Lifou
From its former name, Drehu, Lifou is the most far flung island in the archipelago with a surface area of 1,150 sq km (larger than Martinique). Off the beaten tracks and quiet, it is the capital of the Loyalty islands and a twin city to Rifou (a small village in the Japanese region of Sendai). 10,000 inhabitants live on the island divided into three tribal districts: Wetr, Lossi and Gaitcha. Located on the shores of the Chateaubriand Bay, the village of Wé is the main administrative and commercial centre of Lifou.
Whether one approaches Lifou from the pretty "Santal" Bay (Sandalwood Bay) which opens out to the west, or from the Chateaubriand Bay to the east, Lifou is a coral island where wild or terraced cliffs plunge into the emerald sea, alternating with long white sandy beaches. In the Bay of Chateaubriand is the coral outcrop of We, the largest in the archipelago.
South : a coast studded with caves, followed by the Bay of Wanda and its marine turtle park. To the west: Sandalwood Bay, named after the early sandalwood merchants. In the north, Doking, the most spectacular site of Lifou where a tribe lives on the side of a 40 m high cliff overhanging extremely beautiful sea bed of coral with exceptionally clear water. During their annual migrations (from August to September) it is along these cliffs that whales come to scratch off their back the many small shells that have accumulated on their skin.
The best way to discover the local nature and culture is with a local guide, who will lead you along hidden paths and reveal the attractions and legends that are part of Lifou. Excursions (island tours) are also organised in a minibus, departing from Drehu Village and other properties.
Sights & excursions not to be missed in the district of Wetr :
- Doking Cliffs: 40m high cliffs overhanging beautiful coral sea beds, teeming with a multitude of fishes. In winter (August-September), you may catch sight of whales.
- Mucaweng vanilla plant: A warm welcome awaits you at this magical spot in the forest.
- The Devil's Cave at Tingeting: Guided visit.
- The Nathalo Tribal Chief's Hut: 3 km from Wanaham airport (forbidden to enter the Chief's hut without advance authorisation from local authorities).
- Easo Tribal land: Development of huts to host visitors from cruise ships.
- Jinek Bay: Location for diving and snorkeling.
- The Chapel "Notre Dame of Lourdes", at Easo: The landing spot of the Catholic missionaries who built this chapel in 1898.
- The view over "Santal Bay": Extends over 50 km. The whalers set up a whale oil extracting station here (1860-1870).
- Chateaubriand Bay: Immense white sandy beach. Name given by the navigator Dumont d'Urville in 1827.
In the District of Gaitcha:
- Church and Temple of Qanono: On an ancient battlefield where the Lossi and Wet tribes fought, Brother Fao founded the first Christian mission in Lifou. His grave is near the Qanono Church with the two crenellated towers.
- Quajo caves in Qanono: Guided walk.
- Exhibition centre and local crafts shop: Craft industry (basketry and pareos) at the women's community centre situated in the town hall courtyard at Wé. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 3 pm.
- Peng: Near Hapetra Tribe on the way from Wé to Dueulu.
Uninhabited wild, white sandy beach with inlets and caves.
In the District of Lossi
- Studio of local sculpture in Dozip: Shop, studio and exhibition of sculptor Dick Ukewed.
- Luengoni Bay: Without a doubt, the most beautiful white sand beach on the island with its coral head rising up from deep blue waters.
- The "Jewels of Luengoni" cave: Guided tour by Noël Pia (it is compulsory to have a local guide).
- The Cliffs of Xodre: To be found on the tribal land in the southern district of Lossi.
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