Vanuatu: Overview
The island nation Republic of Vanuatu is a paradisiac archipelago located in the South Pacific, approximately 1,750 km to the east of Australia; it is also located to the west of Fiji, to the northeast of New Caledonia and to the south of Solomon Islands. This country has an attraction for everyone, not only tourists are drowned to it by its amazing beauty, but divers can also enjoy the transparent waters, the coral reefs and the shipwrecks; while vulcanologists seek the smoky peacks and naturalists dive into the untouched forests, reefs and exotic bird life.
Climate
Vanuatu’s climate varies among the different islands of the archipelago, changing from the tropical north to the subtropical south, but always remaining pleasant for a visit. From January to July the average temperatures are between 19 and 28 ºC. During the rainy season (November-April), you can expect rains to be prolonged for a day or so. Winds, which favor sunny days and cool nights during most of the year, become much more variable and dangerous for small vessels, since they start suddenly and reach a 56mi /h speed in a few minutes. If you have rented a bungalow and it blows away, do not panic, your host will build you another in a very short time. They are used to cyclons.
The best time to visit Vanuatu is during the dry season (May-October), when the clear and warm days are plentiful, the average temperatures are of 23 ºC and the islands are in all their glory. However, if you want to hike, you should wait for the cold season (June-August), when the temperatures drop a little (to 21 ºC, aprox.) and the air is cooler. Although summer is the finest time for enjoying the beaches, it is also a very steamy season and it can be a little suffocating.
During Vanuatu’s school holidays it is necessary to make your reservations with as many anticipation as possible, since the outer islands are very crowded and hotels and flights have all already been booked.
Some recommendations
Nationals from the Commonwealt and European Union countries and from Japan, Norway, Philippines, South Korea, Sudáfrica, USA, Switzerland and other countries do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days. For them, entry requirements consist only in showing their returning ticket and proving to have enough founds.
In Vanuatu more than 120 languages and many more dialects are spoken, but the national and official language is Bislama (an English pidgin). Other official languages are English and French.
The used currency is the Vatu and, while the Australian dollar is accepted in some places, its use is not very extended. Tough exchanging rates frequently vary, you can have an approximate idea of the Vatu’s value by knowing that 100 vatu = 1,29 AU$ (Australian dollar) or 0,80 US$ (American dollar). You will find ANZ ATMs only in Port Vila and Luganvilla. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely extent credit cards, while Amex and Diner’s are not so used. You can also make money extractions with Visa and Master during bank hours.
Public transportations systems do not exist in Vanuatu, but there are several private minibuses which travel non specific routes in municipal areas. To go from one place to another you can take one of the minibuses which travels a route near the place where you want to go and tell the driver the exact address of your destination. He will take you there, though trough circuitous routes. There also are many taxis wich are quite inexpensive. Some vehicles going to Efate, have permission to carry passengers and you can take them at the markets. Vanair is the only domestic airline flying regulary between the islands, however, it is necessary to make your reservations in advance because there are not many aircrafts and seats. Another way of traveling from one island to another is by the trading vessels that have semi-regular departures.
Concerning health, malaria is an endemic ilness in Vanuatu, so it is recommended to take preventive measures before traveling. Keep in mind that this preventive medications increase the risks of serious sunburns, therefore you must always use a 15+ sun screen, even in winter. Although hepatitis B and tuberculosis are also very extended in the islands, you should not worry too much as long as you take the basic precautions. It is recommended to hire medical and travel insurances before visiting Vanuatu.
You also should know that in this country tipping and bargaining are not considered civilized behaviors. If you want to express gratitude for a service, you can always send a postcard or give a T-shirt as a gift from your country. Even though this in not necessary neither expected, it will always be very welcome.
Where to go
Pentecost Island, home to the terrifying naghol , (loand diving) lives according by the philosophy that you must learn to fall before you even learn to walk. In this island you can visit the hot springs in Hotwata and the kava and cocoa plantations of Melsisi; you can also enjoy the incredible view of Ambrym and its smoky volcanos -south of the island- or go scuba-diving in Laone.
Port Vila, the capital of Efate Island –main island of the archipelago -, is the finest starting point to many trips to the outer islands. This is the only city in Efate and it stands out for its exuberant and beautiful nature, its incomparably clear waters, its tranquility, its cleanliness and the amazing views of the islands Iririki and Ifira that you can have from this natural harbor. The best way of enjoying this island is by wondering around, getting lost in the colors of its forests or taking short kayak trips toward the neighboring islands, and returning to let yourself to be wrap by the atmosphere of Port Vila.
Gaua offers you many unforgettable landscapes to see, but if you want to visit the three major attractions you must go toLake Laetas, to Mt. Garet, a semi-active volcano, and to the incomparable Siri Falls. When you finally arrive to the lake you will find that your hard two days hiking efforts to get there have payed off. Then you can canoe across to the sulphurous volcano after what you will find yourself in front of a sheer trek down to the roaring falls.
Yasur Volcano, located in Tanna island and surrounded by a desertic and surrealist plain, is one of the most accessible active volcanos in the world. The path leading to the crater is enveloped in sulfurous air and it roars and shakes beneath your feet. This walk can be quite scaring to some people, but it is for sure it will be unforgettable to everyone.
Festivals
From April to June the islanders on Penetecost island practice the terrifying Naghol (land diving) to guarantee their yam harvest and from August to November Toka, a spectacular clan alliance dance, is performed in Tanna.
