Discover Lakatoro: Market, Culture and Cycling Route

Tours in the wider area also include Lakatoro in their itinerary.

Market and Cultural Heritage in Lakatoro

Locals trade and meet at Lakatoro Market. You’ll find fresh, locally grown produce there, which you can buy directly from the growers. The market therefore combines shopping with a glimpse into local exchange. Above the town, the Malampa Cultural Centre displays a collection of artefacts from the region. The market and the centre have different focuses: trade and socialising at the former, regional artefacts at the latter. If local everyday life and cultural heritage matter to you, both places offer their own connection to Lakatoro.

Cycling Route and Tours Around Lakatoro

The Dog’s Neck cycling route starts in Lakatoro on the east coast. It climbs gradually to about 200 metres and follows a gently undulating plateau through villages and gardens. This sets the cycling route apart from places to visit in town: it takes you through the landscape and several villages. For planning, you can use the route description and approximate elevation as a guide, and check current trail conditions before setting out.

The Dog’s Neck package offers a broader look at North Malekula. It includes a guided walk along the natural limestone cascades of the Losinwei River and a swim in natural bush pools. The following morning, the package includes a return cycle ride to Lakatoro. The Copra & Sightseeing Tour has a different focus: it is a half-day agricultural and cultural tour around Lakatoro and Norsup. If you’re planning the Dog’s Neck package or the Copra & Sightseeing Tour, check in advance whether they operate on your travel dates. The Copra tour is designed as a half-day trip; the return ride for the Dog’s Neck package is scheduled for the following morning.

Cultural Topics in Malampa Province

The wider destination of Malampa Province offers other cultural experiences. On Rano Mainland, a guided tour visits a sacred cannibalism site of the Amelbati tribe, the chiefs’ graves and an old ceremonial site known as a nasara. On Ambrym, the Rom Dance is a masked dance performed at spiritual and initiation ceremonies. These examples broaden the perspective beyond Lakatoro to include cultural sites and traditions elsewhere in the province.

Getting Your Bearings for Travel in the Region

Travel to the region can also be considered at the level of Malampa Province: the main islands are connected to Port Vila and Luganville by regular domestic flights. Norsup on Malekula is considered the main gateway to Malekula and is served by flights from Port Vila and Santo. Boats and cargo ships also travel between Port Vila, Santo and the islands of Malampa. Check flight and boat schedules for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Norsup, Veturah.

Return to the overview of the wider destination: Malampa Province.