Erromango is one of the most suitable islands for the keen bushwalker. There are a number of possible walking routes, depending on your available time and fitness. A walk across the island from Dillons Bay to Port Narvin and then on to Ipota along the coast is an ambitious journey. A more interesting and challenging treck is the one from Dillons Bay down south to South River and across to Ipota via the Kauri Reserve. You will have to find a guide for the latter.
Erromango is the largest island in TAFEA Province. Its highest point is Mount Santop, at 886 m. Its largest villages are Port Narvin (Potnarvin) and Dillons Bay (Upongkor). The former main village was Ipota. The total area of Erromango is 888 km².
Historically there have been four languages of Erromango, Sie, Sorung, Ura, and Utaha (Ifo), but Sorung and Utaha are now extinct, and there are very few speakers of Ura. They constitute the Erromango-language branch of South Vanuatu languages.
Dillons Bay is the main arrival point and a peaceful place where you can enjoy a lovely walk along the Williams River and take the chance to admire the few "sentawud" (sandalwood ) left of the once abundant species. Tours and guides can be arranged with the owner. Suvu Beach is a white-sand beach close to Dillons Bay where you can explore caves with hand drawings on the walls and other historical ruins. This area is only accessible with a guide and by canoe or speed boat.
Erromango today has only a few small villages along the coast. Upongkor village, eight kilometers south of Dillon’s Bay airstrip, has the island’s only guest house. The village is beautifully situated at the mouth of the Williams River facing Dillon’s Bay. Accommodation on Erromango is limited with only one bungalow and one guesthouse, called PWMU at Dillon’s Bay. The Meteson’s Guest House is currently being renovated (tel: 68677). Elsewhere, accommodation can be arranged in the village.
Dillon’s Bay or locally called “Upongkor” is the largest of Erromango’s villages. It has a few basic stores (that might be empty), telephones (that might not work), a water supply, generators and a medical dispensary.
Dillon’s Bay itself is picturesque and, if you’re lucky, you might see whales hanging about in the bay. Turtles and dolphins can also be seen around Erromango when traveling by boat. Locals may invite you to see a Kauri Reserve in the Dillon’s Bay area. It’s about three hours walk away and the kastom fee. The Dillon’s Bay airstrip is 9km by road from Upongkor.
Getting Here
Air Vanuatu has two flights a week to Erromango via Tanna. Check out the Air Vanuatu website for more details.
There are two airstrips on Erromango, one in the Northwest (Dillon’s Bay) and another in the Southeast (Ipota). There’s only one road on Erromango, from Upongkor to the Dillon’s Bay Airstrip, so most transport around Erromango is by speedboat or walking.
