Aneityum,
a tropical island paradise
Aneityum
is Vanuatu's southernmost inhabited island. The interior
is mountainous and covered with wet, dark forest and pine
plantations contrast with coconut palms, white sand beaches
and coral reefs along the coast. It's a good island for
walking; not too large and
with a cooler climate. Little Inyeug (Mystery) Island off
south Aneityum is all beaches and reefs and a popular cruise
ship destination.
Aneityum's
main source of income is tourism (cruise ships) followed
by small scale logging of the pine plantations. The frequency
of cruise ship visits increases during the high season.
If planning a private and quiet retreat to Mystery Island
then check the cruise ship itineraries with the Vanuatu
Tourism Office in Port Vila before setting out. There
are very few other visitors and ample accommodation so you
needn't worry about crowds at other times. Most, if not
all, visitors have the island to themselves.
Aneityum
is far from Port Vila and it's an expensive flight. To get
the most value out of your airfare then, if you have time,
visit Tanna and/or Erromango on the same ticket (it costs
only a few thousand Vatu more).
Bungalows
There are basically two choices for accommodation on Aneityum:
Kenneth's
Bungalows, Anelgauhat 
Mystery Island Bungalows, Mystery
Island 
Miko Guesthouse, Anelgauhat
Transport
Air Vanuatu flies to Aneityum twice a week, on Monday and
Thursday (March 2007). The grass airstrip is on Inyeug Island.
A return air fare from Port Vila is 35233 Vatu (May 2006).
Tourists with a return Air Vanuatu ticket get a 20% discount
on this price). One week is enough time for a couple of
days relaxing on Mystery Island's beaches and a few days
walking around the big island.
There
are no regular shipping services to Aneityum.
The
tourism project has a dedicated speed boat with transfers
to and from the island free for guests (about 200 Vatu for
non-guests or when travelling in other boats). Exchange
Rates.
Services
and Suggestions
Anelgauhat, in the south is Aneityum's main settlement.
There are a couple of basic stores, telephones, and a medical
dispensary. It's a good idea to have a warm shirt when visiting
Aneityum and a light rain jacket in the cooler months (around
August).
Last
updated: April 2006 by Stephen
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