Millennium Cave

The best hike I have ever done, our tour guide John was knowledgeable, caring, and passionate about sharing local culture. Along the way he taught us a lot about the flora and fauna and how the local people make use of different plants. Be sure to wear shoes that can handle muddy and slippery paths, although John and other locals heading out for lobster hunting were barefoot! Definitely an adventure well worth the money. What we pay contribibutes directly to the local village, on our way back to town the driver told us the funds had helped build a local school.

Adventurous tour that shows you raw, untouched beauty - would highly recommend. Our guide was super helpful and genuinely cared for our safety, we were the only two on the tour which made for an unbelievable experience. The tour takes you to the village of the guides (an experience in itself), before hiking through the rainforest and incredible cave, canyoneering and swimming through untouched beauty. The tour itself was challenging, but well worth it if you’re feeling fit and adventurous. Not even our car getting bogged in mud for some time could dampen our experience. Also great to know your tourist dollars are supporting some great people and communities.

We had such an amazing time and felt so welcomed. I highly recommend asking lots of questions to find out more about the history and area. The guides were very considerate and helpful and coped really well with the large group size. Our favourite part was the boulder hopping and river floating. The refreshments when getting back were delicious and appreciated too. This is one of my favourite things I have done in Vanuatu, and the money you spend is going straight into their small community that has no road access. Tankyu tumas! Mi hop se mi save luk yufala bakegen.

Well worth the effort. Truly an exceptional experience like entering a Jurassic Park. I would highly recommend this to those who are relatively fit and sure footed. The guides are just the most informative and beautiful people you could wish for they are very warm and caring making you feel welcome in their wonderful jungle home. I doubt there's many places in the world like this, a must do epic journey. Thank you too much, John and the other guides.

Probably the best adventure of my life!!!! Spelunking, hiking, climbing, canyoning and river swimming all in one day. Our guide, John, was just amazing!

An excellent tour in an exceptionally beautiful and spectacular environment. We were picked up from our accommodation by the boss Michael, who drove us to Nambel, the first village. From there we walked to Vunasbev/Funaspef (about 30 mins), where more guides joined us in the Nakamal. There is a long-drop toilet there, sans toilet paper or hand washing facilities. The next part of the walk down to the cave is about 1 hour 45 mins, and is mostly easy walking on a jungle path, with a couple of down climbs. The guide showed us many native pland species and discussed their uses. At the cave entrance there are some rocks to clamber over to get into the cave, which is a large tunnel with a creek running through it, so you are walking/wading through the water from here onwards for the next part. The guides give out waterproof torches, so you can look at the swallows and bats in the cave (and also where you are stepping!). I reccommend requesting an opportunity for everyone to turn off their torches so you can appreciate the darkness inside the long cave! Our guides brought spear sticks and snorkel masks for hunting yabbies and eels in the water, and they caught a few while we were in the cave. It is great to watch then work although I'm sure a group of stomping tourists in tow greatly reduced the hunting success rate! At the exit from the cave we stopped for a bit; there is a pretty little waterfall and swimming hole there. Also a chance for a snack! After that we continued down river, alternating, floating/swiming in the river with climbing over and aroumd large rocks. This part was great fun! The final section back to Funaspef is a steep climb then a flat walk - a shortcut to complete the circuit. There is fruit and coffee at the Nakamal before the final walk back to Nambel where the car is waiting to take you back to Luganville. I took 3 L of water and my boyfriend took 1.2 L. We drank it all during the hike as it was quite hot. There is plenty of opportunity to fill up water from the river. We just took snacks but bringing lunch would be great too. I wore trail running shoes and my boyfriend went barefoot. The jungle paths are pleasent barefoot but the shoes were an advantage in the water where it was more difficult to see your footing (although the local guides all went barefoot in the river). Anything you take should be waterproof or protected (eg in a drybag). A bag which is comfortable and won't affect your balance too much when climbing (ie won't move around too much) would be best. The total tour is around 10 km in a loop. Our group took our time and enjoyed the sights and it took us around 6 hours I think, although the guides said that another group had done it in 3 hours rushing to get back to their cruise (not reccommended as you miss out on appreciating the beauty!).

This one of the best activities I have done on holiday. The scenery is amazing! It involves an hour and a half drive in a dual-cab ute(kids loved being in the back). Then a walk from one village to the next(30min). This was challenging due to the uneven, boggy and slippery track(In fact the whole trip is slippery as hell). Stop at the second village and drop any dry gear. Then treck through the jungle and down to the cave(80min). This ranges from flat easy stroll, to seriously steep with makeshift ladders. The cave has lots of clambering over boulders and fording water(30min). The exit of the cave is particularly pretty, you will want to take photos. Then there is more bouldering through the canyon(40min) Foothold, hand grips and ropes have been strategically placed. Also very picturesque. Then a swim through the second part of the canyon(40min). Floating on your back gazing up is recommended. Once through the canyon, its a very steep climb for a 100m or so(felt like 500), and a walk, back to the second village to collect your gear and have a break. Now, I point out that this would easily class as a level 5 hike, BUT the help of the guides makes it far easier than it would be solo. There was 17 in our group being looked after by about 8 guides(i was too busy keeping my footing to count with certainty). The fitness level of the group varied widely, but someone was always there when help was needed. Highly recommend this tour.

I had so much fun here! Especially canyon swimming part! Required to be physically fit tho. But definitely worth it!