Rushing River Lodge

Vanliamit, South-west Pentecost

Most of the people who land at Lonorore Airport jump on a truck and rattle northwards or southwards along the island's coast. However, for lovers of nature and wild places there is an alternative: follow the nearby river up into the island's cool, green interior. From Vanandmwa, where the vehicle road ends at an inky blue pool, a walking track winds up the valley past gorges, cascades, ferns, wildflowers, and gigantic trees to the mountain hamlet of Vanliamit, where Chief Willie extends a warm welcome to visitors at the Rushing River Lodge.

These mountains have a beauty different from the rest of Pentecost. Instead of salt-drenched shorelines and strings of little villages, there is the sparkling rush of the river, which flows past the Lodge as it tumbles down through white rapids and blue swimming pools. Surrounding the valley are mist-topped ridges, and the immense greenery of the forest.

The comfortable little Lodge, constructed and nicely furnished using local timber and bamboo, consists of a double bedroom and a 2-bed twin room. Meals are provided, which may include local fruit and vegetables, bread baked on a wood fire, and fish and prawns fresh from the river.

Tours and activities include

• Treks to the nearby Diamond Waterfall
• Nature treks to marvel at giant trees and learn about the traditional uses of the plants that grown in the forest
• Historical treks to learn about the area's history while visiting sites that were sacred to the islanders' ancestors
• Mountain climbing, for those who are fit and adventurous, up nearby Mount Ulmwo ("The Broken Mountain") and Mount Msunsek ("The Kingfisher's Beak")
• Fishing for freshwater fish and prawns in the local river

Getting there

It's a short truck ride or an easy 2 km walk from Lonorore Airport to Vanandmwa, from which it is a beautiful hour's walk up the valley to the Lodge. Though the walking track is not difficult by Pentecost standards, reasonable fitness (and footwear suitable for crossing rivers) is required.

Transport by truck is also available from Vanandmwa to other Pentecost attractions, including the Waterfall Falls, the hot springs at Hotwata, and land-diving sites (during the April-June season).

Price

Accommodation at the Lodge costs 2500 vatu per person per night including all meals. A truck from Lonorore Airport to the start of the walking track leading to the Lodge costs 1000 vatu. Additional fees may apply for tours and activities.

Contact

To arrange a trip to the Lodge, contact David on (+678) 5459145.

More information about Pentecost Island

Web site by Andrew Gray