Epi is one of the constituent islands of the small island nation of Vanuatu in South Pacific Ocean. The island, earlier known as Tasiko or Volcano Island, is located to the north of the Shepherd Islands in the Shefa Province. The area of Epi is 444 square kilometres and measures 43 km long from northwest to southeast and 18 km wide. Epi has a total coastline of 130 km. Population of Epi is little over three thousand.

A number of languages are spoken in Epi, including Bieria in the south, Baki in the west, Bierebo in the northwest, Maii in the southwest, Lamenu in the northwest and Lewo in the east.

About Vanuatu:

Republic of Vanuatu is a small island nation located in Melanesia in South Pacific Ocean. It is an archipelago of volcanic origin situated about 1,750 km east of Australia and about 500 km northeast to New Caledonia. National capital is Port Villa.

Geography:

Epi is mainly a volcanic island and its highest point of elevation is Mount Pomare (833 metres), a quaternary volcano. Lopévi and East Epi are the other volcanoes in the island. To the northwest of Epi lies the sandy beach of Lamen Bay and the small Lamen island. The bay features a few coral reefs. In the west, there is Cape Forland while Valesdir lies in the southeast and Drummond Bay in the northeast. The uninhabited islet of Namuka lies to the south. Black sand beaches and small freshwater lakes are also found in Epi island.

Reaching Epi:

By air:
Lamen Bay Airport in the northwest and Valesdir Airport in the southwest serve as the entry point to Epi. Air Vanuatu flights connect these two airports. Lamen Bay is connected with Craig Cove, Ambrym while flights for Tongao and Emae in the Shepherds Islands are available from Valesdir.

By water:
Epi is also accessible by ship. L/C Brisk links Epi with Lamen Bay, Ambrym, Pentecost, Ambae and Santo on Monday nights while L/C Tina-1 sails from Santo to Vila. M/V Saratoka, operates between Epi, Paama and southeast Ambrym. Island hopping between Epi and Ambrym islands by ship is a popular tourist activity here. Epi is well connected with Port Vila, the capital city of Vanuatu located in Efate island.

Domestic Transport:

Epi has very little road transportation facilities. There is no regular public transport barring about half a dozen trucks. For travelling on trucks also one has to either wait or make prior booking. Walking is the next best mode of transportation.

Economy:

Epi’s economy is primarily based on agriculture. The western and northeastern coastal areas of the islands are dotted with extensive coconut plantations. Peanuts and kavas are also grown here. Fishing and tourism are also important pillars of tourism in Epi. A lot of people from Epi, particularly from Lamen Bay also gain financially from the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme in New Zealand, whereby horticultural businessmen from New Zealand seek seasonal labours from several Pacific Islands for a period of seven months.

Activities at Epi Island:

• Swimming with Bondas, the friendly dugong at Lamen Bay
• Enjoy the colourful sunset at Lamen Bay. The blinding colour of the sky is simply breathtaking
• Surfing at northeast Epi
• Snorkelling at Nikaura’s Marine Protected Area
• Simply strolling around the island

Epi Island Accommodation:

Lamen Bay has the best accommodation facilities in Epi. One can also find accommodation in Valesdir and Nikaura.

• Burumba Youth Guesthouse in west Epi
• Epi Paradise Sunset Bungalows at Lamen Bay

• Nikaura Sunrise Bungalow in east Epi