20 Best Backpacker Hostels in Vanuatu

Yasur Backpackers Treehouses is one of Tanna's most extraordinary places to stay: a cluster of genuine treehouses perched in the jungle within view of the rumbling slopes of Mt Yasur, one of the world's most active volcanoes.

Choose from three treehouses or a mix of private and dorm bungalows, each offering a raw and deeply local experience that no resort can replicate. You'll fall asleep to the low roar of Yasur and wake to birdsong and jungle air.

Communal facilities include a shared shower and bathroom block (cold water only), and a communal kitchen. Breakfast is included in all stays, and there's a water shop on-site for drinking water.

Beyond the volcano, a full range of tours is on offer, from the Sulphur Bay hot springs and Imaio cultural village to the Nazareth Twin Waterfalls and the "Village Experience Tour", covering weaving, laplap-making and daily island life.

Worth noting: your stay goes toward funding the local school, and donations such as stationery are warmly welcomed.

Pandanus Guest House is a warmly run, family-style retreat on Malo Island where genuine hospitality, home-grown meals and charming natangura-roofed bungalows make for an unforgettable stay.

The hosts, Vuro, Vomalehi and Vomboe, dedicate themselves to offering the most hospitable stay possible, welcoming guests with locally made neck garlands upon arrival, while rooms are colourfully decorated with floral drapes on the walls and traditional natangura roofs; you can tell the place is made with love.

Two bungalows accommodate couples with double beds, while a third features a single bed perfect for solo travellers. In typical island bungalow form, the three bungalows share bathroom facilities in a separate unit.

Breakfast is included in your stay, featuring fresh bread and local fruit. Additional meals showcase delicious local cuisine with generous portions; lunch and dinner feature rice with island food, fresh meat and crisp salads grown in the property's own garden.

This unspoilt retreat offers the perfect base for exploring Malo Island's natural beauty, with the famous Malo Blue Hole just 3 km away providing an easy day trip for swimming and sightseeing.

Qweross Guest House is the closest accommodation to Litzlitz Wharf, and it's run with the kind of warm, genuine hospitality that makes you want to stay longer than planned.

This no-fuss guesthouse keeps things honest and comfortable, with shared facilities, fans to keep you cool and free Starlink WiFi that actually works even where local networks don't.

Room options cover a range of group sizes and budgets. The "Couples Room" sleeps two or three, with a double bed and an extra single. The "Family Room" fits up to five guests, with a double, single and bunk bed all in one space. For those happy to share, the dormitory sleeps up to seven across a mix of bunks and a single bed.

Breakfast options draw from the garden, and if you want to get out and explore, a 4WD ute rental is available directly through the guesthouse, making it easy to get around Malekula at your own pace.

Tanna Volcano View Tree House is one of Vanuatu's most unforgettable stays, perched directly opposite the entrance to Yasur Volcano on the island of Tanna, and yes, you can watch Mt Yasur's fiery glow through a transparent roof from your bed.

The real drawcard is the signature treehouse, made up of two rooms sharing the same structure. "Treehouse Room 1" sleeps up to four guests across three beds, while "Treehouse Room 2" sleeps up to five guests across four beds. Both come with mosquito nets, a shared bathroom, an outdoor shower and power outlets from 5 pm to 9 pm (you can charge devices in the restaurant anytime).

Prefer solid ground? The "Bungalow" sleeps up to three guests across a double and single bed, with mosquito nets, a power outlet and shared bathroom access included.

Hosts Robert and Lina run the property with genuine warmth, and breakfast is included with every stay. The on-site restaurant serves up hearty helpings of authentic local kai kai, and the team can organise volcano tours, excursions to the ash plains, waterfalls and Port Resolution, all directly from the property.

Nabelchel Bungalows offers a genuine home-away-from-home experience in a beautiful corner of Vanuatu, where warm hosts, private ensuite bungalows and a welcoming communal atmosphere make it a standout choice for solo travellers, pairs and small groups alike.

Your hosts, Hosea and Aurelie, welcome guests with genuine warmth and hospitality, going that extra mile to ensure a wonderful stay. The bungalows feature different bed configurations, with some offering three single beds and others providing a double bed with an additional single bed, making them suitable for various group sizes.

Each bungalow features private ensuite facilities with running water and electricity. Thoughtful touches include mosquito nets and a pedestal fan. The property boasts attractive extensive gardens, creating an atmosphere perfect for relaxation.

The communal facilities are a highlight, featuring a well-equipped shared kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals, alongside an undercover dining area with local carvings adorning the walls, providing a wonderful social space for meeting fellow travellers and locals here on business.

The combination of private accommodation with shared common areas strikes the perfect balance between privacy and community, making it an ideal choice for those seeking both comfort and the opportunity to connect with others exploring this beautiful corner of Vanuatu.

Birihia Sea Side Bungalows is a laid-back, eco-conscious retreat on Malo Island where guests are welcomed with salusalu (neck garlands) on arrival, reflecting the high standards this charming accommodation holds itself to.

Guests are welcomed with salusalu (neck garlands) on arrival, reflecting the high standards this charming accommodation holds itself to.

Choose from two bungalows: one sleeping up to three guests with a double and single bed, and another with just a double bed, or opt for the five-bed dormitory with shared bathroom facilities. All rooms feature mosquito screens on windows, while solar-powered lights illuminate the bungalows and a communal kitchen area is available for cooking and device charging.

Not that you'll want to cook with the organic farm-to-table dining experience showcasing whatever is grown in their garden, with breakfast, lunch and dinner available for affordable fees. This is also a very small on-site shop providing basic supplies like cooking oil.

The famous Malo Blue Hole sits just one kilometre away, accessible by boat, while the beach location offers decent snorkelling for guests who bring their own gear.

Lakatoro Palm Lodge is a laid-back, welcoming base in Lakatoro that suits both budget travellers and those after a little more privacy, with dorm beds and private bungalows on offer.

Accommodation options include a shared dormitory with seven beds and two private bungalows featuring one queen and one single bed with mosquito nets. The bungalows come with private ensuite bathroom facilities, while dormitory guests share common bathroom and kitchen areas.

Breakfast is included in your stay and features fresh local fruits and bread. For lunch and dinner, the hosts can prepare delicious island-style meals featuring beef, chicken, prawns and other local specialties for an additional cost.

Better yet, a unique experience available is joining your friendly host, Asunda, for cooking classes where you can either visit the local market together to select fresh ingredients or work with ingredients already on hand to make a traditional laplap or similar.

Free WiFi is available in the communal kitchen and hillside picnic area, providing a social space to connect with other travellers while staying online. Airport transfers can be arranged for your convenience, making arrival and departure hassle-free.

Bamboo Bungalows Lonnoc Beach keeps things refreshingly simple: good beds, a gorgeous beach and just enough amenities to make you comfortable without distracting you from the whole point of being here.

The compact rooms offer better quality beds compared to nearby bungalows and are situated close to the sandiest part of Lonnoc Beach.

Guests can choose between private room bookings or dormitory-style accommodation, with the flexibility to suit different travel styles and budgets.

Rooms have a choice of ensuite and shared bathroom facilities, with the ensuite open-air garden showers being a real highlight with their bamboo walls and lush tropical plants.

Each room includes an undercover deck and provides essential amenities, including kayaks and snorkelling gear for exploring the surrounding waters. While there's no on-site restaurant, nearby dining options are easily accessible, and guests can arrange laundry services for added convenience.

The laid-back atmosphere embraces a digital detox approach with no WiFi available, though Daniel occasionally provides mobile hotspot access when needed. With breakfast included in private room rates and competitive dormitory pricing, this bamboo retreat offers an uncomplicated base in a stunning beach setting in Santo.

Lonnoc Beach Lodge is a no-frills, barefoot-beautiful escape on the beach at Santo, where five bungalows, warm Pacific waters and proper island cooking make it easy to forget the rest of the world exists.

This locally run accommodation offers five comfortable bungalows where the ocean is only steps away from your door. The property features two larger family dormitories with partitioned rooms that can accommodate up to eight guests, along with three intimate bungalows perfect for couples or solo travellers.

Each bungalow includes beds with mosquito nets and a private bathroom with cold water (trust us, you'll prefer cooling off in the tropical climate). The turquoise waters out front are perfect for swimming, whilst the white sand beach invites you to simply relax and soak up the tropical atmosphere. Limited snorkelling gear is available for guests who want to explore the underwater world - it's best to bring your own.

The on-site restaurant operates with flexible hours based on guest needs, serving delicious island-style meals including local specialties like laplap, fresh fish dishes, and traditional sides like kumala chips.

Whether you're here to explore Santo's natural beauty or simply unwind and disconnect from the digital world, there's no WiFi here, Lonnoc Beach Lodge offers an authentic taste of Vanuatu.

An awesome place to stay, eat and mingle, Retreat Seaside is a top choice for backpackers.

This buzzing sports bar and accommodation achieves the perfect sweet spot between social vibes and genuine comfort. You'll find yourself choosing between budget rooms and mid-range hotel suites, all equipped with the essentials, including microwave, kettle, fridge, and toaster, so you can sort your own meals whenever hunger strikes.

Everything comes with free WiFi, and you're perfectly positioned just a 10-minute walk from town with the highly recommended Mangoes Resort Restaurant conveniently located up the road for dining options. Since there's no breakfast service, you'll receive a welcome pack upon arrival to get you sorted for your first morning, with staff happy to point you toward nearby breakfast spots.

The onsite swimming pool is a godsend after a day exploring, whilst the bar becomes the heart of the action during rugby and NRL seasons when the place gets absolutely jam-packed. Happy hour runs from 3 pm to 7 pm with drinks starting at great value and climbing slightly each hour, while Wednesday trivia nights consistently pack the house. Thursday brings pizza deals (buy one, get the second 50% off), Friday features cocktail specials, and the regular Tuesday night darts competition adds to the weekly rhythm.

The facilities extend beyond just accommodation, with a pool table, darts area, trampoline, and a fire pit for cooler evenings.

So if you're looking for the ultimate social centre and a proper sports bar atmosphere with drinks flowing and games on the screens, Retreat Seaside is your place.

For those travelling to Santo, you'll find backpacker-friendly accommodation at the Tropicana Motel & Backpackers.

On a quiet street in the heart of Luganville, the property provides convenient access to the island's tour and dive operators, with the local produce market, banks, post office, supermarkets and restaurants just a short walk away.

The accommodation features 32 rooms across two buildings, offering a variety of options including single rooms, private double rooms with ensuite bathrooms, and shared dorm beds to help keep costs extra low. Rooms are equipped with pedestal fans, though guests should note that water is cold only (not that it matters in the tropical heat).

Practical amenities include complimentary WiFi (with the strongest signal near reception), two communal kitchens allowing guests to prepare their own meals, and full laundry service. For getting around the island, the property offers airport transfers and car rental with a manual ute/pick-up truck available.

The accommodation caters well to independent travellers and backpackers seeking affordable, no-frills accommodation with essential services in a convenient central location.

Walking distance from town and encompassing a cute swimming pool with lush gardens, Travellers Motel offers a cosy retreat for backpackers.

Choose from eight private rooms or the backpacker-friendly dormitory with six bottom bunks, all with access to the fully equipped shared kitchen, where you can self-cater and prepare your own meals in between exploring Port Vila.

After a hot day of adventure, cool down in the small but beautiful pool, which serves as the perfect centrepiece for relaxation. Additional conveniences include free WiFi throughout the property, laundry service, and airport transfers to help make your stay as comfortable as possible.

The strategic location puts you just a 5-7 minute walk from the waterfront and close to town, with a gym, cafe and sporting facilities directly opposite the property. You're perfectly positioned to explore Port Vila's attractions while enjoying a peaceful atmosphere for unwinding, with the added security of an on-site caretaker available 24/7.

Situated on Santo with views overlooking Aore Island, Indigenous Motel is a modern locally run accommodation with a backpacker dorm room just a five to 10-minute walk from Luganville town centre.

This renovated two-storey property offers 14 well-appointed rooms ranging from dormitory-style accommodation to fully self-contained family suites.

All rooms come fully furnished with air conditioning (except basic single rooms), and many feature private bathrooms, coffee tables and mini bars. The property provides complimentary WiFi throughout, on-site laundry services, and free parking at the rear of the building.

The welcoming atmosphere and the refreshing cool breezes that flow through the property are particularly enjoyable from the upstairs balcony areas, while the motel's peaceful location offers a quiet retreat. What's more, the friendly staff are always on hand to assist with any requests.

Sitting on some prime real estate close to Port Vila, no wonder Bluepango Motel is a highlight for backpackers.

This backpackers/motel sits in an absolutely prime coastal spot, and we love how it strikes the perfect balance between hostel vibes and guesthouse comfort. You'll find yourself in lovely garden surroundings with internet access during daytime hours and complimentary parking thrown in.

Each room is self-contained with its own cooking facilities, giving you the freedom to whip up your own creations. The setup works perfectly for travellers who appreciate having their own space, while the dormitory option accommodates up to eight people, making it ideal for groups or solo travellers wanting to meet others.

There's a good snorkelling area right nearby, but bring your own gear. Just note that when it comes to taking a shower, hot water isn't available between 3 pm and 7 pm, which is pretty normal for budget accommodations across Vanuatu.

The no-nonsense approach here is what makes it such a brilliant base for travellers who aren't fussed about bells and whistles but want a comfortable, well-located spot to rest between adventures.

Lapita Lodge offers an eclectic mix of accommodation options with 16 distinctly different rooms spread across various configurations, including three-bed dormitories.

The property features three spacious apartments, each containing three rooms that can accommodate up to seven people, complete with full kitchens, laundry facilities, hot water showers and WiFi throughout.

For those seeking more intimate stays, three self-contained units provide smaller kitchens, separate bedrooms with bunk beds and all the essential amenities. The property also offers dormitory-style accommodation with three beds for travellers looking for a more social (and affordable) experience.

The "Lapita" brand, inspired by the pottery of Vanuatu's ancestors, is perhaps more famous in Vanuatu for its locally-made goods, including reef-safe sunscreen crafted from natural ingredients like coconut oil, tamanu oil and nangai oil, as well as banana chips, nuts, chutneys and various local delicacies that guests can purchase on-site.

Escape to the verdant gardens of Malekula where Anata Travellers Inn offers four bunk rooms that you can either hire per bed or per room.

Each room features four beds, thoughtfully split between single beds and bunkbeds, while couples can enjoy a private room with a double bed.

The property boasts a beautiful garden setting and provides all the essential amenities, including power in every room and a fully equipped communal kitchen for self-catering.

While breakfast isn't included in your stay, you can prepare your own meals in the open air dining and kitchen area or order breakfast, lunch or dinner for an additional fee.

French- and Bislama-speaking owner Veronique creates a welcoming atmosphere for international guests. While airport transfers aren't provided, the guesthouse is only a few minutes away from Norsup Airport, so taxis are affordable.

A dorm room that feels truly Ni-Van, Tautu Garden Lodge's dorm is a worthy choice when looking for a place to stay in Malekula.

The property features 16 rooms spread across several buildings in various configurations, from single and twin rooms to bunk bed arrangements, most with shared bathroom facilities.

For those seeking more privacy, self-contained units come complete with double beds, ensuite bathrooms with showers, small kitchens and an additional toilet. Each guesthouse area has its own kitchen facilities, ensuring guests won't feel crowded when preparing their own meals.

All rooms include power outlets for charging devices and complimentary WiFi access. Breakfast is included with your stay, while additional meals are available for a reasonable fee.

The lodge maintains quiet hours after 9 pm and asks guests to avoid feeding the friendly dogs inside the lodge area.

Another worthy option in the capital, The Tree House brings the fun with its "themed" rooms and excellent prices.

This vibrant flashpacker haven is your perfect island home away from home, where comfort meets community in the most delightful way. You'll love how this place brings together travellers who crave both adventure and genuine connections.

The accommodation options here are brilliant. Whether you're bunking down in the "Checkmate Bunkhouse" with fellow adventurers or treating yourself to a private "Knight Room" with a luxurious king bed, every space feels bright, clean and welcoming. The cosy "Rook Room" with its double bed is another gem we're particularly fond of.

But honestly, it's what happens beyond your room that makes this place truly special. The café serves up tasty bites that'll fuel your island adventures, while the bar becomes the heart of the social scene with great music and cold drinks flowing.

In the communal areas, you can challenge fellow travellers to a game of chess, throw some darts, lose yourself in a good book whilst swinging in the hammock, or cool off with a dip in the pool.

Established in 1985 by locals Kalmer and Louisa, this property features eight traditional bungalows plus a dormitory option, all set within lush gardens rolling onto the waterfront. The accommodation provides a comfortable base with breakfast included, though WiFi is not available. Not that you'll need it, as there's plenty to do, such as joining guided garden tours to see taro, banana, various cabbages, tomatoes, and capsicum growing, with the restaurant collecting produce directly from these plots for their daily menu.

Adventure seekers can explore the coastline with complimentary kayaks or join guided canoeing excursions that include snorkelling stops. For those wanting to venture further, three-hour guided boat tours take visitors to nearby islands where they can land and explore. Snorkelling gear is also available for rent.

The on-site restaurant operates all day, every day, serving dishes like coconut-battered fish and chips, local beef curry, chicken noodle stir fry, and traditional laplap. Day visitors are welcome to dine and can also rent kayaks to explore the area.

Additional facilities include a conference room for meetings or events and a gift shop. With its combination of comfortable local-style accommodation, fresh dining, and various water-based activities, this retreat provides an authentic Santo experience.

Ifainia Homestay in Lenakel, is as local as it gets: a spotlessly clean, colourful homestay that puts you right in the heart of everyday Tanna life.

With four rooms in total, there's a good spread of options. The "Family Room" is made up of two connected rooms, the first with a queen-size bed and the second with a single bed, plus a private patio with tables for dining or relaxing.

Two standard rooms each come with a bunk bed and a single bed, all fitted with mosquito nets. For those after a little more seclusion, there's also an additional outside hut available.

Rooms are bright, tiled and well kept, with window screens keeping things breezy in lieu of air conditioning. The bathroom is shared, with a cold-water shower (hot water is handled the local way: kettle, bucket, done).

There are no meals provided, but a fully equipped communal kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, electric kettle and utensils means you're well set up to cook for yourself. A sala lounge area with a sofa set rounds things out nicely.