Epi Paradise Sunset Bungalows, Lamen Bay Visitor Ratings

Epi Paradise Sunset Bungalows is a long standing place at Lamen Bay, northwest Epi. Lamen Bay's main tourist attraction is Bondas the friendly dugong ("cow fish"' in Bislama) although sometimes he's 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 the local waterfall.
- Visit Lamen Island.
- Admire the richly coloured sunsets.

Lamen Bay is also popular with cruising yachts (the season runs from June to October each year).

Feedback January-2006: "Very nice place, clean and tidy. Food was EXCELLENT. Great snorkeling at the south point and towards the wharf with really lovely coral and fish. Protecting the area has really paid off. Took a long time to find the dugong in the pea soup of the lagoon but eventually he showed up and did his underwater vacuum cleaner act. In the meantime we saw huge numbers of very large turtles and also uncountable numbers of baby sea snakes in the sand."
J.S., New Zealand.

Costs
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. Bungalows include breakfast and dinner. For campers, breakfast is 200 Vatu and Lunch or Dinner is 500 Vatu. Exchange Rates.

Epi Paradise Sunset Bungalows is a laid-back place. Tours are generally informal and flexible. For large groups (20+) a comprehensive full day village and cultural tour of Lamen Island is good value at 500 Vatu per person. The local waterfall is about 8 km away and most tourists hire a truck to transport them to the start of the walking track. Visiting the active volcanic island of Lopevi is a long and expensive speed boat ride (about 20000 Vatu).

Booking
Tasso, the owner/manager is a friendly, relaxed and helpful person. He speaks Bislama and English. You can call Epi Paradise Sunset Bungalows on 28230. There are sometimes large groups visiting so it's a good idea to make a phone call before heading for Lamen Bay.

Accommodation and Food
Epi Paradise Sunset's three bungalows are constructed of modern and traditional materials. 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 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 (modern flush toilets and showers). Sometimes there's 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 and even until December).

Paradise Sunset Bungalows serves mostly western style food. Dinners may be beef or fish (Tasso has a small fishing business) with rice, salad and some aelan kaekae (eg kumala). Breakfasts may be pikelets (small pancakes) and 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's also wine on sale for 1500 or 1600 Vatu a bottle. Tasso also has a few pandanus mats, walking sticks and other handicrafts for sale.

Services, Suggestions and Transport
There are several well-stocked stores at Lamen Bay. Tasso has two mountain bikes available for guest use (free but maybe broken down by now?).

Paradise Sunset Bungalows is about 2 km from the Lamen Bay airstrip. If you need transport there should be a truck around that can drop you in the village.

First surveyed: September 2004 by Stephen.
Last updated: March 2006 by Stephen.