Jungle Oasis Bungalows

This is a real village stay, and Kelson provides what the listing promises. The volcano access road is an easy walk away, and I’d happily stay here again. The huts are simple, with comfortable beds and mosquito nets, and the price is low. Solar power gives you lights in the evening, while phones can be charged in the kitchen dining room. Jerry, the owner’s brother, makes fresh, tasty, straightforward meals. The toilet and shower block is just adequate: the shower is cold, needs repairs, and has low pressure because water is gravity fed. Five stars for the genuine village experience, though the five star resorts are on the other side of the island.

We stayed for three nights, and Kelson, Joyce, and the rest of the team were all super nice. Chef Jerry’s food was excellent. Mount Yasur is only a two minute walk away, and the trip up was well worth it. The downside is that when the place is full, everyone shares just one shower and one toilet.

We hadn’t expected to stay overnight, but bad weather during our evening volcano trip meant we couldn’t get back to our ship. After a cyclone less than three weeks earlier, the island was still recovering and the resorts were closed. Kelson and Joyce opened the four bungalows that had survived and made sure our group was looked after. Joyce was finishing the beds when we arrived, then cooked dinner; while we waited, Kelson and his daughter sang for us. She made us a lovely breakfast the next morning too. The owners were so warm and welcoming, and being close to the volcano made it a great place to stay. That evening at Jungle Oasis became one of my favorite memories from the trip.

We ended up at Jungle Oasis for one night because our original accommodation was overbooked. Kelson and his wife Joice welcomed us so warmly, and during our four days in the area their family made us feel part of theirs. The bungalow had plenty of room for three, and the family run cottages seemed in decent shape for the price, which included breakfast. We’d read the 2018 Google recommendation and could see improvements: the bathroom and toilet were cleaned daily, and the garden and paths stayed tidy. We ate dinner there three times. The meals, made by Kelson’s wife, were delicious, with dinner at 1000 Vatu and lunch at 750 Vatu; fresh juice, water, and fruit were included too. It suits solo travelers, couples, and families. The volcano entrance is a minute away, so you can hear, feel, and see it, making this the best volcano experience on Tanna for us. Kelson can arrange airport pickup and drop off. His family took great care of us, and we always felt welcome.