Malo Island

Travel Guide

People in kayaks on a clear turquoise sea with a forested island in the background.
A clear turquoise lake surrounded by dense green forest.
A turquoise beach with dense green foliage in the background.
A clear turquoise lake surrounded by dense green foliage.
A mangrove forest with a boat in the foreground.
Snorkel around the colorful coral reef, explore the pristine beaches and learn about the culture in the island’s tiny villages.

Malo Island is a small idyllic piece of land that sprang from a volcano, with scenic views in every direction. Inhabited by two groups of indigenous peoples, the island has a fascinating history steeped in tradition. Wander around the island at your own pace to encounter its caves, beaches and small villages.

Enjoy the hot summer weather with a stroll along the beaches that form a perimeter around the island. November to April is the hottest period and also the wettest. With a circumference of just 34 miles (55 kilometers), Malo Island is among the smallest islets in the Vanuatu archipelago. Make it your own charming vacation getaway.

Sunbathe to enhance your tan and cool down with a refreshing swim in the ocean waters. Bring snorkeling gear with you to the island for a chance to spot the fascinating subaquatic life around the coral reefs. The water is clean, clear and warm.

Get a sense of the local village life with a trip to Avunatari on the northwestern part of the island. The setting is a serene contrast to the larger towns of Vanuatu, such as Luganville and Port Vila. Stay at one of the guesthouses and bungalows in this tranquil town.

Explore one of the island’s various tropical plantations, which are responsible for the production of copra, cocoa, vanilla and kava. Climb to Malo Peak, the island’s highest point.

Malo Island is about 2 miles (3 kilometers) south of Espiritu Santo, which is the largest part of the Vanuatu archipelago. Contact various resorts and tour operators to arrange the trip. Boats to the island depart from a small port 9 miles (15 kilometers) west of Luganville and the ride should take about half an hour.

With its spectacular scenery and intriguing history, Malo Island offers a vacation filled with serenity, leisure and culture.

The Espiritu

The Espiritu

3 out of 5
Rue de Luganville Luganville Espiritu Santo
The price is NT$4,292 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
NT$4,292
NT$4,935 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Luganville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Unity Park and Luganville Market ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (154 reviews)
"We absolutely love this place. Very well run, staff are awesome. Great base if you want to do things on Santo. Rooms tidy clean and everything worked. Small item in bathroom was repaired same day. And not terribly expensive."

Reviewed on 2026/8/24

The Espiritu
Beachfront Resort

Beachfront Resort

3 out of 5
Red Corner Luganville Espiritu Santo
The price is NT$3,485 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
NT$3,485
NT$4,008 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Luganville. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Luganville Market and Unity Park ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (116 reviews)
"The only problem was that the hot water was not enough for more than two people, and we were four. The staff was very kind and helpful, super nice people!"

Reviewed on 2026/8/5

Beachfront Resort
Ratua Private Island Resort

Ratua Private Island Resort

5 out of 5
Luganville Ratua Island Espiritu Santo
The price is NT$6,795 per night from Sep 12 to Sep 13
NT$6,795
NT$7,815 total
Sep 12 - Sep 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Ratua Island. Enjoy a full-service spa, a private beach, and a marina.
9/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
"Loved it, would definitely recommend it."

Reviewed on 2018/1/3

Ratua Private Island Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bombua Beach House

Bombua Beach House

3 out of 5
Canal Road Luganville Sanma Province
Book a stay at this beach villa in Luganville. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a free airport shuttle. Popular attractions SS President Coolidge and Santo ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"We had 4 amazing days in Bombua Beach Hotel and Restaurant in Espiritu Santo Island in Vanuatu. Our Garden View villa was beautiful, very well designed and appointed. We loved its comfort and cosiness, high quality modern furniture, very comfy king bed with lovely linens and speedy Starlink internet. ..."

Reviewed on 2026/7/4

Bombua Beach House
Aore Breeze

Aore Breeze

2.5 out of 5
Aore Point Aore Island
Book a stay at this beach cabin in Aore Island. Enjoy free breakfast, a private beach, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions SS President Coolidge ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"Rooms are excellent, host was great. Was a bit of a windy spot. Had a restaurant but not open for 1 room out of 4 occupied. I would come back."

Reviewed on 2026/8/21

Aore Breeze
Aoredise

Aoredise

3 out of 5
Lot 36 Forest Subdivision Aore Island Sanma
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Aore Island. Enjoy a private beach, free bicycles on site, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions ...
Aoredise
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.