Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu and lies on the south-west coast of the island of Efate.Free of skyscraper office blocks, the sleepy capital is set within a magnificent natural harbour. It is a charming potpourri of cultures, blending elements of Melanesian, English, French and Chinese tastes. Along the main street there are duty-free shops, restaurants and handicraft galleries. Port Vila Market comes alive on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6.00am to 1.30pm. Wander through rows of tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers, shells, artifacts, coconut crabs and souvenir stalls. Savour the aroma of brewed coffee and freshly baked pastries tinged with the scent of blooming frangipani.
Within walking distance of the centre of town, a range of resorts offers a dozen different ways to cool off. Swim, snorkel or scuba dive; try your hand at sailing, windsurfing or fishing.
And when you've worked up an appetite, choose from more than 20 different restaurants.
Probably the most fascinating landmark of Vanuatu's capital is the Cultural Centre, which contains one of the most extensive artifact collections in the South Pacific.
But these are only a few of the sights and interests in Port Vila - after all, half the fun of a holiday is discovering these things for yourself.
All around Efate there are things to do or see. There are beach and island resorts to visit within an hour's drive - bathe in a hot mineral spring or shower beneath a cascading waterfall, puddle or fish in a large fresh water lake, play a few rounds of golf or go horseback riding along a deserted beach. There are daily bus tours of the island and scenic plane flights or you can charter a sailboat and see it at your own pace from the water.
During World War II, James A Michener, then a lieutenant in the American Army, was stationed in Santo. Such was the effect of this place on him that here he wrote the legendary "Tales of the South Pacific" from which sprang the musical "South Pacific". From Santo, Michener would gaze across the sea to a volcanic island, often with its summit shrouded in cloud and dream of "Bali Hai". On a clear day the sight of Bali Hai, or the island of "AMBAE" still beckons the imagination of the romantic soul.In Luganville, the second biggest town in Vanuatu, there is a quieter pace of life. This is a country town in many ways but there are good accommodations, reasonably priced, mainly Chinese restaurants, and interesting general stores, banks and government service buildings. The American Army left behind many buildings, some still in use today, several airfields, all of which can be visited and three scuba dive sights unequalled anywhere. During the war the 30,000 ton liner "President Coolidge" sank in Santo Harbour after striking a "friendly" mine and still lies structurally intact and basically untouched in between 20 and 60 metres of water. "President Coolidge" is the largest intact shipwreck accessible to scuba divers in the world. The destroyer "USS Tucker" lies outside the channel and "Million Dollar Point" is the place where war surplus equipment was dumped. The small industries centre is of interest to landlubbers as is the large experimental plantation and farm. There is a Melanesian-style bungalow for visitors to stay in near famous "Champagne Beach" in the north, and year-round one to 10 day guided history and nature walks are available.
Santo is only a one hour flight away from Port Vila with Vanair. We strongly recommend a visit to this spectacular haven for world famous diving, snorkelling, bushwalks and beautiful beaches. An experience not to be missed.
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The island of Tanna is famous for its volcano, its wild horses, and visits to its custom villages and the cargo cults that have grown there. Day trips are available from Port Vila, but is is wisest to stay at least overnight as there are plenty of attractions of great interest in Tanna. A night trip up mighty Yasur Volcano is an experience one does not forget easily. Yasur is an active volcano, and is reputed to be the most accessible active volcano anywhere on earth. It is best to go before dark so you can experience the transformation that takes place as darkness settles. Transport takes you to within 15 minutes walk of the crater rim and once there, the three vents of Yasur can be seen glowing. Several times during each hour, it is not unusual to experience spectacular eruptions that shoot glowing ash and stones into the air, the earth trembles below as nature puts on its display. Especially in the dry season, when the tall grass has withered, it is interesting to visit the White Grass Plains, the home of the wild horses of Tanna. With special arrangements made at the small hotels in Tanna, visitors can be taken to a "Custom" village to touch and be touched by the age-old village culture. Here the people still dress and live in traditional ways and it is very interesting to meet and chat with the Chief and be entertained by the antics of the children.
Other activities on Tanna include excellent snorkelling. There is an abundance of nature bushwalks with spectacular country scenes. Only one hour's flight away from Port Vila with Vanair.
The island of mysteries, Ambrym presents an awesome lava landscape. The centre of the island is occupied by an enormous ash plain about 12km across representing the crater of the ancient volcano. Ambrym is the home of Mt Marum and Mt Benbow volcanoes and holds the greatest reputation for major sorcery in Vanuatu.Ambrym is famous for its drums with vertical slits and for its treefern carvings, sand drawings and Rom Dance, an outstanding expression of the prevailing influence of spirits.
Malekula is the second largest island in the archipelago with an area of more than 2000sq kms. It is only a 20 minute Vanair flight from Santo. The interior is lush and mountainous. Malekula is famous for its remarkable tribes, the Big Nambas and Small Nambas and the complex culture they retain.Norsup is the main centre. About 5kms south of Norsup is Lakatoro, once the British district agency headquarters. It is a picturesque area which houses a number of Government Offices and is the centre of a large copra project being developed in the north of the island.
Malekula art and ritual objects are among the finest in Vanuatu, from distinctive local custom dances, sand drawings, tall head dresses of the dancers from South West Bay to the highly decorated clay heads and puppet figures which represent mythological beings.
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Of course, there are a further 80-odd islands in the archipelago and while visits to these are not strictly forbidden, no visitor accommodation or services exist at present. In these islands people still live a traditional lifestyle and wish to change at their own pace.
Islands of Vanuatu |
Things To Do |
Air Vanuatu |
National Tourism Office
Untouched Paradise |
Business Centre |
Department of Trade
Philatelic Information |
Dining |
Calendar of Events |
Diving
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