Solomon Douglas Guesthouse (named after its founder) offers ocean front bungalows outside the village of Ranon on a magnificent black sand beach. From April to October, tours to admire Marum and Benbow active volcanoes are organised.
The area includes some very active custom villages, such as Fanla and Ranvetlam. Laan Douglas, the owner is a woodcarver.
The Guesthouse offers 2 very simple bungalows built of local material, each having two rooms with a double and a single bed. There is only one shared shower with cold water and a shared toilet.
Catering is frugal and done by the family, a fixed menu of simple cuisine made of local products. Take drinks with you as there is no bar.
All tours are conducted by a local guide speaking bislama and limited english. Good walking boots are recommended for the volcano visit.
Sand drawing and flute play: The village artist will play the traditional flute for you. Admire extraordinary Ambrym sand drawings where cultural symbols are intricately represented and the hand must not be lifted from the ground.
Day tour to the Volcano: Climb the rugged slopes of Mt Marum (1200m) in approximately 4 hours of average bushwalking. On the crater's edge, you will be able to look straight into a lake of red boiling lava 200m wide. Mt Benbow is then only 1km away and offers a similar breathtaking sight. An unforgettable excursion that may offer you fantastic views over the islands in fair weather.Ambrym magic tricks: Short tour to discover the famous magic of Ambrym people. your magician will present you various tours that will leave you puzzled.
Ranvetlam Rom dance demonstration: This half day tour takes you to a custom village down the coast where natives live as in they did centuries ago. The life revolves around the dancing grounds, site for all ceremonies and discussions between men. The village elders will demonstrate for you the Rom dance traditionally performed at special occasions.
Fanla village: Half day tour to Fanla custom village by foot. This village is home to very high chiefs of Ambrym. The tour takes you through the dancing grounds and gives you the chance to admire some of most interesting carvings in Vanuatu.
Bottom fishing half day tour: Charter one of our local fishing boats and spend half a day bottom fishing for delicious poulet-fish or reef fish, barbecue on the beach in case of success (maximum 4 persons).
Nature and Gardens walk: Short tour to visit gardens and see how Ambrym people tend to their yams, manioc and other crops.