The best hotels in Luganville
Luganville sounds small, but with 8,000+ places to stay across Santo's coastline, jungle outskirts, and surrounding islands, picking wrong is easy. We reviewed the standouts. these 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Luganville
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Deco Stop Lodge
Town Centre, Luganville
Free cancellation & Pay later
Unity Park Motel
Unity Park, Luganville
Free cancellation & Pay later
Beachfront Hotel Santo
East Coastline, Luganville
Free cancellation & Pay later
Coral Quays Resort
Aore Island, Aore Island
Free cancellation & Pay later
Bokissa Eco Island Resort
Bokissa Island, Bokissa Island
Free cancellation & Pay later
Santo Sunrise Bungalows
Northern Outskirts, Luganville
Free cancellation & Pay later
Natangura Palm Bungalows
Matevulu Blue Hole Area, Matevulu
Free cancellation & Pay later
Moyyan House
Seafront Road, Luganville
Free cancellation & Pay later
Million Dollar Point Lodge
Palikulo Bay, Palikulo
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deco Stop Lodge | Town Centre, Luganville | $55–85/night | 7.6/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Unity Park Motel | Unity Park, Luganville | $70–99/night | 7.2/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | Espiritu Hotel | Seafront, Luganville | $110–160/night | 8.1/10 | Best Location |
| 4 | Beachfront Hotel Santo | East Coastline, Luganville | $120–175/night | 8.3/10 | Most Popular |
| 5 | Coral Quays Resort | Aore Island, Aore Island | $130–190/night | 8.5/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 6 | Bokissa Eco Island Resort | Bokissa Island, Bokissa Island | $150–210/night | 8.7/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 7 | Santo Sunrise Bungalows | Northern Outskirts, Luganville | $160–220/night | 8/10 | Family Friendly |
| 8 | Natangura Palm Bungalows | Matevulu Blue Hole Area, Matevulu | $180–240/night | 8.9/10 | Top Rated |
| 9 | Moyyan House | Seafront Road, Luganville | $260–340/night | 9/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | Million Dollar Point Lodge | Palikulo Bay, Palikulo | $290–420/night | 9.2/10 | Top Rated |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Deco Stop Lodge
Deco Stop is one of the most established budget options in Luganville, sitting close to the main street and market area. Rooms are simple and functional, with basic air conditioning and private bathrooms. The dive shop on-site is a genuine bonus if you're here for the SS President Coolidge wreck. Staff are helpful and know the local area well. A solid base for divers on a budget.
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Unity Park Motel
Unity Park Motel sits near the Unity Park waterfront area, giving easy access to the seafront and the main commercial strip. Rooms are clean and no-frills, with fans and basic amenities keeping costs low. The on-site restaurant serves decent local food at reasonable prices. It gets noise from the road during the day but quiets down at night. Good value for travellers passing through Santo.
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Espiritu Hotel
Espiritu Hotel occupies a prime waterfront position along Luganville's main seafront road, with direct views across the channel to Aore Island. The rooms are well maintained and comfortable, with a noticeable step up in quality from budget options in town. The swimming pool is a welcome feature given the tropical heat. Breakfast is included and served on the terrace overlooking the water. A reliable mid-range pick in a town that does not have many of them.
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Beachfront Hotel Santo
This property sits along the eastern coastal road out of Luganville, offering genuine beachfront access that is rare this close to town. Bungalow-style rooms are spacious and kept in good condition, each with a private veranda facing the water. The reef is accessible directly from the shoreline, making it a favourite with snorkellers. Staff organise transfers into town and to dive sites without fuss. Rates are fair for what you get.
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Coral Quays Resort
Coral Quays sits on Aore Island directly across the channel from Luganville, reachable by a short boat transfer that the resort arranges. The setting is genuinely peaceful, with overwater bungalows and garden units spread across a well-kept property. Snorkelling off the jetty is excellent and the water is clear year-round. Meals are served on-site and the cook does well with fresh local seafood. It feels far more remote than it actually is.
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Bokissa Eco Island Resort
Bokissa is a private island resort about 20 minutes by boat from Luganville, and it genuinely delivers on the remote island experience. Bungalows are traditional in style but well equipped, with mosquito nets, outdoor bathrooms, and sea breezes doing the cooling. The house reef is in excellent shape and the diving nearby is world class. Meals are included in the rate and are surprisingly good given the island's isolation. One of the more memorable places to stay in all of Vanuatu.
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Santo Sunrise Bungalows
Santo Sunrise sits on the northern edge of Luganville, about a ten-minute drive from the town centre along the coastal road. The bungalows are well spaced on a leafy property, giving families room to spread out. There is a pool, a children's play area, and staff who are genuinely accommodating with kids. The drive to dive sites and Blue Holes is straightforward from here. A practical choice for families wanting space without paying luxury prices.
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Natangura Palm Bungalows
Natangura Palm sits in the Matevulu area inland from Luganville, within easy reach of the famous Matevulu Blue Hole. The bungalows are built in traditional Ni-Vanuatu style using local materials, and they are genuinely comfortable inside. The surrounding jungle and river setting make it one of the more atmospheric places to stay on Santo. The owners are local and provide excellent guidance on exploring the interior of the island. Guests consistently rate this among the best experiences on Espiritu Santo.
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Moyyan House
Moyyan House is a boutique property on Luganville's seafront road, offering a level of finish and personal service that stands well above everything else in town. The rooms are large, stylishly decorated, and equipped with quality linen and air conditioning. The private pool and manicured garden overlook the channel, and the view at sunset is exceptional. Breakfast is made to order and the hosts are attentive without being intrusive. For travellers who want genuine comfort in Santo, this is the clear choice.
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Million Dollar Point Lodge
Situated at Palikulo Bay near the famous Million Dollar Point dive site, this lodge caters primarily to serious divers and well-heeled travellers looking for an exclusive base on Santo. The lodge has only a handful of guest villas, each with private outdoor space and direct bay views. Dive packages are tailored and the in-house guide knows these waters extremely well. Food is a genuine highlight, with multi-course dinners using fresh local produce and seafood. Expensive by Vanuatu standards but worth it for the combination of diving, comfort, and privacy.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Luganville
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Luganville's Seafront vs East Coastline: which side is right for you?
The Seafront strip along Rue de Paris and the waterfront road is walkable, central, and has the best café options in town. Espiritu Hotel sits here at $110-160/night. you're 5 minutes from the market, 10 minutes from the main dive wharf, and everything is flat. It's the obvious base if you want to move on foot.
The East Coastline is quieter and more resort-like. Beachfront Hotel Santo is out here, about 10 minutes by car from the Town Centre, with proper sand and calmer water than the town harbour. You'll need a scooter or taxi to get around, but for beach mornings and evening sundowners, it's worth it. Don't expect nightlife. there isn't any.
The island resorts near Luganville: worth the boat ride?
Aore Island is 5 minutes by boat from Luganville Wharf and feels a world away. Coral Quays Resort there is genuinely calm. over-water bungalows, clear water, and none of the road noise from Main Street. At $130-190/night, it's not cheap, but you're getting genuine seclusion without a long transfer.
Bokissa Island is the more remote option, about 20 minutes from the wharf. Bokissa Eco Island Resort earns its 8.7 rating, and it's small enough that staff actually know your name by day two. Best for couples or divers who want a base away from everything. Pack reef shoes. the shore entry here is coral.
Luganville for divers: which hotel puts you closest to the action?
The SS President Coolidge is one of the world's great accessible wrecks, sitting in 21-67 metres of water off the northeast end of Luganville. Million Dollar Point Lodge in Palikulo Bay is the closest hotel, literally next to the WWII artefact field. At $290-420/night it's a serious spend, but for dedicated divers doing multiple dives daily, the logistics alone justify it.
Budget-conscious divers should look at Deco Stop Lodge in the Town Centre. it's one of the oldest dive-friendly guesthouses on Santo, and dive operators pick up from the front gate. The lodge is named for a reason. Gear storage, early breakfast, and no-fuss check-out are all standard here.
Staying near Matevulu Blue Hole: what you need to know
The Matevulu Blue Hole is about 25 minutes drive north of Luganville Town Centre, and the road is unpaved for the last stretch. Natangura Palm Bungalows are the closest accommodation, right in the Matevulu area, rated 8.9 and priced at $180-240/night. You're paying for proximity to one of Vanuatu's most beautiful natural swim spots, not hotel facilities.
Don't base yourself here if Santo dive sites are your priority. The drive back to the Coolidge entry point takes 35-40 minutes. But if jungle, blue holes, and hammock time are the agenda, it's the best location on the island by some distance.
Luganville on a budget: where to stay under $100/night
Two of our 10 picks come in under $100. Deco Stop Lodge in the Town Centre ($55-85/night) is the floor, and it's a legitimate option, not a compromise. It's on the main road, 8 minutes walk from the Luganville Market, and the dive community here is social and friendly. Unity Park Motel ($70-99/night) sits next to the park itself and is slightly quieter.
At this price point, don't expect resort-style breakfast or pools. Eat at the Luganville Market instead. fresh fruit, local bread, and cooked food for under $5. That's how you make the budget work on Santo.
Luxury in Luganville: is it actually worth the money?
Moyyan House on Seafront Road is the closest thing Luganville has to a boutique luxury property. At $260-340/night and rated 9.0, it's not pretending to be a Maldives resort. What you get is genuine personal service, a quality kitchen, and a Seafront Road address that puts you 6 minutes walk from the best restaurants in town.
Million Dollar Point Lodge in Palikulo Bay pushes to $290-420/night and earns a 9.2 rating. It's not for everyone. Palikulo is 12 minutes east of town, and the surroundings are remote by design. But the dive access is unmatched, and if you're spending $400/night you should be getting something genuinely special. Here, you are.
Luganville's best neighborhoods
Luganville is compact but deceptive. Prioritize the Seafront strip and East Coastline first. that's where the water access, dive shops, and sunset views are. Everything else is a backup plan.
Luganville Town Centre & Seafront 3 vetted hotels Central, walkable, and right on the main dive circuit.
Central, walkable, and right on the main dive circuit.
This is where most travelers should start. The Seafront strip runs along the waterfront from the Container Wharf east toward the market, and the Town Centre fans out along Main Street and its side roads. Everything is flat, distances are short, and you're never far from food, transport, or a dive operator.
Espiritu Hotel on the Seafront is the area's standout, with a solid 8.1 rating and the best location badge of any town hotel. Deco Stop Lodge and Unity Park Motel cover the budget end well. Combined, these three give you a $55-160/night range without leaving the central zone.
Avoid the block directly behind the Container Wharf on Channel Road. it's functional but grim, with heavy truck traffic from 6am. Stick to properties east of the main roundabout near the Luganville Market.
East Coastline & Palikulo Bay 2 vetted hotels Beach access, WWII history, and serious dive territory.
Beach access, WWII history, and serious dive territory.
The East Coastline starts about 8 minutes drive from the Town Centre roundabout and runs toward Palikulo Bay. This is where you find the actual sand beaches, the Million Dollar Point WWII artefact site, and the main entry point for the SS President Coolidge. It's quieter than town, and that's the appeal.
Beachfront Hotel Santo sits on the coastline with direct beach access and a 8.3 rating. It's the most popular hotel in our list for a reason. the combination of beach, proximity to the Coolidge, and mid-range pricing at $120-175/night hits a sweet spot. Million Dollar Point Lodge at Palikulo Bay is 12 minutes further east and targets serious divers and couples wanting genuine remoteness.
You need transport out here. Minibuses run to town for 150-200 VT, but service thins out after 5pm. Renting a scooter from the operators near Luganville Market is the practical move if you're staying more than 2 nights.
Aore & Bokissa Islands 2 vetted hotels Short boat rides, long exhales.
Short boat rides, long exhales.
Both islands are technically off Luganville but feel like a different world. Aore is the closer option. 5 minutes by boat from Luganville Wharf. and Coral Quays Resort there has overwater access and calm swimming. Bokissa is 20 minutes out and genuinely remote, with Bokissa Eco Island Resort delivering the full castaway experience.
These aren't day-trip destinations. Both resorts work best as your primary base for 3-5 nights, not a one-night stopover. Bokissa earns a 8.7 rating and is the top Romantic Stay pick for good reason. Coral Quays at 8.5 is close behind. Pricing runs $130-210/night and often includes boat transfers.
Plan your Santo day trips from Luganville before booking. If you need flexibility to visit Champagne Beach, the Blue Holes, or multiple dive sites in one day, staying on an island adds logistical layers. Worth it for the right traveler. Not worth it if you're restless.
Northern Outskirts & Matevulu 2 vetted hotels Jungle, blue holes, and zero tourist noise.
Jungle, blue holes, and zero tourist noise.
Head north out of Luganville on the main Santo road and you're in a different gear entirely. The Northern Outskirts start around 10 minutes from the Town Centre and extend up toward Matevulu, where the famous Blue Hole sits about 25 minutes from the main roundabout. The landscape shifts fast. dense jungle, dirt roads, and almost no commercial development.
Santo Sunrise Bungalows on the Northern Outskirts is the Family Friendly pick, priced $160-220/night with an 8.0 rating. The bungalow layout gives families actual space. Natangura Palm Bungalows in the Matevulu Blue Hole Area is the Top Rated property in our entire list at 8.9, and for good reason. you're swimming in that electric-blue water before breakfast.
Rent a car or scooter before driving up here. The last 4-5km to Natangura is unsealed road, and after rain it gets rough. But nobody who's sat in the Matevulu Blue Hole at 7am ever complained about the drive.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Luganville.
Romantic Escape
Bokissa Island is the call. Tiny, quiet, and genuinely beautiful. Bokissa Eco Island Resort has just enough rooms to feel private without feeling abandoned. Sunsets here over the Santo channel are the kind you actually remember.
Culture & History
The Town Centre around Main Street and the Luganville Market is where Santo's mixed Melanesian and colonial history shows up in daily life. The WWII legacy at Million Dollar Point and the Coolidge wreck adds a layer most Pacific islands can't match.
Family Adventure
The Northern Outskirts near Santo Sunrise Bungalows is ideal for families who want space and easy access to blue holes without paying resort prices. Kids love the Riri Blue Hole, about 15 minutes from town, and the bungalow setup means no cramped hotel corridors.
Budget Backpacker
The Town Centre around Unity Park is your base. Deco Stop Lodge from $55/night and the Luganville Market with meals under $5 make this one of the more affordable Pacific island stops if you do it right.
Beach & Diving
The East Coastline and Palikulo Bay are the only answer here. Beachfront Hotel Santo gives you sand and proximity to the Coolidge, and Million Dollar Point Lodge puts you as close to the action as any hotel on the island.
Foodie Explorer
The Seafront Road and Main Street area has Luganville's best eating, from fresh coconut crab at local warungs near the market to the handful of international restaurants within walking distance of Espiritu Hotel. Small scene, but the quality-to-price ratio is genuinely good.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Luganville
When to visit Luganville and what to pay.
Dry Season (May-October)
This is prime time on Santo. The Coolidge wreck visibility peaks at 30+ metres, Champagne Beach is at its most photogenic, and the weather is reliably dry. July and August are the busiest months, when Australian and French dive groups fill the East Coastline hotels. book the Beachfront Hotel Santo 6-8 weeks out at minimum during these months.
Shoulder Season (April & November)
The sweet spot for travelers who want dry-season conditions at 15-20% lower prices. April is the tail end of wet season but usually dries out by mid-month. November sees the first rains but nothing severe. Coral Quays Resort and Bokissa Eco Island Resort both drop rates noticeably in these months, making the island resorts genuinely accessible.
Wet Season (December-March)
Cyclone season runs November through April, with peak risk in January and February. Prices drop across all properties. Deco Stop Lodge can dip below $55/night and even Moyyan House on Seafront Road discounts. But roads to Matevulu can become impassable, and dive visibility deteriorates sharply. Go only if you understand and accept the weather risk.
Warming Up (October-November)
Late October into November is a transitional window. still largely dry, humidity climbing, tourist numbers falling sharply after the August peak. Natangura Palm Bungalows in the Matevulu area is particularly good value here at under $200/night. The Blue Holes are at their best in terms of algae clarity before the wet season sets in.
Booking Tips for Luganville
Insider tips for booking hotels in Luganville.
Book dive-adjacent hotels 6 weeks out for July-August
The SS President Coolidge dive season peaks hard in July and August, and properties like Million Dollar Point Lodge in Palikulo and Bokissa Eco Island Resort carry as few as 8-12 rooms. We've seen this mistake hundreds of times. travelers assume Luganville is under the radar and show up to find nothing under $200/night available. It isn't under the radar for divers. Book early in peak months or shift your dates to May or June.
Confirm boat transfer schedules before booking island resorts
Coral Quays on Aore Island and Bokissa Eco Island Resort both require boat transfers from Luganville Wharf. Some run twice daily, some run once. Call ahead and ask specifically about the last evening transfer. missing it is not a small inconvenience when you're on an island. Factor transfer cost ($10-25 per person each way) into your total budget.
Rent a scooter, not a taxi, if you're staying more than 3 nights
Taxis in Luganville are actually shared minibuses running fixed routes along Main Street for 100-200 VT. They don't go to Matevulu Blue Hole, Champagne Beach, or Palikulo Bay on demand. A scooter from operators near the Luganville Market runs $30-40/day and gives you full freedom. Worth every vatu if you're doing the blue holes and coastline.
The 'beachfront' label in Town Centre is often misleading
Several guesthouses near the Container Wharf on Channel Road use 'waterfront' or 'beachfront' loosely. The water there is harbour water. not swimming water. Real beach access starts at the East Coastline, about 8-10 minutes drive from the centre. If swimming and sand are your priority, book on the East Coastline or on Aore Island, not in the Town Centre.
Eat at the Luganville Market to stretch your accommodation budget
The Luganville Market on Main Street is one of the best reasons to base yourself in the Town Centre. Fresh fruit, coconut crab, lap lap, and cooked plates run $2-6 per meal. If you're staying at Deco Stop Lodge or Unity Park Motel at under $100/night, eating at the market twice a day saves $30-50 that you'd otherwise spend on hotel dining.
Wet season discounts are real but factor in road access
December through March sees hotel prices drop 20-30% across Luganville, including at mid-range and luxury properties. But the Matevulu road becomes unreliable after heavy rain, and the unsealed last stretch to Natangura Palm Bungalows can flood. If you're booking wet season specifically for Matevulu or the Northern Outskirts, ask the property directly about road conditions and whether they have 4WD transfers from town.
Hotels in Luganville — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Luganville.
What's the best area to stay in Luganville for first-timers?
The Seafront strip is your best starting point. You're within 10 minutes walk of the main dive operators, the Luganville Market on Main Street, and the SS President Coolidge dive site check-in points. Espiritu Hotel sits right on the water here and earns its Best Location badge without overselling it.
How much should I budget for a hotel in Luganville?
Budget beds start around $55-85/night at Deco Stop Lodge in the Town Centre. Mid-range options on the Seafront and East Coastline run $110-175/night. If you're going full resort on Aore or Bokissa island, expect $130-210/night. and that often includes meals or boat transfers, so the value stacks up.
Is it worth staying on Aore Island or Bokissa Island instead of Luganville itself?
For couples and divers, yes. Bokissa Eco Island Resort is a 20-minute boat ride from Luganville Wharf and genuinely delivers the isolated-island experience. Aore Island is closer, about 5 minutes by boat from the main pier, and Coral Quays Resort there gives you calm water right off the deck. If you need to move around Santo regularly, base yourself in Luganville instead.
When is the best time to visit Luganville?
May through October is the dry season and the sweet spot. Temperatures sit around 22-27°C, the sea is calmer, and visibility on the Coolidge wreck hits 30+ metres. Hotel prices climb 20-30% in July and August, so May or June gives you near-identical conditions without peak pricing.
What areas of Luganville should I avoid?
Skip the industrial port end near the Container Wharf on Channel Road. it's noisy, dusty, and there's no reason to base yourself there. A few budget guesthouses in that zone market themselves as 'central' but you're a 25-minute walk from Unity Park and the main café strip. Stick to Main Street and east of it.
How do I get around Luganville without a car?
Minibuses (locally called 'taxis' or 'busses') run along Main Street for around 100-200 VT per trip, about $1-2. Renting a scooter from operators near the Luganville Market costs roughly $30-40/day and is by far the best way to reach Matevulu Blue Hole or the East Coastline independently. Most hotels can arrange transfers to dive sites for $10-20 return.
Are there family-friendly hotels in Luganville?
Santo Sunrise Bungalows on the Northern Outskirts is the clear pick for families, with separate bungalow-style rooms and space for kids to move. It's about 15 minutes by car from the main Luganville Market, which makes self-catering easy. Beachfront Hotel Santo on the East Coastline also works well for families with its direct beach access.
What's the most luxurious hotel in Luganville?
Million Dollar Point Lodge in Palikulo Bay tops the list at $290-420/night, sitting literally adjacent to the famous WWII dump site that gives it its name. The lodge accommodates serious divers and couples wanting genuine seclusion. Moyyan House on Seafront Road is the luxury pick within Luganville itself, rated 9.0 and topping out at $340/night.
Do I need to book hotels in Luganville far in advance?
For July and August (Santo's peak dive season), book at least 6-8 weeks ahead. The Coolidge wreck draws serious divers from Australia and France, and smaller properties like Bokissa Eco Island Resort and Natangura Palm Bungalows fill up fast with as few as 8-12 rooms available. Shoulder months like May or October? Two to three weeks is usually enough.
Is Luganville safe for solo travelers?
Generally yes. The Town Centre around Unity Park and the Seafront Road feel relaxed and walkable until around 9-10pm. Avoid walking alone late along unlit stretches of the East Coastline road past Beachfront Hotel Santo. Most solo travelers here are divers, and the community around the main dive operators near the wharf is genuinely welcoming.
What's the cheapest decent hotel in Luganville?
Deco Stop Lodge in the Town Centre starts at $55/night and holds a 7.6 rating, which is honest value. It's about 8 minutes walk from the Luganville Market and a reasonable base for divers not fussed about resort frills. Unity Park Motel is slightly higher at $70-99/night but sits right beside Unity Park itself.
Can I visit the SS President Coolidge wreck from any hotel in Luganville?
Yes, but proximity matters. The main entry point for the Coolidge is off the beach near Palikulo Road, about 12 minutes drive from the Seafront hotels. Espiritu Hotel and Beachfront Hotel Santo both have partnerships with local dive operators. Million Dollar Point Lodge in Palikulo is closest of all. you're walking distance from the entry point.