Includes coastal hiking, island canoeing and a visit to the active Marum Volcano. Fully hosted.
Our Vanuatu trek takes you into the heart of the remote islands of Vanuatu. For 10 days you will hike the beautiful coastline, paddle and snorkel around the reef fringed islands and climb an active volcano, all the while experiencing the world reknowed hospitality of the local people. You will experience what it is like to live in a village and spend time with locals who rarely see the outside world, this is the real Vanuatu!
Our Vanuatu adventure holiday is perfect for families! The outer islands are the perfect playground for the young, and the young at heart! Children will experience first hand what it means to live off the land and to live in community. They will come back to Australia with a fresh appreciation of what they have, and a broader perspective on life.
Do something unique on your next holiday; don’t just visit Vanuatu, experience it!
“”.
Today you will arrive in Port Vila and gather at our hotel for a pre-departure dinner and briefing. We meet the other trekkers in our group and your trek leader. Before dinner we'll have a drink and do last-minute pack adjustments. After dinner, your trek leader will give a short presentation covering safety, culture and expectations.
We will leave our accommodation and take a short bus trip to the domestic airport where we will board a short flight to Southwest Bay on the Island of Malekula. We will then make last minute preparations in the small village of Wintua, before starting the hike phase of the tour. From Southwest Bay we will climb into the ranges to approximately 200m elevation. We will experience some beautiful jungle with huge strangler figs and an abundance of bush tucker. From here we will follow a series of ridges then down to the Village of Melip which is our first night stop.
From Melip Village, it is a short walk across Woromar Point to Milvorbang Bay where we will have a 2km beach walk looking across the Bay into the beautiful Torquoise coloured water fringed with coral reef. We will continue on across Rankinhunbus Point and into Mbwat Bang Village where we will rest and enjoy the Village people and the view across Leuravuh Bay.
We will continue on inland a short distance to the largest River we will experience, the Matanoi River. We will stop here for a swim and continue on to Malfakhal Village for a rest and some food from the local Villages. We will continue on skirting the coast until we reach our night location at Farun Village.
Today we will be up early with breakfast and a cuppa, say goodbye to the friendly villages and travel by short boat ride to Akhamb Island. We will spend some time snorkelling and discovering the island paradise. We will then board the boats and head to Hokai village for lunch. We will then continue on around some rocky outcrops along the coast before arriving at Hokai Landing where we will be met by Kalo and his boat. Kalo will transport us to his Village of Peskarus on the Maskelyne Islands where we will be welcomed with a local string band and some local foods to taste. We will now have a tour of the village and time permitting, have a snorkel around the beautiful reef surrounding the Maskelynes. We will then be shown to our accommodation where we can relax and enjoy our surroundings.
Today we will leave our walking shoes behind and start the canoe phase of the tour. You will be allocated a canoe and a canoe guide and start the day with a paddle over to the Clam Garden Island. The island is man-made and was instigated by one of the local chiefs from the village of Pelonk to enable the giant clams to be conserved. We will then have a snorkel and enjoy the abundance of clams and fish.
We will now continue on to Sakao Island where we will stay in a bush camp for the night. We will take Sam with us and tour the island on foot and hunt for some local bush food. The island is an abundance of mud crab, sea snails and of course fish. We will also find some local fruits and root vegetables to compliment tonight’s feast.
On a clear night, the glow of the Volcano on Ambrym Island can be seen from the campsite.
Today we will climb back into our canoes and start our days paddle. Get Up early and have some breakfast of fruit and other local foods. Get the canoe ready and start nice and early down the South West Channel. Paddle past the beautiful Avok, Awe, and Bagatelle Islands and swim and snorkel on some secluded tropical island paradise. We will then continue on to Vulai Island where we will camp on a sandy tropical island beach and have a stroll over to the mangrove fringed lagoon and maybe catch some mullet for dinner. Sam will guide us to the high ground to the south of the island for some photos. Again we will feast on a local fish smorgas board.
Homeward bound, we will start our paddle towards Peskarus Village. It is only a short day. When you get back, we will take the time to clean and dry your equipment. Allow May and Crita to cook you a well-deserved lunch then Tom will give us a tour of the island of Maskelynes.
There are three villages on the island which are all walking distance, Peskarus, Palonk and Lutes. Experience the island way of living, play with the kids and talk with the locals.
Being the last night in the Maskelynes, the locals will celebrate in the form of Island Night. The locals will put on a traditional dinner for you in the form of a hungy. The locals appreciate you coming and will want to show their appreciation. Please bring a present (cheap) from home to show your appreciation.
We will ensure all our equipment is packed for the Volcano walk. We will not be returning to Peskarus Village. We will be up early for the boat trip across to Ambrym Island, to the coastal Village of Port Vatu, where you will experience black sand beaches. The trip will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Ambrym is the Island of black magic and there are still a lot traditional ceremonies taking place there.
You will be introduced to Chief Jack who is our host and is a local land owner. We will then begin our walk which will follow an old lava flow creek which winds through the jungle until we reach a small cliff where the creek narrows and begins to climb steeper. The temperature begins to cool and we experience a change in vegetation with ferns and stunted palms lining each side of the narrow creek. We will continue on traversing the creek in areas to bypass volcanic cliff faces until we reach the spectacular ash plane.
On the edge of the ash plane, we will find an old camp area which was once used by Volcanologists but is only used for hikers now. We will set up camp and take the opportunity to explore our surrounding and have a closer look at the spectacular ash plain and the glow of the Marum volcano at night. You may need your jumper tonight as the temperature is cooler due to the altitude, which is a welcome change to the usual heat.
Today we will experience a once in a lifetime experience of coming face to face with the bubbling lakes of the active Marum Volcano. For this leg of the trek, we can leave our packs at the camp and just take some water and a camera. We will walk across the ash plane which is a relatively flat walk, and enjoy the untouched vista. The track snakes around some smaller creeks until you reach the lava flow of the 1989 eruption. From here, the track continues on until you have a steep climb over the rim of the crater where you will witness the bubbling lava lakes of the active Marum Volcano. It is a truly spectacular site.
Don’t worry too much if the crater is covered by smoke. Just be patient and it will clear intermittently with the wind gust. After you have had your fill with the lava, we will make our way back to the campsite and collect our packs. We will then fill make our way back down to Port Vato Village where we will stay the night at the guest house where a meal will be prepared by the family of the local chief.
After breakfast, we will make our way to Craig’s Cove by vehicle enjoying the beautiful scenery along the journey. Our charter flight will leave here at 1230hrs bound for Port Vila, where you can relax over a cold beer and contemplate the journey you have just undertaken.
Today you will arrive in Port Vila and gather at our hotel for a pre-departure dinner and briefing. We meet the other trekkers in our group and your trek leader. Before dinner we'll have a drink and do last-minute pack adjustments. After dinner, your trek leader will give a short presentation covering safety, culture and expectations.
We will leave our accommodation and take a short bus trip to the domestic airport where we will board a short flight to Southwest Bay on the Island of Malekula. We will then make last minute preparations in the small village of Wintua, before starting the hike phase of the tour. From Southwest Bay we will climb into the ranges to approximately 200m elevation. We will experience some beautiful jungle with huge strangler figs and an abundance of bush tucker. From here we will follow a series of ridges then down to the Village of Melip which is our first night stop.
From Melip Village, it is a short walk across Woromar Point to Milvorbang Bay where we will have a 2km beach walk looking across the Bay into the beautiful Torquoise coloured water fringed with coral reef. We will continue on across Rankinhunbus Point and into Mbwat Bang Village where we will rest and enjoy the Village people and the view across Leuravuh Bay.
We will continue on inland a short distance to the largest River we will experience, the Matanoi River. We will stop here for a swim and continue on to Malfakhal Village for a rest and some food from the local Villages. We will continue on skirting the coast until we reach our night location at Farun Village.
Today we will be up early with breakfast and a cuppa, say goodbye to the friendly villages and travel by short boat ride to Akhamb Island. We will spend some time snorkelling and discovering the island paradise. We will then board the boats and head to Hokai village for lunch. We will then continue on around some rocky outcrops along the coast before arriving at Hokai Landing where we will be met by Kalo and his boat. Kalo will transport us to his Village of Peskarus on the Maskelyne Islands where we will be welcomed with a local string band and some local foods to taste. We will now have a tour of the village and time permitting, have a snorkel around the beautiful reef surrounding the Maskelynes. We will then be shown to our accommodation where we can relax and enjoy our surroundings.
Today we will leave our walking shoes behind and start the canoe phase of the tour. You will be allocated a canoe and a canoe guide and start the day with a paddle over to the Clam Garden Island. The island is man-made and was instigated by one of the local chiefs from the village of Pelonk to enable the giant clams to be conserved. We will then have a snorkel and enjoy the abundance of clams and fish.
We will now continue on to Sakao Island where we will stay in a bush camp for the night. We will take Sam with us and tour the island on foot and hunt for some local bush food. The island is an abundance of mud crab, sea snails and of course fish. We will also find some local fruits and root vegetables to compliment tonight’s feast.
On a clear night, the glow of the Volcano on Ambrym Island can be seen from the campsite.
Today we will climb back into our canoes and start our days paddle. Get Up early and have some breakfast of fruit and other local foods. Get the canoe ready and start nice and early down the South West Channel. Paddle past the beautiful Avok, Awe, and Bagatelle Islands and swim and snorkel on some secluded tropical island paradise. We will then continue on to Vulai Island where we will camp on a sandy tropical island beach and have a stroll over to the mangrove fringed lagoon and maybe catch some mullet for dinner. Sam will guide us to the high ground to the south of the island for some photos. Again we will feast on a local fish smorgas board.
Homeward bound, we will start our paddle towards Peskarus Village. It is only a short day. When you get back, we will take the time to clean and dry your equipment. Allow May and Crita to cook you a well-deserved lunch then Tom will give us a tour of the island of Maskelynes.
There are three villages on the island which are all walking distance, Peskarus, Palonk and Lutes. Experience the island way of living, play with the kids and talk with the locals.
Being the last night in the Maskelynes, the locals will celebrate in the form of Island Night. The locals will put on a traditional dinner for you in the form of a hungy. The locals appreciate you coming and will want to show their appreciation. Please bring a present (cheap) from home to show your appreciation.
We will ensure all our equipment is packed for the Volcano walk. We will not be returning to Peskarus Village. We will be up early for the boat trip across to Ambrym Island, to the coastal Village of Port Vatu, where you will experience black sand beaches. The trip will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Ambrym is the Island of black magic and there are still a lot traditional ceremonies taking place there.
You will be introduced to Chief Jack who is our host and is a local land owner. We will then begin our walk which will follow an old lava flow creek which winds through the jungle until we reach a small cliff where the creek narrows and begins to climb steeper. The temperature begins to cool and we experience a change in vegetation with ferns and stunted palms lining each side of the narrow creek. We will continue on traversing the creek in areas to bypass volcanic cliff faces until we reach the spectacular ash plane.
On the edge of the ash plane, we will find an old camp area which was once used by Volcanologists but is only used for hikers now. We will set up camp and take the opportunity to explore our surrounding and have a closer look at the spectacular ash plain and the glow of the Marum volcano at night. You may need your jumper tonight as the temperature is cooler due to the altitude, which is a welcome change to the usual heat.
Today we will experience a once in a lifetime experience of coming face to face with the bubbling lakes of the active Marum Volcano. For this leg of the trek, we can leave our packs at the camp and just take some water and a camera. We will walk across the ash plane which is a relatively flat walk, and enjoy the untouched vista. The track snakes around some smaller creeks until you reach the lava flow of the 1989 eruption. From here, the track continues on until you have a steep climb over the rim of the crater where you will witness the bubbling lava lakes of the active Marum Volcano. It is a truly spectacular site.
Don’t worry too much if the crater is covered by smoke. Just be patient and it will clear intermittently with the wind gust. After you have had your fill with the lava, we will make our way back to the campsite and collect our packs. We will then fill make our way back down to Port Vato Village where we will stay the night at the guest house where a meal will be prepared by the family of the local chief.
After breakfast, we will make our way to Craig’s Cove by vehicle enjoying the beautiful scenery along the journey. Our charter flight will leave here at 1230hrs bound for Port Vila, where you can relax over a cold beer and contemplate the journey you have just undertaken.
Olly, the directory of Adventure Bound and co-founder of the Manvoi Adventure, was fortunate to meet Chris on an Australian Army Training and mentoring trip in Vanuatu. A strong relationship was forged between Chris and Olly and Chris invited Olly back to his home village of Peskarus, in the Maskelyne Islands. Olly was welcomed into the family and was formally adopted as a family member with a small ceremony.
Olly was renamed Manvoi by the local tribe and family of Chris, which is a custom name meaning Warrior Man.
Olly is privileged to serve his newly adopted family and the small village of Peskarus by generating adventure tourism into the small community which will bring much needed funds to allow the otherwise modest community to flourish.
Chris is the co-founder of the Manvoi Adventure on his home the Maskelyne Islands. Chris is currently living in Port Vila (the capital of Vanuatu) and is a member of the Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) as an Infantry Section Commander.
Chris is a qualified Commando and conducted his training with the Italian Special Forces, where he was only one of two Vanuatu Nationals to be successful. Chris is also a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) within the VMF and trains new recruits and his Battalion members.
Chris deployed to the Solomon Islands during the crisis and has conducted training and exercises all over the Pacific Region, where he experienced and acquired skills in leadership, risk management and communicating with various international forces.
Chris is a valued member of the VMF and a well-respected tribesman in the Maskelynes. He is responsible for all of the logistics and planning prior to the Adventure.
Kalo is the brother of Chris and an esteemed elder in his village of Peskarus, on the Maskelyne Islands, where he has lived all of his life.
Kalo knows the Islands like the back of his hand and is responsible for the day to day running and safety aspects of the Manvoi Adventure.
Kalo is the owner of a boat on the islands where he will provide us with maritime support during the Adventure.
Kalo has completed a tour guide course run by Malampa Tourist Association and is an experienced guide.
Tom is the chief of the Lohvary Tribe on the Maskelynes, where he has lived all of his life, and is the Manvoi Adventure head guide.
Tom has worked in shipping on Copra ships and is qualified as a Maritime Safety Advisor. He has completed a tour guide course as a Canoe Guide run by the Malampa Tourist Association.
Tom is a very friendly, well-spoken guide and will ensure that your adventure is both fun and safe.
Sam is a renowned fisherman and boat skipper on the Maskelyne Islands, where he has lived all his life. He is known for his diving ability so you can be assured you won’t go hungry when you have Sam with you. Sam will provide you with a smorgasbord of fresh seafood fit for a king.
Sam has completed a tour guide course as a Canoe Guide run by the Malampa Tourist Association.
Sam is a quietly spoken person, but as you get to know him you realise he has extensive knowledge of living off the land, survival and the history and culture of the local area.
It is very important to select the correct gear and equipment prior to embarking on your Manvoi Adventure. I have put together a check list that you should consider prior to purchasing items. All of these items I have used during years of trekking and consider them to be the best for me, however; all people are different and trial and error tends to be the only way to find the best equipment for the individual but this can be expensive. The only way to find out the best equipment for you is to use your equipment as frequently as possible prior to your trip and during training, which will allow you to test its durability and comfort.
Here is a check list and some tips for you to research equipment, to make sure that you do not overspend, and that you buy the correct equipment that is suitable for the tropical environment.
Adventure bound strongly advises the hire of a personal porter. This makes the journey more enjoyable, decreases the likelyhood of injury and puts money back into the economy.
The Adventure Bound Team takes your safety and any medical issues very seriously. All trek leaders are trained in first aid and we have a satellite phone and mobile phone available for emergency casualty evacuation.
It is essential that you look after yourself in training and while on the tour so that you enjoy the Adventure and come home fit and healthy.
In some cases a medical certificate will have to be obtained to ensure that you are fit and healthy to undertake the tour prior to departure.
I carry a group medical kit which will be used in case of emergency and for the local guides. There is a list of items that need to be taken for your personal medical kit in the Equipment Checklist under the Resources tab on our Vanuatu page.
Q: Do I require a Tourist Visa?
A: Australian tourists are exempt from acquiring a Tourist Visa when traveling to Vanuatu. You still require a passport which will be stamped at the customs office on arrival to Vanuatu.
If you do not hold an Australian Passport, please follow the link to see if your country is exempt from a Visa. Adventure Bound will provide a cover letter and itinerary to be sent along with your passport should you require to gain a visa.
https://vanuatu.visahq.com.au/
Q: Do I need travel / medical insurance for Vanuatu?
A: Yes, you do need Travel Insurance, it is very important. You are responsible to organise your own Travel/Medical insurance, which can be organised by us.
You will need coverage for medical evacuation; medical, theft, loss etc… if you wish to organise your own insurance, please ensure the below are provided as inclusions. Travel Insurance MUST include Medical Evacuation and medical expenses including hospital coverage in Vanuatu and Australia. It can be a very costly experience for you if you do not have your Travel Insurance!
We require a copy of your personal, Travel and Medical Insurance no later than 4 weeks before departure. Failure to have travel and medical insurance will prevent you from attending the tour.
Q: Do you offer group discounts?
A: Yes. We are happy to offer you a group discount. Please quote us your group size and we will send your group an individual quote.
Q: What is the food like?
A: Adventure Bound Vanuatu will provide a mix of locally caught seafood and locally grown fruit and vegetables. The food is different to what most westerners are used to but is very nutritious and suitable for the activities that we will be conducting. It is also a good opportunity to experience the custom foods, the way they are cooked and the way of Island living.
We will have the opportunity to shop at a local supermarket prior to leaving Port Vila where you will have the chance to buy some of your favorite snacks.
Please advise Adventure Bound Vanuatu of any dietary requirements that you may have.
Q: Is This an Australian led trek?
A: Yes. All our Vanuatu Tours are led by ex-Australian Army leaders who are well aware of the safety aspects of leading a group.
Q: Do I need a porter?
A: Adventure Bound Vanuatu strongly advises all trekkers to hire a porter. This will create employment for the locals and induce money into the primitive villages. You will also enjoy the experience to a greater degree and reduce the chance of injury to yourself. A porter is an additional $380AU. This pays the porter’s wage, food and return flight to their home locations.
Porters will only be used during the Hike Phase and the Volcano Phase of the tour. You will not require a porter for the Canoe Phase of the tour.
Q: How do you help the local communities on the islands?
A: We provide employment for local families on the Maskelyne islands by way of porters, cooks and guides. Additional money is also imparted into villages via accommodation fees to guesthouse owners and fire wood charges. Aussie guides also provide first aid and basic health care where they see a need.
Q: Village life
A: Whilst in the villages we recommend you do not give money to anyone, as this can generate problems between the locals. They live as a community and money needs to be shared between all in the village.
If you would like to bring something for the villages, a gift that they can share is more appropriate, clothes, ball games, books, reading and writing material.
First aid items are also very much needed (and appreciated) e.g. band aids, antiseptic lotions, strapping etc. Obviously you would not leave your prescription or strong medication with the local people as they are not accustomed to such medications. If taken without supervision they could cause harm.
We also ask our trekkers not to wander around the villages in swimming costumes. Please cover up while walking around the villages, as a sign of respect.
Q: What are the washing/cleaning/toilets/shower facilities like?
A: The facilities on the islands are very basic. Toilets are known as ‘long drops’ and ‘short drops’. These are simple, deep pits or short pits that have been dug in the ground for use as toilets. There are no toilet seats. These facilities have a roof and screen over them for privacy.
You do need to take your own toilet paper (2 rolls).
The shower facilities are a basin/ bird bath arrangement or alternatively we carry a shower bucket which is more popular. In the villages, most of the fresh water is caught in tanks or from wells dug by the locals. Along the trekking phase of the tour there are some fresh water creeks available for washing. Please bring some environmentally friendly soap.
The locals will be more than happy to wash your clothes for a small fee of approximately $3 AU.
Antibacterial Hand Gel is essential.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Adventure Bound Vanuatu has a comprehensive Check list to help you with the selection of your equipment. Please refer to our website for the Trekking Gear Guide list and printable checklist.
Adventure Bound will provide a suitable pack and two person tent for each trekker.
Q: What happens to the rubbish on the islands?
A: It is essential that we all take good care of the environment that we enjoy. If you purchase soft drink from the local communities, then you need to crush the cans and carry them out with you. All rubbish is either burnt or carried out. Whilst trekking, please put your own rubbish in your backpack until you arrive at the next campsite. If you see rubbish on the islands, please pick it up and put it in our rubbish bags.
Q: Do we have exclusive use of the campsites and guesthouses?
A: At this stage, Adventure Bound is the only external company which runs tours in Malekula and the Maskelyne Islands, so the demand for campsites and guest houses is not high. Adventure Bound has exclusive use of the guest house at Peskarus Island.
Q: How many people sleep in each tent? What size are the tents?
A: Only one person per tent, unless you specifically want to share a tent i.e. partner/friend etc. The tents are 2 person tents and provided on loan by Adventure Bound. Couples may prefer to use a 3 man tent we can also provide.
Q: What is the accommodation like?
A: The accommodation on the islands are very basic. The Guest House accommodations are open air huts with no mosquito protection. Guest House accommodation is not always available, so we will camp at the best available camp sites. Tents provide privacy and mosquito protection.
Q: Do we carry our own tents?
A: If you have a personal porter he/she would carry your tent. If you are carrying your own pack then you would carry your tent. Your personal porter will help you to erect, and pack up your tent each day.
Q: Can we bring food into Vanuatu?
A: Yes you can. You must declare your food and advise customs that it is for trekking. You may also buy your favourite snacks in Port Vila prior to departure to the Maskelynes.
Q: How fit do you have to be to go on the Vanuatu adventure?
A: While you do not need to be an elite athlete, you do need to be in great physical condition, with good endurance and stamina.
Q: When is the best time to go to Vanuatu?
A: The seasons are broken up into the dry season and the wet season. These seasons also have sub seasons which fringe the wet and dry season.
The dry season is normally from late May to late October. Good conditions can still be expected in April and November. It is possible to get rain and consequently mud on the Track during any season or month.
Q: What happens in case of an emergency?
A: Adventure Bound Vanuatu carries satellite phones on all treks; we have an emergency evacuation plan which is implemented. On receiving a call for assistance we activate our plan and organise medical, travel insurance and evacuation plans. Contact us if you require further details.
Q: How much money will I need on the Vanuatu Adventure?
A: On the tour, you need to take local currency (Vatu ). You can organise to buy Vanuatu currency through your local bank before you leave Australia or at the money exchanger at the International Airports. We would highly recommend that you have Vanuatu currency before leaving Australia.
There are small shops in the villages on the tour where you will have the opportunity to buy souvenirs and extra food and snacks along the tour. Carvings, locally made jewelry and woven mats and baskets are the most popular trinkets.
You will also need money to purchase food while staying in Port Vila, as only the food while trekking is included in the trek price.
There are no banking facilities on the Maskelyne islands to get money should you need it. Adventure Bound Vanuatu recommends that each trekker brings 20000VATU ($200AU). Ensure that your cash is in small denominations as the locals will not have change for you.
Q: Do we tip the porters?
A: Vanuatu is a not a tipping country, so tipping your porter is not necessary. However you may want to reward a job well done. Any of your excess clothes or caps, T-shirts etc. would be very much appreciated.
“ We took our family of mum & dad & 3 boys aged 16, 13, 10 with Billy & Ollie on their Vanuatu Adventure Bound Tour recently. We love challenging and culturally rewarding travel and were rewarded with a fantastic experience of the real Vanuatu - remote islands and villages, wonderful outrigger canoe paddling over pristine ocean & reefs, and an amazing trek up to Marum Volcano on Ambrym - collectively considered the best thing we have seen. All accompanied with a welcoming and engaging local population of locals living as they have for centuries virtually untouched by the vices of our western worldly ways, yet always friendly and accepting of our familys visit. Every day of trekking / paddling / climbing was a different experience - all made possible by Olly's and Billy's local contacts, itinery and proffessionalism. As a family experience I cannot recommend this tour enough - the children are challenged but not overwhelmed, and culturally expanded by the Vanuatu people without effort. An adventure I urge anyone to do while you can - this area of the world and the Adventure Bound prism throuh which you can view it is unique.”
- Dr Rory Howard, Sept 2017
“ To Olly & Billy, like I said to the group under the shelter at Craig's Cove you can pick your trek; but you can't can't really know what you're getting into or pick your leader. You pay your money and take your chances.
Well before we started we liked your style. When Cyclone Donna thwarted our May start we greatly appreciated your genuine disappointment and speed to offer an alternative schedule. We weren't alone because the whole party returned in late July for Take 2. You organised and facilitated an experience of a lifetime! It was everything we hoped for and so much more. The experiences were only limited by our willingness to embrace them. The opportunity to meet people in their village on their terms not ours, unparalleled! Your concern for our experience partnered with your respect for the owners was truely impressive. Awesome all round, looking forward to our next adventure together”
- Jeremy & Prue Everitt, July 2017
“ A big thanks to Billy, Olly and the Adventurebound team. We have had an amazing time in Vantatu. The trek was a genuine cultural experience and we loved the interaction with the porters and people we met along the way. We weren't expecting to be welcomed like royalty in many of the villages and were humbled by the kindest of the people. It was fantastic to eat the traditional local foods. Every day of this journey was different as we moved around the islands. We highly recommend this company and this trek for those who want to get out there and experience the real thing while being guided by professionals. ”
- Garth and Jodie Tuckey, July 2017
“ First trek with Adventure Bound was an amazing experience. I travelled with my teenage daughter and older sister and we had the best time ever. Thank you to Billy and Olly for their professional attitude in providing a tour to accommodate for varied fitness levels and age groups.... These guys have a great team in Vanuatu to support the Trekkers. A great feeling to be able to support the locals on the outer islands of Vanuatu and enjoy a truly genuine cultural experience
”
- Katrina Wesser-Corrie, Sept 2016
“ I have previously trekked with Adventure Bound on the Kokoda trek so I took on the Vanuatu Trek already confident in their ability to organise a trek that was safe and offered a cultural experience as well as a physical challenge.
This time however I took my 8 year old son. I was not prepared to see how well he embraced the journey and how easily the local people took him under their wing. They showed him more of their culture than I ever imagined possible. He swam with the children, hunted for fish and crabs and was welcomed in to their homes like family. The most amazing thing to see and hear was them all laughing and playing despite the language barriers.
There were of course times when he was tired along with the rest of us and Olly or Belinda were there to encourage him and walk with him to the next stop.
I would encourage anyone to take on this adventure, it will physically challenge you as well as adjust your mind set when you experience the simple ways the local people live and how happy they are in their lifestyle.
Of course you will see the untamed beauty of Vanuatu at its finest and most beautiful. You will also experience the rugged beauty of the Marum volcano. But you will forge life long friendships and a bond to the people of Vanuatu that you will not experience on any other adventure.
THANKYOU Belinda and Olly for your expert knowledge of the islands and people. For your ability to organise us all, feed us, ensure our safety and give us a life time of wonderful memories.
”
- Melanie McAllum, Sept 2016
“ I'm a "glamper". I like my comforts and I particularly like my morning coffee....this was a trip way outside my comfort zone!! But the world is so large, and I've experienced such a small part of it that I felt I needed to push myself out of this zone. This trek was remote and intense AND one of the foremost experiences of my life. The experience of walking and paddling in an area COMPLETELY unspoiled by any tourists, was incredible. The food (lobster, parrot fish, mudcrabs, landcrabs, clams, sweet potato, some rice all caught and cooked by our porters or in the villages) was fantastic (we may have been hungry because of the hiking and paddling - but this is how food should be enjoyed). The porters and villagers were friendly and welcoming - I don't think they have seen many, if any, tourists. But the best part was getting to know my fellow hikers and having Olly and Belinda with us. They live and breath these treks and their experience and joy at our enjoyment, made this trip special - better than special...unique!!”
- Dr Frank Condon, Sept 2015
“ We are “Adventurers” not just tourists! This is how we felt during our amazing 10 day Vanuatu Trek. Olly and Billy took us far off the beaten track away from the tourists and we got to experience the “real” Vanuatu. It was incredibly rewarding setting up our tents at the end of each day knowing we had hiked or paddled our way to the secluded locations, and then were treated with fantastic sunsets as we enjoyed fresh produce from the ocean and village gardens. We did not go hungry! We did so much in the 10 days, it felt like we were away for weeks: jungle hiking, coastal walking, canoeing, fishing, snorkelling beautiful reefs, dolphin and dugong spotting, meeting the friendly local people, enjoying local string bands, dining on delicious local food and finally climbing to Marum Volcano and seeing the lava lake – a truly awesome end to the most wonderful holiday we have ever had! Thank you Olly and Billy for inspiring us to live life outside our comfort zone and thank you to our fellow trekkers for the fun times had.
Ing Nisbet….yearning for more adventures with Adventure Bound Tours!
”
- Ingrid Nisbet, Sept 2015
A deposit of $600 is required at the time of booking with full payment due 60 days prior to the departure date. If you fail to pay by this date you may lose your place on the specified trek and your deposit may be forfeited.
If you cancel your booking more than 90 days prior to departure your deposit will be refunded less a $100 administration fee.
If you cancel your booking between 30 and 90 days prior to your Trek you will forfeit your full deposit as stated on the website.
If you cancel 30 days or less prior to the departure date you will lose 50% of your booking fee but may in consultation, transfer your full fee to a subsequent expedition.
10/01/2020
How hard is the Kokoda Track anyway? Well, it is a challenge because of the weather and the mountainous terrain. But Kokoda is very achievable by most people. A determined attitude and a willingness to keep pushing on through muscle soreness helps!
04/01/2020
A common question asked when wanting to take on the challenge of the Kokoda Track, is when is the ideal time of year to trek? When you have committed to training and have spent the money to make your goal happen, you want to know that you will experience the best of Kokoda!
