This gem of an island is called Mystery Island but perhaps the 1.5-kilometer paradise could have been better named as Peaceful Island. On its fine sandy beaches you’ll find the kind of quiet you can only get from a place that is far, far away. It is tranquil, isolated and one of the most beautiful beaches in the South Pacific.
Officially, it is called Inyeug and is the southernmost island in Vanuatu. If you plan to escape to a paradise that is virtually people-free, this place is your best bet. It is untamed and untouched by any form of civilization – electricity, running water, roads, and telephones. Once in a while your peace can be shattered by cruising day trippers, but it is an occasional and welcome diversion that will only enhance your faraway escape.
Once you have scheduled a trip, this magical little spot in the South Pacific will be all yours. There are no resorts and no inhabitants because even the island’s traditional owners live on the island next door.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and water, although some seafood is available occasionally. Locals from other islands sometimes bring fresh catch for very little money. Basic supplies are flown in on the twice-weekly charter flights from Port Villa so you can make a list of things that you need for a longer stay. A reputable travel agent should be able to arrange this for you.
Snorkeling is beautiful in these parts. The hard corals are in vibrant tones of musk and mustard and the marine life is plentiful and exotic. Parrot and clown fish are common finds. However, what really excites divers are the neon pink and bright greens of the moon wrasse, which are plentiful in this area. Other aquatic sights include the rust orange and red Christmas tree worms that you will see gracefully gliding in and out of the coral and big brown sea slugs on the ocean floor that are the size of a child’s leg. Even without going too far off shore you can find a vast array of aquatic life. Crown-of-thorns starfish, which are pests all around the South Pacific Islands, are rarely found here which makes diving and snorkeling safer.
You can walk the circumference of the island in under one hour and then sit around and dangle a line for reef fish and even small spiny lobsters. You may be living in a basic beach hut, with water and food that you either bought or caught yourself, but many visitors say that this really hits the spot – beaches, after all, are not always about drinking and dancing.
While no one really lives on Mystery Island, some people from nearby islands sail over bringing food for sale as well as some artisan goods that you can buy as favors or mementos. Local handcrafted goods are also common and are unlike anything you can find at home. They are quite cheap and locals will even give you a better bargain if you buy in bulk.
Paradise doe exist and is accessible here on Mystery Island. Come and enjoy!
