Epi is a peaceful island with beautiful
white sandy coves, many white and some black sand beaches, and
inshore reefs. The interior is the rugged terrain of recently
volcanic activity covered with lush rainforest. There are several
small lakes where you can fish and swim and may get a chance to
see wild birds, wild pigs and cows. The coastal area is very fertile
and covered with coconut plantations. The people live scattered
around the coast. Few vehicular roads exist. There are two airstrips
on the western coast, one at Valesdir to the south and the other
at Lamen Bay, to the north.
Valesdir is a plantation and in the 1920's colonial heydays,
it had its own currency. Rows of coconut palms stretch along
the road towards the plantations buildings. A plantation guest
house receives occasional visitors. From Valesdir, it is a 6
km walk to Imao lakes, known for their wild ducks. Namuka island,
an uninhabited islet off the southern shore of Epi offers white
sand beaches, clear water, coral and a fringing reef.
The 1.5 km long beach at Lamen Bay is considered to be Epi's
finest. There is plenty of shallow coral for spectacular snorkeling.
The beach is an unusual combination of black volcanic sands
to the south, then suddenly changing to white coral sands at
the northern end. The waters are safe and best of all, there
are resident dugongs. One male in particular has taken a liking
to people and is an exceptionally friendly, safe playmate even
for children (who can swim). He really loves people coming into
the water to interact swim and cavort with him. Being a completely
wild animal, he is free to come and go as he pleases and may
not be seen for a day or two at a time.
About 2 kilometres away by canoe is Lamen Island, a small but
beautiful island surrounded by white sand beaches. About 450
people live here and always delighted to show visitors their
traditions. The volcanoes on Ambrym and Lopevi Island can be
seen from the northern point of Epi. There is a hot spring accessible
on the northeastern tip. Epi has two submarine volcanoes close
to its shores, Mt. Nitaia, part of the collapsed Kuwai volcano,
3 km offshore, occasionally steams or bubbles up and Cape Kone,
also part of Kuwai, which is intermittently active. Throughout
Vanuatu, magic is believed to work best near active volcanoes,
consequently the Epi people are known for their ability to make
magic and invoke ancestral spirits. In the past magic was used
to harm their rivals. Nowadays young male islanders use love
magic to win the hearts of their favourite girls. Around Epi,
the waters are safe from sharks and locals swim freely everywhere.
It is an ideal place to come alone and enjoy the hospitality
of villagers, or bring a family of even very young children,
who will quickly become the centre of attention for the local
people. Epi offers basic, bungalow style accommodation at Paradise
Sunset Bungalows, only a few minutes walk from the beach side
airstrip, and at Epi Island Beach Guesthouse at Valestir.
