Tanna, much more than Yasur
Tanna is Vanuatu's most popular adventure destination and has more bungalow and guesthouse accommodation than any other island. It is also Vanuatu's third most developed island and has the highest population (but not the highest population density). Tanna's economy is based primarily on agriculture and tourism. Tanna's main town is Lenakel although the administrative centre is nearby Isangel.

Tanna is an interesting place, featuring:
- Mount Yasur, Vanuatu's most active volcano.
- Scenic Port Resolution, named in 1774 by Captain James Cook after his ship, the H.M.S. Resolution.
- Kastom villages where the inhabitants have rejected development, including education, and still live much as their ancestors did including wearing nambas (men) and grass skirts (women).
- The Jon Frum Religion, a kind of Cargo Cult with Christian influences that developed after the Second World War.
- Opportunities for walking in the mountainous southwest.

Lake Isiwi was once a prominent feature on the ash plain landscape until it burst after heavy rain in the year 2000, now only a small stream remains. Some locals say the controversial Jon Frum prophet Fred Nase caused this disaster with magic.

Most tourists to Tanna come on package Yasur Volcano tours, often staying just one night. This is a shame because tour operators offer only a limited selection of accommodation and there's much to explore and time to relax if you stay for a few days. As well, what if you have only one evening to visit the volcano and the weather is bad?

Bungalows
There's lots of accommodation on Tanna. A visit in July 2008 discovered a string of new places near the Volcano.

Scattered around the island we have (from north to south, west to east):
Tanna Evergreen Bungalows, White Grass
Tanna White Beach Bungalows, Loukatoi
Ikamir Guest House, Bethel
Iwaru Beach Bungalows, West Coast
Paradise View Bungalows, Lounasunan
Sunrise Bungalows, Manuapen
Port Resolution Nipikimanu Yacht Club, Port Resolution
Rocky Island Bungalows, Port Resolution

In the Loanengo area there is:
Nauhiu Banyan Tree Bungalow, Loanengo
Volcano Whispering Lodge, Loanengo
Tanna Tree Top Lodge, Loanengo
Volcano Smile Lava Bungalows, Loanengo
Jungle Oasis Lodge, Loanengo
Cool Breeze Tree Bungalow
Mountain Breeze Bungalows
Tropical Retreat Bungalows, Iatapu

See our Lenakel page for places to stay in town.

As well, there are some places we have not yet seen: Ianiuia Beach Restaurant (“Yan-yoo-ee-er”) at Port Resolution (where you may be ask to camp, phone 68061, community phone), Shark Bay Tour and Bungalows (near Manuapen), Samana Starlite Bungalows (near White Sands, by the road and up the hill) and Tanna Lava View (White Sands). Yasur Tribe Bungalows near the Volcano was closed in July 2008, did it reopen? The once charming Honven Seagull Ocean Resort at Imlao is no more. We’re also told that Big Bang Bungalows near White Sands has closed, is it? Do beware that some businesses don't live long and sometimes you have to go just to find out! Contact us if you have visited a new bungalow and can send a report.

You might browse the Tafea Tourism Council website (Tanna, Futuna, Aneityum). The Vanuatu Tourism Office website has a bungalow on Aniwa Island which sounds really nice: Fatutu Bungalows (link to VTO site).

There are several expatriate-owned bungalows and resorts on Tanna that don't fit our definition of an Island Bungalow, do not need our help with promotion and are not covered on this website.

Transport
Air Vanuatu flies to Tanna on every day of the week and with many connections to other islands in TAFEA province. A return air fare from Port Vila is 28295 Vatu (May 2006). Tourists with a valid return Air Vanuatu ticket get a 20% discount on this price. Tanna's new airport at White Grass is actually an international airport but there are no overseas flights as yet. Exchange Rates.

The airport is 10km north of Lenakel. A taxi into town costs around 1000 Vatu. A shared ride in the back of a truck, or maybe a minibus, is about 200 Vatu.

There are always a few vehicles from assorted bungalows and resorts to meet flights from Port Vila (for tourists who have booked airport transfers) and one of these might be going to the place you want to stay. Some of the airport transfers are fairly priced while for others the bungalow owner is making a profit on your transport. You can always ask, negotiate a fare and climb aboard..

Public transport out of Lenakel is mostly in the back of a pickup and the roads are quite bad. On weekdays, market trucks go to Lenakel in the morning (around 0800H) and return in the afternoon (around 1400H onwards). The main stop for public transport is at the TAFEA Co-Operative complex at the Northern end of town. Man Tanna has reputation for overcharging green tourists so if the transport seems too expensive look for another truck. Exchange Rates.

If you're looking to travel by domestic shipping, the main port is at Lenakel. There’s a fast passenger boat called Fresh Cargo that irregularly visits Tanna, when there’s enough passengers booked. It costs 6000 Vatu one-way from Vila.

Walking can be an enjoyable way of exploring the south and east of Tanna.