Vanuatu
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Location
Vanuatu is a land of volcanoes and magic, underwater ship wrecks, ancient art and dance, waterfalls and blue-holes, organic foods and a myriad of hidden bays and beaches. Read on... about the lush, tropical islands… the warm, turquoise waters… the friendly people… the colours, the culture… and the fantastic food! You'll find that there are many personal observations and opinions throughout the site, but there's also all the information you may be seeking. Travel Online provide visitors with comprehensive travel information including accommodation, tours and dive options, weddings, local weather and attractions for Vanuatu holidays.
Originally inhabited by people form Melanesia, Vanuatu had its first European settlers in the 19th century. France and the UK claimed some of the land and it was called the New Hebrides until Vanuatu’s independence in 1980. Made up of 83 small islands, the largest island is Espiritu Santo and the capital Port Vila is found on the island of Efate. There are some active volcanoes in Vanuatu and this causes the shoreline to be rocky with fringe reefs and the ocean floor to drop away quickly. Vanuatu is in a sub tropical climate with 9 months of hot weather followed by a few months with cool dry conditions.
Located 500 miles to the east of Vanuatu is Fiji. Fiji is one of the most popular destinations for Australians looking for over seas island escapes. Made up of around 322 islands, the country has 2 main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu which account for 87% of the population. Fiji holidays are stress free and you can choose total relaxation or adventure with diving, snorkelling and cruising.
Vanuatu is not just a decadent escape with balmy breezes and gourmet food. It's also home to several best-in-the-world experiences that very few people know about: a luxury liner, like the Titanic, shipwrecked in clear diveable water; the world's most accessible active volcano on the island of Tanna; a giant banyan tree the size of a soccer field; pounding, cascading waterfalls; extraordinary cultural ceremonies and dances on the island of Malekula; primitive villages where you can witness an ancient living culture; and picture-perfect beaches where there's nobody but you and your snorkel gear. It's also a snorkellers' and divers' Mecca.
Port Vila, the national capital on the island of Efate, buzzes at the centre of Vanuatu's tourist trade, all colonial and cool, with a view for every restaurant, and hotel beds that float you out over lagoons. If you've come on a package deal, you're just starting your adventure. Stay on when it ends to discover a few of the unique things that are Vanuatu, and to try out the sporty options, like abseiling down a waterfall, parasailing over the glorious harbour, zapping out of a cave of stalactites through a ravine on a blow-up float-ring, turning nature-child for the night on a tiny offshore island.
The best thing about Vanuatu, though, is that you feel safe and happy here. The people are a delight. They love their country and want you to enjoy its pleasures, but they aren't after the 'tourist dollar'. There's no bargaining, no hawkers, no pressure to buy. It is so refreshing.
Population
206,000 (2006)
Food
There are many restaurants in the main tourist areas. Seafood features strongly on hotel and restaurant menus in Port-Vila and the main towns. The numerous ethnic backgrounds of the inhabitants of Vanuatu are reflected in different styles of cooking. Chinese and French influences are the strongest. Food is generally excellent everywhere. French cheese, pâtés, bread, cognac and wine are available in Port-Vila’s two major shops. Local fruit is excellent.
Lap Lap (grated yam, banana or manioc smothered in coconut cream and cooked in an earth oven) is a national specialty, as is the Coconut crab. As with other South Pacific Islands, Kava (a soporific drink made from the root of a plant related to the pepper tree) is customary drink, and is said to be the strongest in the world. It is non-alcoholic but is intoxicating.
Climate & When to Go
Vanuatu's climate varies from wet tropical in the north (over 4000mm of rainfall a year) to subtropical in the south (less than 2000mm), with dry rain-shadow areas in between. The dry season - from May to October - is cruising time: sparkling days and pleasantly cool evenings. This is Vanuatu at its glorious best - festivals and sporting contests are held, beaches call. For walking, the cooler period from June to August is better. Speaking of cool, it's advisable to take some warm clothing year-round.
November to April is the wet season, with higher temperatures, heavier rains, and mosquitoes. December to March is cyclone time. Vanuatu averages 2.5 cyclones a year.
Temperatures in Luganville and Port Vila range from 27°C in July to 30°C in January. Lenakel (on Tanna) is a degree or two cooler. Winter nights in Vila can drop to below 12°C.
Currency
Vanuatu currency is the Vatu (Vt), which floats against a basket of currencies including the US dollar, so it is reasonably stable.
Banking
The three commercial banks in Vanuatu are ANZ, Westpac and the local NBV. All have their offices in central Vila and branches in Luganville. ANZ has a couple of ATMs in Vila, one at Bauerfield airport (just north of Vila) and one at its Luganville branch, while Westpac has one in Vila. Take plenty of Vatu to rural Vanuatu as you won't be able to change foreign currencies or access any accounts.
Duty-free shops, restaurants and hotels in Vila should have no difficulties with credit cards, or cash and travellers cheques in major international currencies. However, the few hotels outside the capital may only accept Australian or US dollars.
Electricity
220-280 volts AC, mainly three-point plugs in hotels (same as Australia & New Zealand). Some places, built by the French, take European two point plugs. If resorts have these, they will have adaptors at reception.
Getting Around
Driving is on the right hand side of the road, however roads on Efate the main island are coral based and quite uneven. Be alert and keep to the right at all times as it is easy to veer to the left when turning a corner on an empty road. Cars and 4WDs are available for hire. Tanna is 4 wheel drive territory.
Inter-island travel is mainly by air, inter-island boats taking passengers are irregular. Cruise ships regularly call at Port Vila and Santo.
Hire cars, jeeps, mopeds, 4WDs and bicycles are all readily available for hire in Port Vila. Taxis are plentiful and are all metered, but it is a good idea to agree to a price for any long distance. Most drivers are available for full or half day hire. Minivans have a "B" for Bus, easily identifiable on their number plates and offer a frequent though not scheduled service and are very inexpensive. Mini buses are a fixed price of VT100 and will take you anywhere merely flag one down and tell the driver where you want to go. They run on a frequent though not timetabled service. First on the bus is first off, so be prepared for a long ride.
Tipping
There is no tipping or bargaining in Vanuatu - it goes against local tradition. If you give something for nothing, the receiver feels as though he/she owes you something. A smile and a 'thank you' is tip enough ('tank yu tumas'). Mind you, the prices at the souvenir markets may rise on days when cruise ships are in dock, so it's best to put off the shopping for a day if you know one is in town. This is not an attempt to rip off the tourists. Traditionally cruise ship people bargain, especially if they've already been to Fiji, and the stall holders simply put the prices up to settle on the normal price.
Taxes
The only real 'tax' in Vanuatu is the 12.5% value added tax on goods and services and is included in most prices. There is no personal tax as such. Vanuatu is a popular home for International Offshore Companies as it is one of the few places in the world where there are no corporate or personal income taxes, capital gains taxes, reporting requirements, or restrictions on company employment policies, however to be exempt from all local taxes and restrictions, the company may not conduct business within Vanuatu itself.
There is an Airport Departure Tax of VT2500 per person (except children under 12 years old), payable in local currency if not pre-paid as part of a return air ticket (usually included in package holidays).