Mele Cascades
Mele Cascades
4.5
About
Mele Cascades Waterfalls is one of Efate's most popular natural attractions. Only 20 minutes drive out of town, a visit can be completed in just over two hours. There are bathroom facilities available , sitting area, a small cafe and bar on site for purchase of food and drinks. The area is local owned and run by locals. Revenue generated help pay wages for local employees, maintenance and upkeep of the area,community development for surrounding villages and sponsorship of social activities, most especially soccer development programs for youth. Note: Efate is currently experiencing severe El Nino and the once picturesque attraction has very low water levels. This is also causing drastic water supply shortage to villages and its people. To close the business would mean loss of income for many.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
3,014 reviews
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43
Kia
3 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
A group of 7 of us visited the waterfalls today and we were pleasantly surprised by the waterfall! We paid $40 each to get in to both areas as we were a group however the normal price is $60 per person! The bottom area seemed alright however we didn't really spend much time there as we spent it up at the waterfall (probably not worth going just for the bottom pool bit) ! You can climb right up to the bottom of the waterfall however I would say you need to be quite physically agile to do so. I would say you would need around 2 hours there if you were wanting to walk to the waterfall and spend a bit of time there!
BE CAREFUL OF YOUR BELONGINGS!!
As we were up at the top and in the water unfortunately someone did go through our bags on the side and stole a phone from one bag and some cash from 2 other bags! We are not sure if this happens often however there were not that many people there today (approximately 5 other groups) so please just be aware!
I think there are lockers at the bottom pool area when you enter which in hindsight we should of obviously used so it would probably be good to do so if you visit.
BE CAREFUL OF YOUR BELONGINGS!!
As we were up at the top and in the water unfortunately someone did go through our bags on the side and stole a phone from one bag and some cash from 2 other bags! We are not sure if this happens often however there were not that many people there today (approximately 5 other groups) so please just be aware!
I think there are lockers at the bottom pool area when you enter which in hindsight we should of obviously used so it would probably be good to do so if you visit.
Written 3 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin S
Sydney, Australia130 contributions
Jan 2023
The falls were stunning because it was rainy season. The main fall is tall and powerful and there are a number of cascades downstream. The local community have built facilities by the lower cascade and you pay a fee to enter. This gives you access to toilets and changing rooms and there is also fresh fruit offered at no additional cost. There is a bar by a natural pool beneath one of the lower cascades and sun loungers are provided. You ascend to the main falls via a track and this takes about 10 minutes. You have to pay a second fee for this which is expensive but in view of the experience it was certainly worth it for us. You cross the stream twice. When you get to the top they have set up ropes in the cascades which enables you to climb them and walk through the rushing water. It is better if you have aqua shoes but many people do it barefoot. It is an exhilarating experience to approach the main fall in this way. There were not many people there when we went but they all found it to be a great experience. It was our favourite place in Efate.
Written 21 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ddflash
Sunshine Coast, Australia31 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We paid around $30 au per person to enter the cascade waterfalls which is expensive in comparison to other local tourist sites. There was no guide available for us but it was a straightforward walk up to the top before you get to the falls - which are stunning. Recommend wearing reef shoes as you walk across wet rocks in the last section and can hold onto a rope to get to the top.
Written 22 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TJfamily2014
Byron Bay, Australia167 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
My friends and I visited this undoubtedly beautiful spot and while I did enjoy our afternoon there the experience was soured by the knowledge of the Chinese ownership which appears to hold no value at all of this natural wonder accept as a money making venture. It is certainly expensive, I was more than happy to pay the 1500 Vatu to the local Mele village who maintain the bottom section and to whom, presumably, the land belongs. However the 2000 Vatu paid to access the top section where the main waterfalls are, feels exorbitant, and I am told that this money does not benefit the locals at all but goes directly to the Chinese company that now owns it. This is particularly distasteful as this company are apparently doing nothing to maintain the beautiful spot. There is rubbish all along the path and in some spots in the water. The safety ropes are largely washed away and the young men who collect your money appear to have no concern for the cascades upkeep. I wish I had gone to another of the islands beautiful waterfalls or cascades that are wholly locally owned.
Written 20 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurent
1 contribution
Oct 2022
The falls are nice but not anything you would not find in other countries. The entry fee of 2,500 VT (around $30 AUD or $20 USD) per person makes this not with it (a major tourist trap) and I would not recommend visitors wasting their time or money to go. The falls are foreign owned and you are not helping the local people by doing so.
Written 11 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wixters
Perth, Australia253 contributions
June 2024 • Couples
It is a fantastic location full of natural beauty, although at $65 and poorly maintained this is a bit of a rip off. You arrive at the cascades and pay an entry to the main pool, but if you want to trek uphill the 20/25 minute walk to the big waterfall, which is a must, it’s an extra to what you’ve just pain which is double. Be sure to wear suitable footwear as the walk includes many passings across the water
Written 25 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vanessa C
Escondido, CA23 contributions
Oct 2022
When we went we had the whole place to ourselves (minus 1 couple who were leaving as we were getting to the main waterfall), it was a fairly easy hike but make sure to wear water shoes because they will get wet. The cascades, waterfalls and greenery were all beautiful. The only disappointing thing was that the entrance price is very high and that was a bit of a turn off especially knowing that money does not go to the locals and goes to the Chinese who now own it. If you need a private driver for the day to take you to this and other sites around the island I recommend Austen Lolo, his English is great and is a very happy easy going guy, to reach him go to Facebook and search "Austen Lolo"
Written 25 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessie_192
Bateau Bay, Australia69 contributions
Sept 2022 • Family
Loved this experience. We took our 3 and 4yo with us. Our guide was amazing with all of us, walking with those of us in the group who were a bit anxious about slipping and creating some beautiful drawings on the stone, not to mention showing us the wildlife! He also took photos for each of us in the group once we got to the top.
Do take reef shoes as you’ll get wet but also helps with the slippery parts. Take your time and enjoy, it’s just beautiful.
Do take reef shoes as you’ll get wet but also helps with the slippery parts. Take your time and enjoy, it’s just beautiful.
Written 30 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela S
Sydney174 contributions
July 2022 • Family
We visited on 5 July, just a few days after the country opened back up after the pandemic.
The cascades are beautiful and the waterfall was awesome. Huge water flow. If you're going for the natural experience- to see the cascades and waterfall and swim in the water holes, you won't be disappointed.
However, the business appears to just have changed hands and the facilities are not ready for visitors. The toilets didn't flush, the lights didn't work, and the buildings around have graffiti and are falling apart. Chairs and items that survived the shut down are still piled up and not really usable.
The shelter up by the waterfall is in disrepair and the stairs to the waterfall are barely hanging on. The bridges are missing planks and paths are pretty overgrown. We did not venture up the waterfall via the rope line. The condition of everything else made us question the integrity of the rope line.
I imagine in about 3-6 months, once money starts flowing again, they'll be able to return it to better condition. However, if you go now, go to enjoy nature and set other expectations low.
The cascades are beautiful and the waterfall was awesome. Huge water flow. If you're going for the natural experience- to see the cascades and waterfall and swim in the water holes, you won't be disappointed.
However, the business appears to just have changed hands and the facilities are not ready for visitors. The toilets didn't flush, the lights didn't work, and the buildings around have graffiti and are falling apart. Chairs and items that survived the shut down are still piled up and not really usable.
The shelter up by the waterfall is in disrepair and the stairs to the waterfall are barely hanging on. The bridges are missing planks and paths are pretty overgrown. We did not venture up the waterfall via the rope line. The condition of everything else made us question the integrity of the rope line.
I imagine in about 3-6 months, once money starts flowing again, they'll be able to return it to better condition. However, if you go now, go to enjoy nature and set other expectations low.
Written 5 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bel A
Melbourne, Australia10 contributions
Feb 2023
This place has recently been purchased by Chinese owners, and all locals previously there have been removed. As a result, it is nothing like it once was.
The whole place and experienced has changed. It's not worth your money, and your money is not going to the local people. There are better places to visit in Vanuatu and better tours to do. Save your money. You will be disappointed.
The whole place and experienced has changed. It's not worth your money, and your money is not going to the local people. There are better places to visit in Vanuatu and better tours to do. Save your money. You will be disappointed.
Written 16 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, just wondering how you get to the cascades if you don’t intend on hiring a car? Thanks!
Written 24 May 2019
Hi, firstly, you have to visit the cascades! Wear sensible shoes.
Just flag down a bus and ask for Mele. It will cost 150vt per person one way.
There are plenty of busses going through this area so don’t worry about getting back either!
Don’t try to ask for how much it will cost as the drivers in my experience will charge extra. Just hand over the 150vt when you get out.
Hope this helps.
Written 24 May 2019
Would like to know if Mele Cascades would be suitable for a 3.5 year old boy. One tour operator advised us to go with Rarru Falls instead but Mele Cascades from what I've read sound amazing.
Written 23 October 2018
I would say it would depend on the time of year. We went after an extended drier period so the water level on the crossings were very low and it shouldn’t be too difficult. As one advisor suggested, take your time, but also stay close or even carry him for the more difficult parts of the walk/climb.
Written 23 October 2018
We will be in Villa on the 9th of August 2018 in a group of about 14 people.
I've read somewhere that the falls are drying up and the pools are no longer deep enough to jump into, (one of the highlights of the falls) can anyone tell me if this is correct?
We we were thinking of doing a paid tour but at over $100 AUS per person its too rich for us. We normally hire taxi's for the day from the wharf, then pay the $25 AUS per person for entry. Can you tell me if guides are still available to hire once we arrive and the Cost?
Cheers
Pete
Written 30 July 2018
Plenty of water and save your money on the guide. Not necessary. Buses way cheaper too.
Written 31 July 2018
if going to these waterfalls without a tour(guide) and catching a taxi to the waterfalls, are there available taxis waiting to take you back to port villa
Written 17 July 2018
Yes there are. If not, the tour guids available at the waterfall reception are easily able to get a taxi for you.
Written 18 July 2018
we have been to this lovely water fall a few times, it is a long hike up to the waterfall, but well worth it when u get to the top
Written 26 June 2018
Hi Ullakabulla
Thank you very much for your comment. as the government tax increase, plus the Maintain fee is getting really high for such a huge waterfall scenic spot, our entrance fee 2000VT is just enough to cover most of this cost, hope you can understand. We do offer extra tour guide service in the cascade, the cost is extra 1000VT, it include our tour guide to show you all the nice spots plus the culture, history and story telling and tropical fruit refreshment, drink. we are always try to deliver the best service lever of Vanuatu, and always want to transmit the most amazing traditional culture to all the guests from different countries. will also try our best to get our food quality better and better.
Hope see you again next time to see our improvement :) Wish you have a nice day:)
Kind regards
Evergreen Mele Cascade Staff
Written 24 June 2018
Hi GCChick
Thank you very much for your comment. as the government tax increase, please the Maintain fee is getting really high for such a huge waterfall scenic spot, our entrance fee 2000VT is just enough to cover most of this cost, hope you can understand. We do offer extra tour guide service in the cascade, the cost is extra 1000VT, it include our tour guide to show you all the nice spots plus the culture, history and story telling and tropical fruit refreshment, drink. we are always try to deliver the best service lever of Vanuatu, and always want to transmit the most amazing traditional culture to all the guests from different countries. will also try our best to get our food quality better and better.
Hope see you again next time to see our improvement :) Wish you have a nice day:)
Kind regards
Evergreen Mele Cascade Staff
Written 24 June 2018
Hi could you telll me where you got the bus from ? We are arriving on cruise and would like to do this
Written 6 May 2018
Hi there we caught it from our resort but there are buses everywhere. They’ll be waiting for you when you get off the ship. Enjoy 😀
Written 7 May 2018
Hi Jade,
Thank you for your time sending us your question
Yes we do have local prices for residents and its VUV1, 000 per adult and for foreigners VUV2, 000 per adult.
For further query regarding our transfers, full day and half day tours please feel free to call us on 23050 our friendly staff are happy to assist you planning your holiday here in Vanuatu.
Thank you tumas
Written 7 May 2018
Hi,
The tours to Mele Cascades may be a bit short for us. I'm wondering how much it would cost to take a bus or taxi from Port Vila.
Thanks,
Alicia
Written 10 March 2018
It cost us 300 vut per person. Dont worry about getting a taxi, there are plenty buses to and from.
Written 13 March 2018
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