Where am I – Lazing in the South Pacific on beautiful Vanuatu.
Based on the main island of Efate, the main international gateway into Vanuatu for 1 week of adventure into untouched rainforests and lush tropical beaches. Face-to-face encounters with ancient tribes, climbing amazing waterfalls, snorkelling and diving spectacular reefs is all on offer in Vanuatu!
Highlight – Swimming in the bluest water I have ever seen at the Blue Lagoon. Run by a local tribe, a small entry donation gives you all day access to swing off the rope swing into the lagoon to your hearts content.
Recommendation (fav meal / drink) – If you’re feeling adventurous there are many opportunities to buy local food from small mobile vendors at the local markets held around Port Villa almost every day. Vanuatu's national dish - Lap Lap consisting of yams and banana soaked in coconut cream creating a paste which is then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an earth oven. Lap lap has a pudding-like consistency and we ate it with chicken. We also loved the array of fresh tropical fruits and fresh fish (Poulet) on offer everywhere.
Lost in translation moment – Driving around the island was a little tricky at times. We had hired a car for a few days to get around the whole island to explore but at times found the roads very badly maintained so a little stressful in a hire car. Also locals are not the best drivers and drink driving is very common in Vanuatu (especially on national holidays) so you need to be extremely cautious or avoid driving on these days.
Insider tip – I would definitely recommend pre-organising all your sightseeing prior to arrival into Vanuatu. There is so much to see and being able to spend the day with a local meeting the different tribes as you venture from Waterfall to rainforest is not something you would want to miss. The tours can book out very quickly as cruise ships frequently are in.
Fun fact – They invented bungee jumping! From early April on Vanuatu’s Pentecost Island, the locals begin to build high wooden towers (around 20 to 30 meters) and until about the end of May, village men and boys dive from these rickety structures with vines attached to their ankles. Nanggol, as the ritual is known, is seen as a precursor to bungee jumping and the country has even sought royalties from modern adventure firms for stealing their tradition!
Destination – Vanuatu
Duration – 1 week
Suitable for – Families with young children will particularly love this destination!
