There are many Vanuatu attractions to enjoy while on holiday here in this beautiful destination and it is only a short 2 hour 15 minute flight from Australia and a 3 hour 20 minute flight from New Zealand. Vanuatu is made up of 83 islands, some still very remote. Almost every island offers some of Vanuatu’s attractions. Some of the main ones are Efate (Port Vila), Santo, Penticost and Tanna. Efate, which is the main island of the archipelago, offers many attractions.
Not a day will go by that you can’t experience something special here in Vanuatu.
While in Port Vila you can experience the adventure of a bus tour. The cost of a local bus ride is usually 150 vt (approximately AUD$2.00) per person or if you want to go and explore the beauty of Mele Cascade, Mele Village or The Secret Gardens then the ride will cost around 300 vt (approximately AUD$4.00) You can enjoy a relaxing lunch on the beach at Hideaway Island and then head off to snorkel or why not hire the bus for the whole day and explore the mainland (Efate). Take a picnic lunch with you and enjoy the beauty of some of Vanuatu’s beaches. While you’re out and about, you can visit the war museum, paddle up the river, and scuba dive in a Corsair fighter bomber that’s in about 10 to 15 feet of water. The list is endless.
The local food market is a must; experience the smells and flavors of local lap lap, tuluk, or stews and rice dishes cooked to fill hungry stomachs. The cost of eating at the food market ranges from 100 vt (approximately AUD$1.50) to 400 vt (approximately AUD$5.00). While at the food market, tour the islands and check out the variety of fruits and vegetables. There is a huge variety to choose from such as breadfruit, passion fruit, bananas, pineapples to die for, papaya, oranges, tomatoes, cucumbers and the list goes on. There will be some fruits and vegetables that you will recognize and others that you will not. Vanuatu produces some very sweet and juicy magic bananas and pineapples when in season. One important thing to remember is that the fact that the fruit is green does not necessarily mean that it is not ripe. The best way to check is to gently squeeze the banana.
Venture to the other end of the city and visit the clothing and souvenir market. You will discover a very colorful range of local women’s outfits or as the Ni-Vanuatu people call them, mother dresses. There is also a wide variety of shirts, skirts and some amazing sizes. Also check out the tam tams carved into the stone of pal mus. Vanuatu attractions for the more adventurous can be a sailing tour of the Cascade waterfalls or rent motorized buggies and explore out-of-the-way villages and see the sights or canoe the rivers, walk to the center of the island and experience the beauty of secluded waterfalls. and bat caves. You may want to charter a helicopter and explore the magic of the island from the air.
Vanuatu also offers amazing fishing and is a must do, just like snorkeling and scuba diving, most people don’t do everything on one holiday. Organize a trip to Tanna and explore the beauty of Mt Yasa volcano, an overnight trip is a must so you can experience the volcano at night; It’s the best fireworks show you’ll ever see. While on Tanna, explore the mysteries and secrets the island has to offer. Other Vanuatu attractions could be for the avid diver, a trip to Santo to experience the mystery of President Coolidge. President Coolidge sank during World War II after hitting an underwater mine. She sits in about 18 meters of water at the bow and the stern is in about 74 meters. It is a great place for the experienced wreck diver. Whitsun is another must to see the shore diving. This was the bungee jumping docking spot. Shore diving takes place during the months of April through June again, just a short plane ride of about 45 minutes.
Come and visit our wonderful country.
