Tanna, much more than Yasur
Tanna is Vanuatu's most popular adventure destination and it 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. There are lots of market gardens in the middle of the island. Tanna's main town is Lenakel although the administrative centre is nearby Isangel.

Tourism is strong in Tanna. It's an interesting place featuring:
- Mount Yasur, Vanuatu's most active volcano (see our Yasur page for more information). Volcano tours are the most popular activity on Tanna.
- 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 unique 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 but 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 most 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. Make your own tour, see our Itinerary Ideas page for a start.

Vanuatu is much more than Tanna
Explore more islands of Vanuatu with our explorer map.

Bungalows
There's lots of accommodation on Tanna.

See our Lenakel page for places to stay in town.

Outside of Lenakel, we feature (from north to south, west to east):
Tanna Evergreen Bungalows, White Grass
Tanna White Beach Bungalows, Loukatoi
Honven Seagull Ocean Resort, Imlao Point
Paradise View Bungalows Lounasunan
Big Bang Bungalows, White Sands
Jungle Oasis Lodge, Loanengo
Sunrise Bungalows, Manuapen
Port Resolution Nipikimanu Yacht Club, Port Resolution

There a few expat-owned bungalows and resorts on Tanna that don't fit our definition of an Island Bungalow and don't really need any help with promotion so we don't cover them on our website.

For Tanna you should browse the Tafea Tourism Council website (Tanna, Futuna, Aneityum). It has many new and unknown places to stay: Light House Bungalows, Mountain Breeze Bungalows, Samana Starlite Bungalows (link to VTO page), Shark Bay Tour and Bungalows (Manuapen), Tropical Retreat Bungalows, Volcano Smile Lava Bungalows (Loanengo), Yasur Tribe Bungalows. Do beware that bungalows on Tanna grow like mushrooms and some don't live long. Sometimes you have to go to find out! Contact us if you have visited a new bungalow and can send a report.

The Vanuatu Tourism Office website has a bungalow on Aniwa Island which sounds really nice: Fatutu Bungalows (link to VTO site).

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. Also, 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.

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.

If you're looking to travel by domestic shipping then the main port is at Lenakel.

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

Last updated: February 2008 by Stephen