Vanuatu – one of the most remote locations on Earth, a tropical paradise located in the South Pacific Ocean across 83 islands – the dream country of every adventurous traveler. I was so looking forward to visiting the islands and the Hiking amazing active Mount Yasur Volcano in Tanna Island. It’s worth doing some preparation before landing in Vanuatu, there are a few essential things to know (to help you avoid some airport troubles .. like I had). After exploring this amazing destination, I’ll do my best to help you discover all the adventurous things to do in Port Vila. So get ready for a great thrill and excitement!
Top things to do in Port Vila.
I’ll be very honest – as much as this is one of the most fascinating countries, and adventurous travelers would love this destination, it isn’t cheap and some travel planning is required, especially if you want to go on a tour. Life pace on the island is slow and nobody is working under pressure, not even for incomers.
Vanuatu is unspoiled, wild and authentic, just like Papua New Guinea. It’s a land with a strong tribal culture and very little (or no) touristic infrastructure. You will never forget this destination after visiting. Port Vila – the capital of Vanuatu, located on the main island Efate, is the most developed city in the country with only 50 000 inhabitants.
Brisbane to Vanuatu.
Getting to Port Vila is relatively easy, with direct flights available from major cities such as Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland. The best booking platform is Trip.com, Air Vanuatu website does not always work correctly. The Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila is the island’s main gateway. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the warm tropical breeze and the promise of exciting experiences ahead.
Flight to Vanuatu.
It’s only a 3-hour flight from the east coast of Australia to Port Vila. There are few operators connecting those two countries.
Direct international flights to Port Vila are available from:
- AUSTRALIA (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane)
- SOLOMON ISLANDS
- NEW ZEALAND (Aukland)
- FIJI (Nadi)
Direct flights are operated by Air Vanuatu, Qantas, Solomon Airlines, Fiji Airways and Air Calin.
The best flight connection is Brisbane to Vanuatu or Sydney to Vanuatu, I used both with Qantas Airline.
My first stop after Australia was New Caledonia – home to the world’s largest lagoon, where I took some time to explore the local islands. If you have time to explore New Caledonia, it’s another interesting and unique French paradise territory.
After landing in Port Vila.
BORDER CONTROL – there are strict rules when it comes to goods brought to the island – don’t make the same mistake as I did. I was stopped for making a false declaration statement, as I forgot I was carrying two limes in my backpack. Even though I went through the red channel to declare dry dales, hiking shoes and few other items, I did not tick in the declaration form I was carrying fresh fruits. When they found two limes they fined me $100 and kept for 1 hour while doing the administration work. Great welcome 😉
Well, all these things happen when you travel a lot, I was fined many times, I missed tens of flights or showed up at the airport exactly a month before my scheduled flight! 😉 – yes that happened to me in China, and sometimes you are on the verge of death..
So, when I left the airport there was nobody around – no passengers, no people to ask for directions. I normally travel by local transportation but I was too tired after these crazy procedures and decided to a taxi – which is ridiculously expensive – I paid $15 for 2 minutes ride. However, there’s a cheaper way – the B Vans. Port Vila Airport exit photo.
How to get from Port Vila Airport to the city?
You have two choices – the easy one – TAXI – there’s a fixed price of $15 from the airport to any spot in Port Vila.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Any Van with B registration is a local minibus. It costs as little as $1-$2 to drop you off at any spot within Port Vila. Van B is considered local transportation, drivers and local passengers are kind, and it’s safe to use it.
PRE-BOOKED MINIVAN: Book on Viator a minivan for only few USD.
What to bring to Vanuatu?
Vanuatu is exceptional, but as much as I loved it you need to remember it is a third-world country, which means the medical care and the level of some services is very basic. That’s why you should carry some things to Vanuatu and have decent travel insurance (I mean it!). I suffered from a blood infection in one of the remote Vanuatu islands and it’s a miracle I’m sitting here writing this post…
Travel kit to Vanuatu.
FLIGHTS: Best flight rates and connections are available on Trip.com – Air Vanuatu is the main airline covering flights across different Vanuatu islands, but the website often has errors and it’s often not possible to purchase a ticket or check in.
ATMs: Available in Port Vila in few locations – shoping center near Tana Cinema, and on the way to the airport. Car payments are possible in some restaurants.
CURRENCY: 1USD ~ 120 VUV (VATU).
TRAVEL INSURANCE: DO NOT travel to Vanuatu without decent medical insurance. Trust me you don’t want to get sick there without proper medical coverage I learned my lesson for life. SafetyWing is a nomad travel insurance I can highly recommend.
MUST HAVE: Sun lotion, First aid kit, Mosquito repellent.
Major facts about Vanuatu.
- There are over 100 different languages spoken in Vanuatu.
- Cannibalism was still present in Vanuatu in late 1960s.
- It is important to be respectful of the local customs and traditions when visiting (it is considered disrespectful to wear revealing clothing in public).
Weather in Vanuatu.
Rainy season in Vanuatu: January, February – March.
The best time to visit Vanuatu: from May, to September.
The best weather in Vanuatu: April to October.
The best time for honeymoon in Vanuatu: April to September.
Wifi in Port Vila.
Generally, internet in Vanuatu is BAD! I strongly advise purchasing a SIM card – it’s not cheap but well worth it! Ask Vodaphone for a free local SIM card it usually comes with 5GB of data. It will be challenging to travel around Vanuatu without internet access. Don’t forget that outside of Port Vila, the island is not well developed. The main road leading around the island becomes very challenging in a rainy season.
I went to Europcar to ask about car rental – it is very expensive, it’s a minimum 2 days rental and they say if you want to drive around the island you cannot rent a mini car.
Port Vila accommodation.
Again – Vanuatu is not a cheap destination. The cheapest Pacifi Paradise Motel is $25/per night, it’s ok but very basic with shared bathroom. It’s located 3-minutes drive from the airport. It’s more than enough if you are a long-term traveler like me the price matters, I cannot afford $100/per night accommodations like 95% of resorts in Vanuatu. I stayed there for many nights and it was fine.
Port Vila resorts.
Many resorts offer breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and easy access to the island’s top attractions. 10-15 minutes drive from the airport south direction there’s Villa Bay, where most Port Vila resorts are located. The best accommodation options in Villa Bay are:
- Moorings Hotel – a beautiful place with great facilities for less than $90 per night.
- Travelers Motel – exotic and top rated for only ~$55/per night.
- Best option: Fabulous 5*star Crystal Palace Hotel for only ~$75/per night.
- 4*star Grand Hotel & Casino ~$140/per night.
The top luxury 5* star Port Vila Resort is Iririki Island Resort & Spa – located on Iririki Island.
Famous Warwick Le Lagoon Vanuatu – luxury stay.
Amazing Hideaway Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary~ $90/per night.
Coco Beach Resort 4*star located in mele Bay.
Where to eat in Port Vila?
Vanuatu cuisine is lovely. It offers a delightful fusion of Pacific and French flavors. My daily diet are fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional dishes at local markets and restaurants. If you drive outside of Port Vila, there will be locals selling very cheap fresh fruits and tied up crabs!!
Reefers Restaurant & Rum Bar
This is a lovely beachfront restaurant with delicious seafood and coco-crabs specialty. You’ll be able to see the coco-crabs in cages, just before you eat them.. Not for me I’m afraid.
The staff is very friendly, and highly recommended for drinks and German beer, tasty coffee and great chilly atmosphere.
Shopping Mall next to Tana Cinema is a good option for breakfast – there’s a modern Cafe Place with amazing, shakes and avocado variations for breakfast.
However, any local restaurant will serve you lovely fresh food, I recommend tuna steak or crabs in coconut milk. And don’t miss the local market with amazing fruits.
Things to do in Port Vila.
From the airport, you will drive south direction to reach the center of the city with best resorts, restaurants and lagoon beaches.
Tana Cinema and Port Vila Shopping Center is 10-minute drive from the airport south direction. After another 5 minutes, you will reach Villa Bay – where most of the Port Vila resorts are located. Driving to the east side of the island will take around 1-1.5h (main attractions: Blue Lagoon and Eton Village).
Day trips in Port Vila.
If you are booking one of the tours online – make sure to do it a few days in advance – local agencies usually operate with a minimum two people per tour. I travel solo and despite getting a confirmation for the tour – they totally stood me up.
The best day trip option is Port Vila Full Day Tour – Experience the Real Vanuatu: including a trip to the Blue Lagoon, the Turtle Sanctuary and Rarru. It’s a very good price for this tour. waterfalls. This is exactly the one I booked and nobody showed up! hahhhaa.. So I hired a private driver to follow exactly the same itinerary but eventually, we ended up stopping in some extra places.
Alternatively, you can book Full-Day Efate Round Island Trip with Yumi Tours.
PORT VILA: Pepeyo Cultural Village – 30 minutes drive from Port Villa – tribal Village
SOUTH-EAST COAST OF EFATE: Three amazing attractions on the south-east coast of the Island:
- Eton Village
- Eton Beach
- Blue Lagoon Vanuatu – Eden on the river
EXPERIENCES:
- Coffee Factory
- Kava Experience
- Vanuatu Jungle – Zipline and Sky Bridge
- Pele Island
Ziplining, Swing and Sky Bridge.
It’s well organized and it’s great fun in one of the most amazing Pacific islands.
Two best tours:
Pepeyo Cultural Village.
Pepeyo Village is a local tribe village, where you will be able to learn about Vanuatu remote tribes, their traditions, culture and historical facts. Visiting the village is one of the best things to do in Port Vila. It was extremely interesting to learn about their hunting habits, techniques and watch the tribal dance. The chief of the village is one of the most friendly person I’ve met across the Pacific Islands 😉
Snorkeling on Efate Island.
There are few amazing snorkeling spots on Efate Island. If you want you can take a bus to the south-east coast of the island to snorkel in shallow crystal clear waters of the bay.
You can also explore the underwater world with snorkeling and scuba diving excursions. The crystal-clear waters are home to beautiful coral reefs, and tropical fish and there are wreck dive sites for those seeking a more adventurous experience. Best tour options:
Blue Lagoon in Vanuatu - Eden on the River.
Blue Lagoon is a fabulous place, however, there’s a paid entry ~$20/per person. I don’t mind paying for local attractions but paying for a lovely beach in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is brainless. The facility is well-prepared for visitors and families. See the price list below.
Recommended tour: Full-Day Vanuatu Cultural, Blue Lagoon & Eden On The River Tour.
Eden on the river and Eton Beach are in my opinion the most beautiful spot on the island. Those two sites are definitely the best things to do in Port Vila day trip. There are bungalows on the beach, where you can relax and observe the local life. I was so lucky to see local people enjoying swimming in the river. I highly recommend Eden on the River tour with lunch.
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