Vanuatu

Understand

Vanuatu is one of the smallest of five independent Melanesian countries in the southwest Pacific. The archipelago of 83 or so islands includes deserted sand beaches, remote beauty, tribal communities and world-class deep-sea diving. While a poor, developing country where the majority of the population still lives off subsistence farming, it was famously declared the world's happiest country in the Happy Planet Index in 2023 and 2024.

Get in

thumb|375px|A map showing the visa requirements of Vanuatu, with countries in green having visa-free access thumb|Funeral masks used in Malakula

Vanuatu is a long way from everywhere except the east coast of Australia, with Brisbane a 2½ hour flight away. In an average year less than 300,000 visitors make their way to the archipelago, the vast majority of them Australians, and two-thirds of that figure are day-tripping cruisers. The rest mostly stay in resorts around Port Vila, with only a tiny fraction exploring the other islands.

Get around

thumb|Port-Vila Harbour

Getting around Vanuatu is always an adventure. Leave plenty of room in your plans.

See

thumb|Champagne Beach, [[Espiritu Santo]] thumb|Celebrations around the annual land jumping rituals at Pentecost Vanuatu is not on many peoples' destination wish list, except perhaps for those with a love for scuba diving, as divers have discovered the underwater treasures of this South Pacific archipelago a long time ago. However, even if you don't plan on touching this country's bright blue waters, it's a colourful mix of traditional Melanesian culture, friendly people, beautiful tropical beaches, active volcanoes and all the modern day facilities you'll need to have a great time.

The many islands rimmed with perfect sandy beaches offer lovely Pacific views. The Bank Islands boast great beaches combined with rugged terrain. On the largest of the Banks Islands, Gaua, you'll find the Siri Waterfall, which gets its water from the country's biggest crater lake: Lake Letas. Head to the island of Tanna to see Mount Yasur, the world's most accessible active volcano. A tourist favourite, Tanna is also home to waterfalls and men in penis sheaths and grass skirts. If you get the chance, stay to witness one of their ancient festivals or rituals.

Efate is the place where most visitors begin their encounter with Vanuatu and home to the country's friendly little capital, Port Vila. It strives to bring the best of the archipelago together and is the go-to place for fine wining and dining.

Other places well worth visiting include Aoba Island (known for the crater lakes on top of the la…

Do

Scuba diving is a major attraction, with the wreck of the SS President Coolidge at a depth of just 21 meters in Espiritu Santo in particular drawing many divers.

Eat

thumb|Curry of Vanuatu beef with taro boiled in coconut milk and island vegetables

There are many restaurants and eateries in Port-Vila, ranging from up-market places catering to tourists and expats, with French food particularly common, to more low-key establishments. In a sit-down restaurant, the approximate cost of lunch would be around 1500-2000 VT, depending on where and what you eat. Some examples of prices:

sandwiches, around 450-600 VT bacon and eggs, 750 VT burger with fries or salad, around 1500 VT main meal, e.g. steak or seafood, 2000-3000 VT large, fresh-squeezed fruit juice, around 500VT

Drink

thumb|Nakamal on [[Pentecost]] thumb|Vanuatuan Kava in bottle form|173x173px|left

Sleep

Port Vila has a good choice of accommodation in all price brackets. Tanna and Santo have a few hotels and resorts catering to tourists. Elsewhere you will largely be limited to basic guesthouses.

Stay safe

thumb|Police on Espiritu Santo Vanuatu is, on the whole, a safe and friendly environment. You are unlikely to encounter any trouble unless you do something extremely provocative, though crime rates are said to be increasing, particularly in Port Vila at night. Take the same precautions you would anywhere else.

There are no seriously venomous snakes, spiders, or insects on Vanuatu. However, there are various poisonous aquatic animals that you should beware of if you are swimming, snorkeling, or diving in the area. The most dangerous of these is the stonefish. Saltwater crocodiles may remain on the eastern coast of Vanua Lava, but the likelihood of an attack is minimal.

Stay healthy

It is advisable to be immunised against Hepatitis A and B and typhoid fever before visiting Vanuatu.

Malaria is endemic within some areas of Vanuatu, but not Port-Vila. If you are venturing outside the resort areas, check with your doctor before you travel. Malaria may not be endemic but you may come in contact with mosquito carriers and visitors from outer islands who have malaria - particularly in the wet season and at the hospital.

Dengue fever is also mosquito vectored in Port-Vila and elsewhere particularly in the wet season. Be familiar with the symptoms as there is no cure all for dengue and malaria symptoms are intermittently leading to misdiagnosis. Many local clinics in the outer islands can test you for malaria.

Malaria preventative drugs have side effects which can cause problems in the sun, scuba diving, general stability and digestion.

Tap water in Port-Vila is clean and potable, but is best avoided elsewhere. Bottled water is not available outside the main cities. Fizzy drinks but not beer may be available outside the main cities. Giardiasis after using local water is rare. Tourism, cattle raising, and the rapidly rising population are placing stress on municipal water supplies.

Doctors used to treating common travel ailments are available in Port-Vila and Luganville. Any more serious problems may require some form of medical evacuation.

Be careful of any small cuts, scratches, or other sores you receive while travelling in Vanuatu. As in most tropical ar…