Vanuatu is a beautiful, collection of lush green islands located in the Pacific off the coasts of Australia and New Zealand. Bordering the islands are white sandy beaches and crystal clear water that contain the most diverse marine life in the Pacific. Of all the things to see and do in Vanuatu there is none more exhilarating than the tour of volcano Yasa on the southern island of Tanna. This is the only place in the world where you are allowed to stand on the edge of a live volcano. At night, the sight of fireballs shooting from the volcano is so amazing. you could be forgiven for thinking you were on another planet.
Night life in Port Vila, one of the three main islands of the Vanuatu archipelago, is very lively, especially on Melanesian feast nights. On Melanesian feast nights traditional dance and great food are the centers of the party. Local string bands perform the music that will have you in a blissful trance whilst kava, a local beverage, fills your stomach. Kava is not intoxicating, but don’t have any more than 4 shells (50 vatu) if you are not used to it, and leave 15 minutes between each one.
There is also plenty to do during the day. Due to its marine diversity and clear blue waters, Vanuatu offers one of the best fishing experiences you will ever have. In Easter there is the Easter challenge fishing competition, so if you are ever there at that time be sure to enter, as it is great fun. The island also offers many other fun relaxing activities such as deep sea diving to check out ship wrecks, snorkeling along the coral reefs, swimming with dolphins and horseback riding along the beautiful white sandy beaches.
If you are not a sea person, you can go on several cross island tours by bus, helicopter, buggy or on your own two feet; you may even stop at a waterfall and enjoy a nice swim in the cool pristine river water or bask in the flowing water under the fall itself. The resorts on Vanuatu also have several beautiful golf courses for those of us who fancy a good swing.
The months June to September are when the island’s people really spring to life, as this is festival season. If you happen to be there at this time of the year,you definitely don’t want to miss the Rom Dance,which is a two day community party that follows an ancestral traditional dance called Rom. The Rom is a mysterious performance that happens hidden behind a cloak and prompted by rhythmic music played by a Tam-Tam, the largest standing instrument in the world. Other festivals worth attending are the land diving or Nagol festival from April to June, Fanla Arts Festival, Pankumo Festival of Circumcision (the ancestral rite of passage of boys to men) in August, and Maewo Special Cultural Festival in September.
Vanuatu is a beautiful island that offers you a luxurious resort getaway fused with local traditions. A trip here would be like no other you have had or ever will have again – unless you return.
