Aneityum,
a tropical island paradise
Aneityum
is Vanuatu's southernmost inhabited island. The interior
is mountainous and covered with wet, dark forest. Along the coast, pine
plantations contrast with coconut palms, white sand beaches
and coral reefs. Aneityum is a good island for
walking, not too large and
with a cooler climate. Mystery Island 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. 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 visitors have Mystery 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, and 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 three choices for accommodation on Aneityum:
Island Breeze Bungalows, Anelgauhat

Mystery Island Bungalows, Mystery Island 
Miko Guesthouse, Anelgauhat 
Transport
There are two flights a week to Aneityum, you can download a schedule from the Air Vanuatu domestic website. The grass airstrip is on Inyeug Island.
A return air fare from Port Vila is 35233 Vatu (May 2006). Exchange
Rates.
Tourists with a return Air Vanuatu ticket get a 20% discount
on this price. 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).
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).
Aneityum is malaria-free. Expect to be tested on arrival at the airport!
Last
updated: Jan 2014 by Stephen
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