Malekula Getting there & around

Getting around

Roads run from Norsup to the other side of the ‘dog’s neck’ and around the north coast. One road heads down the east coast to Lamap. The roads are rough, rutted and ford many riverbeds, so in the wet season they are often closed. There are no roads in southern Malekula.

It costs 300/100Vt by taxi/minibus from Norsup airport into Lakatoro, but on weekends, there’s not many around. Boats often arrive at Litslits in the early evening, and a taxi then is also unlikely. If you haven’t arranged to be collected, try to hitch if you see a vehicle. Otherwise you may have to walk, which is not easy in the dark.

A truck (48594) operates along the east coast between Lakatoro and Lamap (1000Vt) on weekdays, leaving Lamap at 5am, then returning from Lakatoro at 1pm. On weekends you need to charter the truck (16,000Vt) but don’t baulk at the price. It’s a fabulous half-day journey along a stunning coastline, through rivers and lily ponds, past bays and forests and charming villages. You may see the local lads walking home with the wild pigs they’ve caught, slung across poles. Besides, you’ll be helping the locals, who’ll hop on your truck along the way.

Trucks run more frequently between Lakatoro and Veturah (200Vt), in the north opposite Vao.

Most public transport leaves Lakatoro from the MDC General Store.

Speedboats are the only form of transport in the south. All inhabited islands are linked to the mainland by either speedboats or canoes.