Activities
Friendly Bungalow is located very close to the main attractions of Tanna. Everything is within walking distance (approximately 4 hours hike to Port Resolution) or by taking a tour in our Friendly Bungalows 4WD. Our tours are available only for our guests, so your experience will be very personalized and Friendly!
Please don't forget everything in Tanna is on "island time" so times and schedules are very flexible!
Quick Links
Volcano Tour
Mount Yasur is one of the worlds most accessible, active volcanoes. Yasur means 'Old Man' in local language. The volcano is 361 meters above sea level. We leave Friendly Bungalows around 5pm before dusk and the Friendly 4WD will take you to within 150 meters of the craters edge, which is 300 meters wide and 100 meters deep. The 20 minute journey takes you across ash plains and you arrive during the last daylight to take in the magnificent scenery. Once darkness descends, you stand still in awe of the magnificent displays of molten magma against the black sky.
Visiting Mount Yasur is a 'once in a lifetime' experience. Standing right on the crater rim, you are able to watch natures very own firework display and listen to the deep roars coming from within. There are explosions as rocks are thrown high into the sky and then thud back into the crater. 
The earth trembles under your feet.
Mount Yasur is only 6 km from Friendly Bungalows and after you have enough of the fireworks display, you return home to Friendly Bungalows and Mary’s cooking in time for a late dinner around 8.30 or 9pm.
During our tropical "winter" (April - November) the evenings can become quite cool at the top of Mount Yasur. We therefore recommend that you have with you an item of warm clothing. It is also advisable to bring a torch. The volcano entrance fee set by the local villagers is currently 2,000 Vatu per Adult and 1,000 Vatu per child and this is included in your tour.
To book the Yasur Volcano tour go to our booking page.
The Jon Frum Cult Village
The Jon Frum village is home to the followers of this pacific cargo cult, and worshippers of the mythical Jon Frum. They believe that one day he will return to them, bringing with him everything they need.
It is said that during the Second World War a man known as Jon Frum visited some elders, promising to return with supplies. Since that day the Cult has been formed and they are awaiting his return. Jon Frum Day is celebrated on 15th February every year.
The community holds their ceremonies at 8pm on a Friday night, which consists of singing and dancing. The service finishes at sun rise.
If you are here on a Friday night, this is an opportunity to participate. Visitors are more than welcome to attend.
The Jon Frum village is 3.5 km from Friendly Bungalows. We leave Friendly Bungalows by 4WD at dusk and arrive after a 20 minute drive to the sound of singing and guitar playing different to any where else in Tanna. Different groups take turns to keep the music going all night, the congregation sits crossed legged singing or clapping, sometimes someone steps up to dance, you are welcome to join in. The peak of the mighty Mt Yasur is visible from the village and it’s rumbling can sound like drumming to the singsong.
Visitors have traditionally been asked to make a donation towards the cost of kerosene lighting, and this is included in your tour cost.
We usually return by 11pm or midnight.
To book the Jon Frum Village tour go to our booking page.
Port Resolution
In August 1774, whilst on board his ship "Resolution" Commander James Cook was attracted to the island of Tanna by the 'glow' from Mount Yasur. He anchored his ship in a bay, which he then named Port Resolution after his ship.
This is a beautiful bay with sandy beaches, ideal for swimming and a favorite anchor in the remote pacific for yachtsman all over the world. A place to spend a relaxing day with a picnic. Port Resolution is a 4 hour walk from Friendly Bungalows or only 30 minutes in the Friendly 4WD. We prepare a packed lunch for you to take, bottled water and all you need is a big smile and swimming clothes. Good to combine with a visit to the custom village on the way home.
To book the Port Resolution tour go to our booking page.
Custom Dancing
Friendly Bungalows is surrounded by traditional Custom (Kastom)Villages, which you are welcome to visit during your stay. The villagers will be only too happy to show you their homes, gardens and introduce you to their families.
There are various custom ceremonies that take place throughout the year. Whilst these are unplanned, it is a wonderful gesture when the Village Chief sends word to Friendly Bungalows and he extends an invitation to the lucky guests who can then attend. Two of the most spectacular ceremonies are Circumcision festivals and Weddings. Every other year the magnificent Toka festival takes place. This is a celebration which lasts for three days and involves thousands of people.
For guests wishing to see a display of traditional custom dancing we usually drive to the nearby village of Enima. To visit a custom village in Vanuatu, it is tradition to take a gift or make a donation which is included in the tour cost.
To book the Custom dancing Tour go to our booking page.
Hot Springs of Sulphur Bay
Located only 3.5 km from Friendly Bungalows, the hot springs are located near to the Jon Frum village and follow the path of a wide meandering river until it reaches the sea. At Sulphur Bay, the fresh water bubbling out from Mother Earth is thermally heated by the volcano, and it’s varying degrees of heat allows it to be used by the villagers for washing and cooking. The view of this wide valley reaching out to the sea amidst volcanic ridges is spectacular in itself.
Visitors can bathe in the hot water (modest clothing is recommended) and permission to visit the custom land is part of the tour.
To book the Hot Springs of Sulphur Bay go to our booking page.
Still yearning for more?
Consider whale watching from your own terrace usually any time between August and October, horse riding along the beach or through the rainforest, trek along mountain ridges with your own guide, see spectacular waterfalls and secret caves or bring your own mountain bike for an unforgettable off-road adventure.
Tanna has a variety of terrains and road surfaces (coral, cement, tarmac, dirt, ash and lava). Air Vanuatu can transport cycles, especially if they are given some advance notice.
During the summer months of January and February, turtles sometimes come ashore to lay their eggs. This normally takes place at night, and is a wonderful sight. Approximately six months after laying her eggs, the female turtle returns to the beach at Friendly Bungalows and slaps the water, calling the hatchlings to the sea.
So much to see and do is possible…Mary, Jessel or a member of their large extended community will be there to help direct and assist.
