Over the centuries ash rain from the volcano has built up huge black sand dunes and ash plains. We drove across the ash plains and through a river until we were just 150 meters from the rim of the crater.             

It was dark when we arrived.Armed with torches we had a short climb to the rim, standing just meters away we were treated to a magnificent fireworks display, with molten rock flying into the sky.The level of activity fluctuates between 1 and 4, it was reaching level 3 and Mancy was getting anxious about us being so close, so after one more photo it was time to leave and head to our accommodation for the night, Sunrise Bungalows.                                     

The bungalows are locally built, with walls made from pandanus leaves and bamboo floors, very basic but we did have en-suite facilities and two light bulbs. The electricity was switched off at 9.30, it was total darkness all we could hear was the roaring of the sea. In the morning we realised what a stunning setting we were in, the bungalows were situated on top of the cliffs over looking Turtle Bay.                               

              The bungalow and bedroom