Yasur View Bungalows

Mike and Lina were hospitable and helpful, with good advice about local activities and rides to and from them. The meals were simple but tasty. We visited nearby Imaio kastom village, which was a great educational experience, and took a fun 2-3 hour walk to the ash plains, crossing streams and passing local villages. The remote setting made the whole stay feel like an adventure, especially the airport drive. Mike handled some crazy dirt roads impressively in his 4WD. The treehouse among a huge banyan tree was awesome, with spectacular views and sounds of Mt Yasur and the surrounding jungle. The gardens are gorgeous. Our rustic room had everything we needed and kept us dry in heavy rain. There’s no electricity, but we had good 4G with a Vodafone eSIM, and Mike provided a lantern for evenings. A cheeky rat chewed some snacks in our treehouse, so store food in a chew-proof container or ask Mike to look after it. Stay at least 2 nights for more than one chance to see the lava at Mt Yasur, especially after rain. We loved our time at Yasur View Bungalows and highly recommend it!

Sleeping in the treehouse is an adventure all by itself, and the bungalows have an amazing view of Mt. Yasur. In the evening you can watch the volcano spit red ash into the air. Lina cooked delicious meals, with vegetarian and non vegetarian choices, and Mike and his whole family went above and beyond to make our stay a real „once in a lifetime adventure!“ We recommend 2-3 nights to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. There are no other tourists around for miles. The drive from the west coast or airport is wild but worth it. It costs 5000 Vatu, or 2500VUV if there are more than one person. You need a 4x4 Drive to get there; otherwise, it’s literally impossible. The route crosses rivers, volcanic ash, and lush jungle streets. Other drivers won’t take you there, so just pay the 5000 Vatu and let Mike or his Dad Sam come get you. Don’t stay at any of the fancy resorts on Tanna. For an amazing, authentic experience, stay with Mike and his family. You’re also helping Tanna's native people because the money stays in their communities. We’d stay there every time!

My wife and I spent one night in the treehouse at Yasur View Bungalows and the next at a treehouse at Yasur View Lodge. The two places have similar names, but differ quite a bit in location and quality. The Bungalows belong to Mike and are a long walk along a very muddy road from the row of lodges near the Volcano entrance and the store. If you don’t want to walk, he charges something like 2000VT for a ride. We were glad we’d bought canned tuna and eggs to supplement the Bungalows food. At the Lodge, breakfast, lunch, and dinner were excellent. Its treehouse was much bigger too, with furniture and chairs on the deck. Oddly, we paid 5000 VT for the Bungalows and 3000 VT for the Lodge. I wish I’d known all that before staying at the Bungalows.

Being so close to an active volcano was stunning and changed me on a deep level. The welcome was the best, the food was great, and everything was perfect.