Vanuatu General Tips

Best rates for money exchange is Goodies in Port Villa.


	Paradise as it was meant to be...

By NazarianD

on December 31, 2004

by NazarianD
Send Photo to a Friend

Vanuatu - Santo: my temp. home
in background

In all my travels, I've never seen such perfection. UNTOUCHED perfection. Not something that's been landscaped to look nice (i.e. Hawii). The whole island was like something out of a dream: friendly locals, fresh fruit growing everywhere, white and black sand beaches, thick rain forest, spiders and centipedes the size of New York rats, amazing reefs... and not a single tourist in sight.

Reflecting on my two months on the island of Santo, I suppose I think most frequently of the beaches, specifically Champagne Beach (incidentally, the only beach I went to with a proper name). My day on that beach was unreal (see my "must see" tip). Perhaps my fondest memories, though, would be riding around in the back of pick-up trucks on bumpy dirt roads through the rain forest. We would lie back and stare up at the HUGE vampire bats and flying foxes circling above the canopy.


	Keep a little torch handy...

By leebee1

on January 19, 2005

It seems to be a pretty common occurence in Port Vila for power shortages and/or blackouts. Usually doesnt last long wheather the problem is rectified or if they start working on a generator, I'm not sure??? But I guess its just handy to have the little torch just in case.


	the friendly people

Updated By sydsider

on January 12, 2003

The people have to be the best thing about this place, so make an effort to befriend the hotel staff, the tour guides, the market ladies, anyone (within your own safety), because the kidness of the people is what makes the difference between a good holiday and an amazing holiday.

I gotta say it, I miss the people. somewhat repetitive i know, but its what i love the most. I miss the friends we made, plus the guy i managed to pick up while i was there...


	You will notice boards alongside all windows...

By leebee1

on January 19, 2005

They keep very large boards handy alongside windows, or perhaps some places may do a better job of hiding them. This is incase of cyclone activity.


	You will notice boards alongside all windows...

By leebee1

on January 19, 2005

They keep very large boards handy alongside windows, or perhaps some places may do a better job of hiding them. This is incase of cyclone activity.

by TheDivineMissL
Send Photo to a Friend


	Snorkelling - Mele (Hideaway) Island

on October 8, 2004

the beach and crystal clear
water

This is the place where you will see the most fish when snorkelling of all the Port Vila/ Mele popular spots. There are a lot of other people in the water with you, and the coral is damaged by storms, but the huge number and variety of fish more than make up for it. It costs 200VT to take a minibus from Vila, and there is a free little boat that runs people over to the island. If you aren't a local and don't work in Vila, it is 500VT to enter the island (more than worth it though). Tip: swim out to the fish holding a little bread out of the water - break small pieces off and toss them and watch the wall of fish swimming around you!


	Visit a backstreet store that...

By zyppa

on August 24, 2002

by zyppa
Send Photo to a Friend

Visit a backstreet store that makes the best homemade jams and pickles in The South Pacific go scuba diving, charter a seaplane to a deserted island look into the heart of an active volcano or stand in awe as you witness the primitive origins of bungy jumping.


	visit the cascade falls on the...

By gezza

on August 26, 2002

visit the cascade falls on the western side of the main island. Like most of Vanuatu, it is largely unspoiled and you will just enjoy nature and the friendliness of the local population.

Just walking along some of the relatively secluded beaches. Just fantastic. The water is so blue.