TANNA & Outer islands
About
Tanna… Air Vanuatu flights to Tanna operate seven days a week. It
is a one hour flight from Vila to the new Whitegrass airport.
Tanna is the most populated island in TAFEA province and is one of the
most productive in Vanuatu growing kava, coffee, coconuts, and many
other fruit and vegetables. Most of its 2000 inhabitants still adhere
closely to the lifestyle of their ancestors with their custom ways and
ceremonies being still very much alive. The major attraction of Tanna is
Mt. Yasur, known as the world’s most accessible active volcano. The top
of the crater is just a 10 minute walk and the breathtaking experience
of lava thrown hundreds of meters in the air, glowing in the falling
night, the rumbling of the explosions and the vibrations of the ground
is truly awesome. During times of high activity, the volcano is
monitored closely.
Captain James Cook was the first European to come to Tanna in August
1774, after seeing the glowing light of the volcano in the sky. The HMS
Resolution landed in a small bay, which he named Port Resolution. The
trading era of the 19th century was marked by extensive killing and
fighting. Missionaries met with particular difficulties and were often
killed.
Culture and custom are still very strong in Tanna. Many villages have
turned their backs on the modern ways and prefer their traditional way
of life. The Tanna people recognize the importance of their ‘kastom” and
require all visitors to travel with local guides. Dances and custom
ceremonies are held throughout the year. The Nekowiar or the Toka
ceremony is the most impressive. The festival is held every three or
four years and lasts three days and nights. The village hosting the
ceremony tries to better the previous host in the quantity of food and
gifts (pigs, mats, etc…) offered to the guest villages. A beauty contest
takes place and both women and men elaborately paint their faces. More
than 1000 chiefs lead Tanna’s people. Many people in Tanna rely solely
on the traditional plant medicine to treat their illness. The local
doctors or “kleva”, are the healers with the special abilities to cast
spells on enemies.
The John Frum Movement emerged during or just after World War II and
whilst accounts of its’ formation vary, it can be partly explained by
the presence and apparent generosity of the American soldiers. With
their abundance of radios, Jeeps and Coca Colas, they would certainly
have seemed mysterious to the islanders. Every Friday the village of
Ipeukel on Sulphur Bay celebrates the expected coming of John Frum who
is supposed to bring a ship full of goods. Men exercise with wooden
rifles, women dance in grass skirts and men in lava lava to the music of
the string bands. Today the Red Cross, symbol for medical aid, remains
an emblem for the Jon Frum cult. Strict adherents follow a traditional
lifestyle, wearing grass skirts or nambas and not participating in any
government services, such as schooling.
ABOUT TANNA EVERGREEN
BUNGALOW & TOURS
Traditional Bungalows with pure spring water on tap set in lush
tropical gardens over looking the pristine and abundant coral reef
5 minutes to White Grass airport and 40 minutes flight from Port Vila.
Volcano night tour with refreshment
Depart resort mid afternoon arrive at the summit of volcano at
dusk walk to the Yasur RIM and experience a breath taking display of
volcanic pyrotechnic.
TOUR STARTS AT 15:00 PM
Water fall land surf to black beach
4WD Vehicle Adventure to scenic descent down the purpose built
track to the magnificent 40 meters waterfall, where you can swim beneath
its cascading waters simply take in the magnificent scenery.
Enjoy the magnificent vistas before you and view Mount Yasur in a
distance then continue on the black sand beach, refresh yourself in the
natural water that flows to sea before departing.
TOUR STARTS AT 08:00 AM AND BACK AT RESORT AT 2 PM
Horse riding Tour
Ride trought the Jungle and Vally viewing white grass ocean, and
part of a pure nature with an experience tour guide. You will truly
enjoy the atmosphere .there are assistance for beginners and children
consumption of 3 hours.
TOUR STARTS AT 09:00 AM
About Sunrise Bungalows…
Rating: 
Highlights: Scenic setting and volcano
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Style: Individual
traditional bungalows
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Facilities: Bar
and restaurant
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12 bungalows with shared facilities
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Access: 60 km from
the airport
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2 ½ hour drive in an air conditioned four wheel
drive
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Generator *Electricity
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Hot Water X
Port Resolution is situated on the east of
Tanna and 2 ½ hour drive on unsealed roads from the airport. The Sunrise
bungalows are set in tropical gardens just half an hour from the volcano
and overlook the spectacular natural harbour.
Accommodation: The attractive round
bungalows sleep up to 5, and line the crest of a dramatic cliff. The
breathtaking scenic views and the nocturnal low of Yasur make this a
magic place to stay. The resort is staffed by members of the nearby
community.
Facilities: The restaurant serves simple
food from the village gardens and seafood when available. Limited bar.
Tours/Activities: Evening tour to Yasur
volcano by 4WD with day and night time viewing of the crater. Visit a
traditional custom village. View the traditional dancing and admire (or
purchase) handicrafts. Once a week you can watch as the John Frum cargo
cult movement celebrates. Short tours to Shark Bay, a breeding ground
for sharks, to the Steam and Bat Caves or explore the bay on a local
canoe.
Mystery Island
This idyllic spot offer the perfect seclusion for adventurous
honeymooners. As the local live on the mainland, you will have the
entire Island to yourself at night.
Accommodation: 2 Coral thatched Bungalows
and 1 unit especially design for backpackers and a separate beach
restaurant and a BBQ hut over looking the ocean
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