Malekula Island - Rose Bay Bungalows

Accommodation/Packages/Activities

Malekula Island has a name that means, "bad bottom" , but we are not entirely sure why!  It is the second largest of the islands, with a population of around 20,000 and a huge diversity of local cultures (over 30 distinct languages!). Two of the major culture groups are the Big Nambas and Small Nambas. Nambas being the penis sheaths that they wear.

The Tribes still have a very strong belief in the Spirit World and ancient traditions are still followed, although fortunately not cannibalism. You can however still trek to ancient cannibal sites. Sand drawings, tall head figures, ritual objects and art, point to this being one of the oldest cultures in the Pacific Islands.

The Northern coast where Rose Bay Bungalows are located is a reasonably populated and developed area of Vanuatu, and the village of Sanwir asnd Walarano have stores, bars, a local night club and telephones. Small Nambas kastom dancing, snorkeling, and tramping are the main activities for tourists.

Accommodation

Rose Bay Bungalows 

Located an hours drive from Norsup Airport, at the mouth of the Orap River, set in gardens on a small black sand beach near Sanwir village. 

There are three traditional bungalows. One is a long bungalow with four rooms with 2 single beds in each, one has a double bed, and the other is the family bungalow and each has a bathroom. Hurricane lamps are provided, as there is no electricity.

Food is excellent, however BYO alcohol.

Adventure Tours from Rose Bay Bungalow

Amel Boas Tour (Small Mambas) - Just a short distance from Rosebay bungalow , there is a cultural Village called Emal Boas, where the people have a very powerful culture that visitors staying in Rosebay Bungalow's always want to visit and to see their colorful custom dancing. In Malekula their type of dressing is called the Small Nambas, we still also have the one that people’s dressing are called the Big Mambas, that is the next tour. Cost: NZD75 per person

Full Day Trekking Tour to Big Mambas Village - An interesting tour to visit the Traditional Big Mambas village of Mae. In this tour you can see the difference in costumes between the Small Nambas and the Big Nambas, and also the different types of colourful custom dancing they perform,  Cost: NZD112 one person, NZD93pp more than one person.

Half Day Wala Tam Tam Tour - This tour takes you to Wala and to the clearings lined with Monoliths and the ancient Tam Tam (slit drums), which are up to 3metres high and in the natsaro (dance area) where the men of the tribe used to meet. Tour includes transport, snorkeling, and lunch. Cost: NZD50 one person, NZD44pp more than one person.

Package Tour staying at Rose Bay Bungalows

3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS includes Airfares (ex Port Vila), 2 nights at Rose Bay Bungalows incl breakfasts and Dinner, Amel Boas Custom Dance and Wala Tam Tam Tour.  

Value at NZD567.00 per person. Child NZD287.00

WE CAN ARRANGE ANY PACKAGE YOU REQUIRE - JUST ASK!