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.
