Epi Island TRavel info
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Contacting the Bungalows
Cell phone reception is very unreliable on Epi. In addition people rely on solar and generators for power, so their phones may not be charged. If they don’t answer, keep trying the number. Send a text. If you still can’t get through, contact the Shefa Tourism Office on 5526028 Getting there By Air: Flying is relatively inexpensive and Belair Airways and Air Vanuatu currently have regular scheduled flights to both Lamen Bay and Valesdir airfields. These have grass runways and Valesdir in particular is susceptible to weather conditions (especially set-in rain). Air Taxi and Unity Airlines also do chartered flights. Belair Airways: (678) 29983 Air Vanuatu: (678) 23848 Air Taxi: (678) 554 4206 Unity Airlines: (678) 24475 By Boat: Several boats sail to Epi, including the Big Sista, the Brooklyn and Tina 2. This is not luxury travel and it’s a good idea to check out the boats first to be sure that this will suit you. Big Sista: (678) 562 5225 (Office situated behind the market house in Port Vila) Getting around Boats from Lamen Bay to Lamen Island are are easily arranged and cost around 1000 vatu a charter or 200 vatu a person for the return trip. The journey takes around half an hour. Agree on the price with the boat driver before you sail. There’s a scenic, famously rugged road between Lamen Bay to Valesdir. The truck journey is 10,000 vatu one way but be sure to confirm this price with the driver himself before travelling. Note that there is currently no accommodation available at Burumba, which is approximately halfway between the two air fields. An even more scenic and equally rugged road, very steep in places, goes from Lamen Bay around to Nikaura and Nuvi on the eastern side of Epi. It offers stunning views of Lopevi Island and it’s possible to swim and snorkel at beaches along the way. The return trip by truck costs about 6,000 vatu (again, confirm pricing before setting out). It’s a 5-6 hour reasonably energetic walk there and back. Electricity Solar power and occasionally generators are used on Epi. It's a good idea to fully charge your phone and camera before you travel. |
Telecommunications
Although there is some phone coverage with both the TVL and Digicel networks, reception can be extremely unreliable. Respecting Local Culture
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