Aneityum Island in Vanuatu
Aneityum is the southernmost inhabited island in the Vanuatu archipelago. As with all the major islands throughout Vanuatu , it's origins are volcanic and the landscape mountainous. Rich volcanic soils and a slightly more temperate climate encouraged the growth of magnificent stands of sandalwood trees.
Prized in the Orient for it's aroma, sandalwood traders ravaged the island in the previous century. It's population was also ravaged by disease and slaving (black birding) and today stands at around 550, down from an estimated 12,000 prior to Europeans arrival in 1793.
The island was the first centre of the Presbyterian church and the haunting remains of the once largest missionary church in the Southern Hemisphere now stand in ruins. Built by Rev. John Geddie, the first Presbyterian missionary to establish himself in Vanuatu, the stone church was designed to seat 1,000 people. During his mission the Reverend Geddie managed to convert around two thirds of the islands population (around 3,500 at that time).
The modern Aneityum has few buildings and no cars apart from the few vehicles of the kauri replanting forestry project. It is ideal for the keen bush walker, offering many well defined tracks and paths through vegetation that is quite different from the hotter and more humid northern islands. Over 80 species of magnificent, delicate orchids adorn the forest. Several waterfalls and hot springs can also be visited.
The island is surrounded by live coral reefs offering excellent snorkelling. Beautiful white sandy beaches stud the embayments, adding to it's natural charm.
The only airport is not on the island itself, but the much smaller nearby Inyeug Island. Vanair services the island twice weekly from Port Vila and Tanna.
Inyeug is periodically visited by several hundred tourists arriving on cruise ships, for it is the famous "Mystery Island" , reached by launch from cruise ships anchoring inside the magnificent turquoise waters between Inyeug and the mainland.
The only accommodation at Aneityum is on Mystery Island Guesthouse.
It is an exceptionally peaceful place to stay with two basic rooms and toilets outside. No meals are provided and food cannot be readily purchased so you need to provision in Tanna or Vila before arriving. Fresh water must be brought from Aneityum to Inyeug so anyone wishing to stay here must be well provisioned and must pre-book before coming.
However at nights the locals return to Aneityum leaving anyone with dreams of living on their own, private deserted island in a magnificent, pristine setting.
|