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Vanuatu Travel Notes

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Vanuatu Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes

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Trek through lush rainforests and enjoy thrilling adventures in Vanuatu, with volcano tours, exhilarating hikes, and stunning natural landscapes to explore.

About Vanuatu

Vanuatu consists of 83 islands in the South West Pacific; the four main islands being: Espiritu Santo, Malekula, Efate, and Tanna.

Vanuatu's unique blend of culture, natural beauty, and challenges makes it a fascinating country in the South Pacific region.

Travel Map Mapping Vanuatu

Map of Vanuatu

Map of Vanuatu

The Islands of Vanuatu

Espiritu Santo is the largest island but the capital of Vanuatu, Port-Vila, is on Efate.

Vanuatu Overview

Vanuatu is an archipelago nation located in the South Pacific Ocean.

It consists of about 80 islands, stretching over 1,300 kilometres.

Vanuatu gained independence from joint British and French rule in 1980 and is now a sovereign nation.

Challenges

Despite its natural beauty and cultural richness, Vanuatu faces various challenges; including susceptibility to natural disasters such as cyclones and earthquakes, due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Climate change poses a significant threat, with rising sea levels impacting coastal communities.

Additionally, the country faces developmental challenges, including infrastructure development and access to basic services in remote areas.

Culture and Society

Vanuatu is home to a diverse population with over 110 indigenous languages spoken; making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world.

The culture is rich and varied, with traditional practices such as kava ceremonies, where a mildly narcotic drink is consumed in social gatherings.

Customary land ownership and traditional village structures are significant aspects of Vanuatu's society.

Economy

The economy of Vanuatu relies heavily on agriculture, tourism, and offshore financial services.

The country exports agricultural products such as copra, cocoa, and coffee.

Tourism is also a major contributor to the economy, with visitors drawn to the natural beauty and cultural experiences the islands offer.

Geography

Vanuatu is known for its stunning natural beauty, with lush tropical rainforests, pristine beaches, and diverse marine life.

The islands are of volcanic origin, with some of the most active volcanoes in the world.

Mount Yasur on Tanna Island is one of the most accessible active volcanoes, attracting tourists.

Political System

Vanuatu is a parliamentary democracy with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government.

The Parliament of Vanuatu is unicameral, consisting of a single chamber with 52 members elected by popular vote every four years.

Visiting Vanuatu

Always check travel advisories and weather conditions before planning a trip to Vanuatu, and always respect the customs and traditions of the local communities you visit.

Vanuatu Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Port Vila

Arrive at Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila, the capital city.

Check into your accommodation and relax after your journey.

Take a leisurely stroll around Port Vila's bustling markets and waterfront area.

Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the local restaurants offering fresh seafood and Pacific cuisine.

Day 2 - Explore Efate Island

Start your day with a visit to Mele Cascades, where you can hike through lush rainforest to reach beautiful waterfalls.

Head to Hideaway Island, a marine sanctuary renowned for its crystal-clear waters and excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities.

Explore the cultural village of Ekasup, where you can learn about traditional Vanuatu customs and crafts.

Spend the evening dining at one of Efate's beachfront restaurants, enjoying the sunset over the Pacific.

Day 3 - Tanna Island Adventure

Catch a flight from Port Vila to Tanna Island.

Visit Mount Yasur, one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, and witness its breathtaking eruptions (if it's safe to do so).

Explore the fascinating custom villages of Yakel or Imaio, where you can learn about traditional Ni-Vanuatu lifestyles.

Relax on the black sand beaches of Tanna and enjoy a traditional Vanuatu feast with local dishes.

Day 4 - Discover Espiritu Santo

Fly from Tanna to Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu's largest island.

Explore the stunning natural wonders of Santo, including the famous Blue Hole, a deep freshwater swimming spot surrounded by lush jungle.

Visit Champagne Beach, known for its sparkling turquoise waters and pristine white sands.

Discover the history of Santo at the USS President Coolidge wreck dive site, one of the world's best wreck dives.

Enjoy a relaxing evening at your resort or guesthouse on Santo.

Day 5 - Santo Adventure Continues

Embark on a jungle trek to Millennium Cave, a spectacular underground river system surrounded by lush rainforest.

Take a boat tour to visit some of Santo's smaller islands, such as Aore or Malo, for snorkeling and beachcombing.

Spend your evening sampling local cuisine at one of the restaurants in Luganville, Santo's main town.

Day 6 - Before Leaving Vanuatu

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time for last-minute souvenir shopping in Luganville.

Bid farewell to Vanuatu as you catch your flight back to Port Vila.

Reflect on your unforgettable experiences in this beautiful island nation as you head back home.

History of Vanuatu - New Hebrides

The history of Vanuatu follows a course similar to many of the islands in the region.

A Portuguese explorer, Pedro de Queiros, sights them in 1606.

French navigator Louis Antoine de Bougainville sails around in 1768 and then along comes Captain James Cook, in 1774, thinking that the New Hebrides would be a fitting name for them.

The British and French jointly administer the islands; the Americans set up a base during World War II; and the New Hebrides finally becomes independent, as Vanuatu, on July 30th, 1980.

Vanuatu Transportation

Getting to Vanuatu

Vanuatu's proximity to Australia and New Zealand makes reaching the country a breeze.

International flights connect Vanuatu with Auckland, Brisbane, Nadi, Noumea, and Sydney.

Affordable and emerging as a great holiday destination neighbouring Fiji, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands also offer side-trip options from Vanuatu.

Cruising to Vanuatu

A number of cruise ships visit Vanuatu with calls at Luganville and Port Vila.

Getting Around Vanuatu

Domestically, Air Vanuatu connects Port Vila with Santo, Tanna, Valesdir (Epi), Norsup (Malekula) and Lonorore (Pentecost).

Vanuatu Tourism

From breathtaking beaches to heart-pumping adventures, every moment in Vanuatu is unforgettable.

Vanuatu is the land of so much to see, so much to do with a reputation for interesting, fun and educational activities to suit any traveller's expectations; from treks and abseiling to deserted beach picnics, wreck dive explorations and cultural village experiences.

Hiking in Vanuatu

From soaring, steamy mountain peaks to volcanic craters, beach trails to riverside meanders, hiking in Vanuatu offers an excellent way to connect with the local community.

Port Vila - Efate Island

Map of Port Vila

Map of Port Vila, Vanuatu

Where to Stay in Vanuatu

Many of the resorts in Vanuatu are child-free zones.

Breakas Beach Resort

Breakas Beach Resort

Breakas Beach Resort: Pango Road, Port Vila, Vanuatu.

With all fifteen bungalows sitting along the tree-lined beach, this intimate tropical retreat provides the ultimate 'feet in the sand' beach holiday

Nestled amidst swaying palms fringed on a two kilometer private beach the Breakas Beach Resort backdrop is enhanced by the natural beauty of a private cove on Pango peninsular.

Iririki Island Resort

Iririki Island Resort

Iririki Island Resort: Lini Highway, Port Vila, Vanuatu.

Surrounded by crystal clear blue water, there's sixty-nine acres to indulge in at Vanuatu's favourite private island resort.

Just a three-minute ferry ride from Port Vila, Iririki Island Resort & Spa offers the perfect balance between peaceful seclusion and convenience.

Mangoes Resort Vanuatu

Mangoes Resort Vanuatu

Mangoes Resort Vanuatu: Rue de Wales, Port Vila, Vanuatu.

Swap city life for South Pacific serenity in child-free Vanuatu accommodation, some with their own private plunge pools.

Overlooking Erakor Lagoon, Mangoes Resort Vanuatu features 29 bungalows and apartments with uninterrupted tropical vistas.

Hotels in Port Vila.

Vanuatu Travel Guides

Lonely Planet Vanuatu & New Caledonia (Travel Guide) South Pacific Islands nel.map Salomon-N.Cal-Vanuatu-Fiji Map

Vanuatu Travel Guides - Vanuatu Maps.

Weather in The Pacific:
Local weather forecasts for destinations around the Pacific region.

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