from June to October each year).
Costs and Booking
Epi Paradise Sunset Bungalows aims for a higher standard
and sets a higher price but the rates are flexible, depending
on the length of stay and number of meals. Breakfast and dinner are included in the bungalow rates. For campers, breakfast is 200 Vatu
and Lunch or Dinner are 500 Vatu. Exchange
Rates.
| Basis |
Rate
(Vatu) |
| Camping |
500 |
| Single |
3500 |
| Double/Twin |
5500 or 6000 |
| Group |
2000 |
| Volunteers
(Single) |
2500 |
Epi
Paradise Sunset Bungalows is a laid-back place. Tours are
generally informal and flexible.
Tasso, the owner/manager is a friendly and helpful
person. Nowadays he is trying to get his son to run the business. You can call Epi
Paradise Sunset Bungalows on 28230. They sometimes have groups staying in the high season (May to October) and it's a good idea to call ahead.
Accommodation
and Food
Epi Paradise Sunset has three bungalows and one more under construction in January 2009. One bungalow has two triple
rooms (three single beds in each). Another has three double
rooms (one double bed in each). The newer family bungalow
has two rooms (one is a double and the other has a few single
beds inside). The bungalows have fly screens on the windows
and the beds may have mosquito nets. There's solar powered lighting
and a generator is run in the evenings. It's a good idea
to bring a small padlock to lock your door.
Paradise
Sunset Bungalows has separate male and female toilets and
showers (all modern). Sometimes there is
hot water (you might have to remind Tasso). Bath towels,
toilet paper and bathing soap are provided. There are water
shortages in the dry season and you may find there is no
active shower at this time (September, October).
Paradise
Sunset Bungalows serves mostly western style food. Dinners
may be beef or fish (Tasso's son has a fishing business)
with rice, salad and some aelan
kaekae. Breakfasts may be small pancakes or gato with
tea or instant coffee. The quality is good and the servings
are generous.
The restaurant sells COLD Vanuatu Tusker beer
for 350 Vatu a bottle and soft drinks for 200 Vatu a can.
There my also be wine on sale for 1500 or 1600 Vatu a bottle.
Transport
Paradise
Sunset Bungalows is about 1.5 km from the Lamen Bay airstrip. There will be trucks at the airport when flights land although it's a pleasant walk. Follow the road, past Epi High School, past the market house and then along the beach (follow the wheel tracks).
First
surveyed: September 2004 by Stephen.
Last updated: May 2009 by Stephen.
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