Simbo Island
A volcanic island west of Gizo where megapodes lay eggs in ground heated from below.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
Simbo lies west of Gizo, a small volcanic island with hot springs, a crater lake and fields of warm volcanic sand where megapodes bury their eggs and let the ground heat do the incubating. Villagers harvest the eggs on a managed system. The island has a couple of thousand people, no vehicles to speak of and a long history as a trading and canoe-raiding centre in the western group.
What you actually see
- The megapode fields - birds burying eggs in ground heated from below.
- The hot springs - the geothermal activity on the island.
- The crater lake - the water held in the volcanic hollow.
- The village life - a couple of thousand people with almost no vehicles.
When to go
May to October is the drier season and calmest for the crossing. Megapodes lay year round with seasonal peaks. The wet season makes the open-water run rough.
Honest expectations
The crossing from Gizo is two hours of open water and rough at times. Accommodation is staying with families. Egg harvesting is a managed local livelihood and visitors watch rather than participate.
Nearby
Gizo is east, and Ranongga is northeast.
What to pack for Simbo Island
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.