Vatthe Lodge
Vatthe Lodge is located in the small village of Matantas and just a few minutes walk from the impressive beaches of Big Bay in the northern area of Santo. Vatthe Lodge is the gateway to Vatthe natural Conservation area offering 20,000 Ha of virgin rainforest. It provides a perfect base for the discovery of this very unspoilt area. Bushwalking, birdwatching and exploring a totally unspoilt nature are the main highlights.
Situation: One hour from Port Vila to Luganville by regular or chartered flight and a two hour transfer by bus or pick-up.
Accommodation: The Lodge offers four double bungalows and a dining area. The toilet facilities (toilet and shower) are shared and are located separately. The Lodge is in keeping with the objectives of the conservation area having been constructed using local materials and designed for a minimum impact on the surrounding environment. Do not expect a high level of luxury but you can be sure of a clean room with basic amenities.
Bar and Restaurant: Breakfast and dinner are served in the restaurant area and are prepared for you by the community. Simple, healthy and wholesome food with seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables is provided. It is possible to sample one or two of the local dishes should you like to try them. If your coconut crab hunt is successful you can try this delicacy. Depending on your schedule for the day, a packed lunch is often the most convenient. There is no bar, so if you would like a beer or other alcoholic drinks, it is advisable to bring them with you.Tours:
- Half day bushwalk in the lush tropical rainforest with a local guide to point out the wide variety of indigenous trees, ferns and vines not to mention the local birdlife. Learn about the many uses of the plants and trees, both medicinal and for use in construction.
- A short informative tour of the local gardens, an essential part of the daily life of the community who live mainly off their own vegetable and fruit production.
- Custom dance: transfer by open pick-up to the custom village where a demonstration of the traditional custom dance will be performed especially for you.
- Canoe fishing half day tour with local guide, lines and bait provided.
- Jordan River tour - this short day tour includes a guided bushwalk in the forest and a return trip by canoe on the wide Jordan River.
Activities:
Staying at Vatthe Lodge you will truly be away from the pressures of modern life. No fax or email here: Just relax and enjoy the simplicity of lifestyle where people still have time to sit in the shade of banyan tree and talk. Spend your days bushwalking in the quiet forest, watching birds and flowers.
- Swim in the huge sheltered bay.
- Paddle your own outrigger.
- Walk in one of Vanuatu's most beautiful forests of Vanuatu.