Malekula Island - Alo Lodge

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.

Accommodation

Alo Lodge  

This lodge has much to offer, especially for those who are interested in custom and culture. The South West Bay Airport is just a few minutes from the bungalow, so guests just get off from the plane and take a walk to the bungalow, which is situated on a lovely long beach.

Facilities consist of a traditional Melanesian guest house which has 4 rooms, 3 with double beds and one with 4 bunk beds. There are 2 toilets and 2 showers with cold and hot water. 

The restaurant serves simple meals of local produce, although there is no alcoholic beverages, so BYO. 

Adventure Tours from Alo Lodge

Mr. George the owner organizes many cultural tours  Some of these tours are:

Venebea cultural dancing - A full day trip including lunch. This is a popular tour with authentic custom dancing from the people in this area.  For places like this custom village in the hills above Southwest bay, the people have very strong cultural beliefs which date back many centuries and are reflected in their cultural dancing. Cost: NZD149 one person, NZD124pp two people, NZD110pp additional people. NZD58 Child

Mun and Lohtou day tour: The tour will take you by boat and by foot (easy walk) to ancient villages using abandoned coral roads. Your guide will show you historical sites, chiefs' graves, ceremonial cairns, etc. Your visit will take you to the very impressive dance ground of Mun, surrounded by polished sacrificial stones similar to antique columns. Some areas are not accessible to women. Cost: NZD111 Single, NZD80 per additional person, NZD40 Child

Looraba'ap half day tour: Custom village accessible by foot (easy walk) which has been revived by a field worker of the Cultural Centre. You will learn here the traditional Melanesian ways, how grades are obtained and ceremonies organised. The dancing ground boasts ancient sacrificial pig killing stones. Cost: NZD40 one person, NZD35 additional persons, NZD17 Child

Half day fishing: Fishing on the bottom or trolling is available and any catch will be barbecued upon your return. Bonitos, dolphin fish, poulet or wahoo are plentiful to the fisherman (4 hrs). Maximum 4 passengers. Cost:NZD125 for the boat

Toman Island Day Tour - Golden Sand, coral gardens and a fascinating living culture.In this trip you will get to see our very special people that, after their birth when they are still kids, they have a very special method of shaping their heads, and most of their people still believes in their culture and still have their kids head shape. In Vanuatu this is the only place that you can see this shaping method. The trip is going to be on a boat from Alo-lodge bungalow to Toman and back. Cost: NZD236 one person, NZD108 more than one person, NZD40 Child

Traditional Hunting Tour: An interesting guided six hour trip hunting for local game. Cost: NZD61 per person

Package Tour staying at Alo Lodge

3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS includes Airfares (ex Port Vila), 2 nights at Alo Lodge incl breakfasts,  Looraba'ap tour. Mun Tour by boat, village fee.  

Value at NZD526 single, NZD459 per additional person. Child NZD236

WE CAN ARRANGE ANY PACKAGE YOU REQUIRE - JUST ASK!