Changed
Changed
A favourite stopover city for many travellers, here are some Singapore sights and delights you don't want to miss.
Welcome to Vanuatu - a most perfect tropical island setting for anything from a family adventure to a romantic weekend getaway (yes, it's that close!).
To my left, dense forest to swallow everything in its path if not for the busy roadway that halts its creeping tendrils. To my right, I see glimpses of the turquoise Pacific Ocean between simple huts with thatched rooves and walls woven from bush materials and fancy neighbouring resorts offering deep sea fishing adventures.
Less than three hours flying time from Brisbane, Vanuatu is one of Australia's closest island neighbours and a nation of contrasts. In town, ladies in colourful traditional island dress sell fish on woven mats. Fresh food markets are aplenty with the locals able to whip up a delicious meal in front of you so you can enjoy a bite to eat while you stroll along the waterfront.
Passengers on a day trip from a mega cruise ship flood the handicraft markets filled with Vanuatu Made products crafted by the locals, shops and bars bringing vital tourism dollars. While just outside Port Vila a small village makes an income showing tourists how to hull coconuts. Children who finish schooling after Year 8 play in front of a regional university that supports undergraduates from 12 Pacific Island nations.
You can fly by helicopter to your own private island or get back to nature exploring wild forest and remote waterfalls on horseback, sip French Champagne from crystal glasses or chug down a bottle of the local Tusker beer.
Here's a checklist of tips to help you make the most of a Vanuatu vacation...
Go
- Any minivan with a B on its number plate is a bus service. There are no bus stops, just flag down the driver and they will take you anywhere within Port Vila for 150vt (Vanuatu currency) (about AUD$1.80) per person. Longer distances range from 200vt to 500vt per person.
- Taxis have a T on the number plate and are un-metered so agree on a price with the driver beforehand. Your hotel can advise what is a fair rate. Have plenty of spare change as drivers often cannot break larger notes. It is very safe to walk around Port Vila and the locals are friendly and helpful.
Stay
Take your pick from five-star luxury and boutique bungalows over the water to adults-only retreats or family friendly resorts.
Best spot for a couples only escape
We stayed at Mangoes Resort for a great couples' getaway. Set high on a clifftop overlooking the lagoon, Mangoes is only minutes from Port Vila yet offers ultimate peace and quiet, an excellent restaurant, exceptional customer service and very good coffee.
TIP: order the house-made muesli with fresh fruit for breakfast and the coconut fish curry for dinner.
If you're looking for a luxurious adults only escape, look no further than The Havannah. Located 30 minutes from Port Villa on the North West coast tucked away under the hills that divide the island, The Havannah is the perfect place for romance or to just relax. Choose from lush garden villas to pool villas to the ultimate beachside luxury - waterfront villas.
Best spot for the whole family
If you're looking for a family friendly break check out Warwick Le Lagon. This vibrant property resides on the shores of Erakor Lagoon in Port Vila and offers a Kids Club for the little ones and water sports for the older family members.
If you want something a bit more secluded catch a short (3 minute) ferry ride from Port Vila to Iririki Island Resort. With eight different accommodation options to choose from you'll be able to keep the whole family happy.
Best spot for groups
For the best group experience check out Nasama Resort. Just 10 minutes from central Port Vila and 17km from Mele Cascades Waterfall you'll have to do rock, paper, scissors to decide where the group explores first.
Alternatively Ramada Resort located on the cliffs of Erakor Lagoon (just 6 minutes from Port Vila) or Erakor Island Resort (located 15 minutes from Port Vila) will also happily house your group.
Best spot for the budget conscious
Just a hop, skip and jump away from Port Vila is the popular Hideaway Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary. This gem is the perfect spot for a dive holiday with an abundance of marine life right on your doorstep. Built in a traditional Melanesian style, the rooms range from four person shared dorms to oceanfront villas with a private pool.
You can also check out Moorings Hotel and The Melanesian for convenient budget friendly stays.
Do
Use your resort activity booking service. They make all the arrangements for you and all you need to do is turn up on time for your pick up. Yes, you can hire a car but by booking a hosted tour you get great local commentary, tips and access to villages and secret spots only locals know.
Coordinate visits to tourist hotspots like Eden on the River or Blue Lagoon on the days the cruise ships are not in town. You can go for a swim or enjoy the facilities at any of the island resorts or the casino, however it is expected you buy a drink, something to eat, or pay a small entry fee.
Eat
- Order fish or seafood at every opportunity. It's super fresh, sustainably caught and supports local suppliers.
- Vanuatu beef is excellent, as are the island's fruits and vegetables.
- The local Tusker beer goes down well with salted cassava chips after a hard day relaxing.
- Snack on coconut, banana and bunches of fresh raw peanuts bought from the market stalls.
- Fruit bat lovers turn away now...you can get them served with red wine sauce at L'Houstalet Restaurant, Port Vila, along with pizza, garlic snails and steak.
Must do adventures
- Native Round Island Day Tour - It helps to get your bearings, highlights hot spots to visit later, provides access to private villages and the hosts Tom and Noah share wonderful personal commentary and history of Vanuatu on the way.
- Club Hippique Horse Riding Tours - Meander through forests to secluded waterfalls or to the ocean where you can swim with your horse to cool off. If you're not an experienced rider book the half day or pay with a sore backside the next day. Totally worth it though!
- Coongoola Day Cruise - Cruise on board the classic timber tall ship Coongoola (built in Brisbane circa 1940) through Havannah Harbour to Hideaway Island turtle sanctuary, before mooring at a secluded coral cove where you can snorkel the reef in crystal clear water or relax on the fine white sand after a barbecue lunch.
Hot tips
- Avoid downtown Port Vila on cruise ship days. It's hectic, the locals leave and prices go up.
- Choose tours or activities that employ or are owned and operated by 'Ni-Vanuatu' (locals). By doing this your money directly supports village communities and goes toward schooling and health care which are not free.
- Take small change or school supplies instead of sweets, when visiting villages to gift to the children. If you love Tusker beer as much as we did, buy a carton at the supermarket to save on your resort bill.
- Grab some duty free wine or spirits at International Terminal to enjoy on your holiday. You can take up to two litres person.
Need to know
- No visa required for Australian passport holders for a maximum stay of 30 days.
- The best time to visit is between April and October when the weather is milder.
- Save your hip pocket and the planet by ditching plastic bottled water, the local water is safe to drink.
- Take strong mosquito spray. Use it liberally. Keep doors closed at night and spray your room before sleeping.
GETTING THERE
PLAN YOUR TRAVEL
CREDITS
Categories